Cowboy Core: Saddle Up for the Wild West of Fashion


Split image featuring two women: one in a light gray corset top and pants, and the other in a black leather jacket with braids. Both showcase unique styles that blend Western aesthetics with contemporary fashion.

Yeehaw, fashion enthusiasts! There's a new sheriff in town, and it's bringing a whole lot of Western charm to your wardrobe. Enter the world of "cowboy core" — a trend that's taking the fashion world by storm faster than you can say "giddy up". This rustic-chic aesthetic is all about embracing your inner cowgirl or cowboy, blending classic Western elements with modern style sensibilities. So, grab your lasso and let's wrangle up some serious style inspiration!

What Exactly is Cowboy Core?

Close-up of a woman wearing a brown cowboy hat with wavy hair, a turquoise necklace, and subtle makeup. She exudes a modern Western vibe, perfect for cowboy-core fashion enthusiasts.

Bella Hadid is rocking cowboy core aesthetic in her everyday life. Instagram/@bellahadid

Cowboy core is more than just throwing on a pair of boots and calling it a day. This trend is a full-on embrace of Western-inspired fashion, incorporating elements such as:

  • Suede jackets and accessories
  • Worn, distressed denim
  • Fringe detailing on jackets, bags, and boots
  • Wide-brimmed hats
  • Classic cowboy boots
  • Plaid shirts and prairie dresses
  • Leather belts with statement buckles
  • Turquoise and silver jewelry
A woman in a patriotic Western outfit riding a white horse, holding an American flag. She is dressed in a blue, red, and white costume, capturing the spirit of Americana and rodeo culture.

"Cowboy Carter" album cover. Since releasing this album, Beyonce made a cowboy aesthetic a huge trend, and of course, she is one of the most prominent faces of the cowboy core. Instagram/@beyonce

The key to nailing this trend is to mix these Western elements with your everyday wardrobe, creating a look that's both playful and sophisticated. It's not about looking like you've just stepped off a ranch (unless that's your goal!), but rather about incorporating these rugged, romantic pieces into your personal style.

Celebrity Trailblazers of the Cowboy Core Trend

Woman kneeling next to a horse in an indoor arena, dressed in Western attire with a cowboy hat, fringed leather chaps, and a button-down shirt. The scene depicts authentic rodeo style.

Bella's love to cowboy core is not limited just by wearing stylish hats and leather boots. She is actually horseback riding since her childhood. Instagram/@bellahadid

When it comes to cowboy core, no one has embraced the trend quite like Bella Hadid. The supermodel has been spotted numerous times rocking cowboy boots with everything from mini skirts to baggy jeans, proving that Western wear can be incredibly versatile.

Blonde woman wearing a black cowboy hat and a fur-lined coat in a rustic outdoor setting with tall grasses. She represents a blend of rugged Western fashion and luxury.

Hailey Bieber photographed by Daniel Jackson, Vogue, October 2019

But Bella isn't the only star tipping her hat to this trend. Queen Bey herself, Beyoncé, has been serving up some serious cowboy core realness, especially with her "Cowboy Carter" album visuals and tour costumes. Other celebrities who've been spotted embracing their inner cowgirl include Dua Lipa, Kendall Jenner and Kim Kardashian.

How to Recreate Cowboy Core Looks

Woman in a beige Western-inspired suit and a matching cowboy hat, standing in a corridor. Her stylish ensemble adds a sophisticated twist to classic cowboy-core fashion.

The main rule is: don't try to put every cowboy-themed item you have in your wardrobe in one outfit. You can style any look in cowboy core by adding a couple of accessories. Instagram/@beyonce

Ready to saddle up and try this trend for yourself? Here are some tips to help you incorporate cowboy core into your wardrobe without looking like you're headed to a costume party:

Fashionable woman in a chic, dark brown outfit paired with a black cowboy hat, posing indoors in front of modern artwork. Her look brings a touch of elegance to the cowboy-core aesthetic.

Rancher hat and flared pants in durable fabric is already enough to channel cowboy chic. Instagram/@kimkardashian

Do
  • Start small with cowboy boots or a statement belt
  • Mix Western pieces with modern basics for balance
  • Experiment with textures like suede and denim
  • Incorporate subtle Western-inspired jewelry
Don't
  • Overdo it with too many Western elements at once
  • Forget about fit - even cowboy core should be flattering
  • Shy away from adding your personal touch to the trend
  • Feel limited to traditional Western color palettes
Woman dressed in a black lace dress and a wide-brimmed cowboy hat adorned with intricate silver detailing, holding a coiled rope. The rustic backdrop of hay bales adds to the Western theme.

Lace dress for cowboy core? Why not! There are no strict rules in this fashion game. Instagram/@beyonce

Here are some specific outfit ideas to get you started:

  1. The Urban Cowgirl: Pair cowboy boots with a flowy midi dress and a denim jacket. Add a wide-brimmed hat for extra flair.
  2. Rodeo Chic: Tuck a crisp white button-down into high-waisted jeans. Add a statement belt and ankle boots for a polished Western look.
  3. Prairie Princess: Layer a fringe suede jacket over a prairie-style dress. Finish with cowboy boots and layered necklaces.
  4. Modern Maverick: Wear distressed jeans with a graphic tee and a tailored blazer. Add cowboy boots and a bolo tie for a contemporary twist.
Close-up of a woman in a black cowboy hat, adorned with layered metallic necklaces, showing off her edgy style. Her attire combines Western influences with a modern rock-and-roll vibe.

Dua Lipa mixes cowboy core with more grungy aesthetics. Instagram/dualipa

Remember, the key to mastering cowboy core is to have fun with it. Don't be afraid to mix and match different elements to create a look that's uniquely you. After all, the Wild West was all about blazing your own trail!

Lassoing It All Together

Blonde woman wearing a black dress, cowboy hat, and feathered shawl, striking a bold pose against a neutral background. The outfit exemplifies a glamorous take on cowboy-core fashion.

Beyonce is blazing her own trail in cowboy core. Instagram/@beyonce

Cowboy core is more than just a passing trend — it's a celebration of rugged individualism and timeless style. Whether you're fully committing to the aesthetic or just want to add a touch of Western flair to your wardrobe, there's no denying the impact this trend is having on the fashion landscape.

So, are you ready to embrace your inner cowgirl or cowboy? Remember, in the world of fashion, it's not about how well you ride, but how stylishly you saddle up. Now, go forth and conquer the urban prairie!