Reading · Elle Dresses Well

We’ve been living in Colorado for 6 weeks now. I’m feeling every emotion on the spectrum about it… but I’ll save all that for dumping on my husband, let’s talk about the clothes!

I’ve always loved the vibe of Western/Americana apparel: the embroidered shirts, concho belts, and turquoise jewelry. The Ralph Lauren and Isabel Marant of it all.

Clockwise: RL SS22, RL SS22, Isabel Marant SS26, Isabel Marant SS26

One of my favorite things about personal style is how it can evolve in response to our context. Even the most well-established POVs shift subtly when in a new environment. It’s not about reinvention from the ground up, but about containing multitudes.

When living on the East coast, I grew to love a good striped knit and an always-ready boat tote. Out West, don’t mind if I throw a fringe jacket on top and tie a bandana onto said tote.

Maybe I just hadn’t been noticing it before, but Western-wear is everywhere. The brands I’ve loved for years are leaning in with modern takes, and it’s making me very excited to get dressed (and go shopping).

Western nods from Celine, Nili Lotan, and The Great.

No matter where we live, we could all benefit from a little wild & free flair. Here are some ideas for bringing a little Western into your wardrobe, no matter where you fall on the cowgirl spectrum.

The vibe: Deep, rich colors paired with a pop of red; windswept hair; creased leather; layered jewelry; glam meets grit.

The elements:

Tops with embroidery details, robe-style cardigans, fringe ponchos

Great-fitting denim; maxi skirts

Boots or clogs; leather or suede

Layered accessories: belts, bandanas, and turquoise jewelry

Putting together outfits:

Instead of adding all the elements together to create a uniform, I want to work these pieces into my ‘normal’ looks. I also like adding something ‘off the nose’— like a modern shoe, a bright color, or a sparkly earring… something that doesn’t belong.

No. 1 — For a date at the local watering hole

No. 2 — For riding into town

No. 3 — For getting down to business

No. 4 — For going dancing

No. 5 — For a fancy supper