Saddle up, fashion fans, this season we’re going western
It began, of course, with the looks seen at a flurry of fashion weeks. In Milan, Bella Hadid led models down the Dsquared2 runway clad in a denim shirt, flashy belt buckle, and a check jacket straight out of a spaghetti western. In New York, model-on-the-rise Kaia Gerber walked for Calvin Klein wearing a shirt that would have looked perfectly at home on the set of Nashville. And in London, cow print had a major mooment (sorry) at the Marques Almeida Spring/Summer show.
But where did this fever for all things American come from? Maybe it’s the connotations of freedom, of free-spiritedness; of reckless youth and bravado so big it eventually swallows you whole. Of living life fast, even though you can see that the road ends in a cliff edge (Thelma and Louise anyone?) It might also have something to do with 2018’s widespread infatuation with country music. Kacey Musgraves’ face is plastered all over train stations; Miley Cyrus has gone back to her country roots, and it felt like Taylor Swift was taking us back to 2006 in her recent feature on Sugarland’s ‘Babe’. Two things to take away from this: one, that the world will finally recognise what an underrated stud Tim McGraw is (hear me out), and two, that it is now acceptable to blast the Dixie Chicks from your open bedroom window. Sorry neighbours.
But then on the other hand, a penchant for flares, tassel and string ties may also be rooted in our current obsession with the ‘ugliest’ clothes of all time. Fanny packs and shoulder pads are making a comeback, so why not oversized belt buckles too? Calvin Klein’s Raf Simons, the man officially responsible for bringing back cowboy boots, seems to think that the western trend has come from a compulsion to disrupt norms and raise eyebrows. “I’m thinking a lot about where we are with fashion in terms of how fashion has allowed itself to become what it became,” he says. “Very often [it’s] not very daring anymore.”
And what better place to turn this around than America, the land where everything’s bigger and bolder? Meaning that you’re perfectly justified to go big on this trend by turning up at lectures in spurred ankle boots and a 10 gallon hat, expectorating into a spittoon as you saunter through the door.
But thankfully there are also some easy ways to wrangle this trend without looking like Desperate Dan. Read on to find out how you can work Americana into your wardrobe without getting yourself a “u ok hun?”
If the DSquared2 show told us anything, it’s that denim and leather might just be a match made in heaven. Punk up your Americana by pairing a neck scarf with a tropical print shirt and leather trousers, and add sunglasses for the cool factor/ in case anybody recognises you. Or channel some boy scout glamour with a tan shirt kitted out with badges, layered over denim shorts or a tulle dress. And speaking of denim, don’t be afraid to double up – Tibi offering some major inspiration at NYFW in their combination of boxy, cropped jackets and matching indigo jeans. Mugler even managed to make a denim jumpsuit look sexy, with bustier detailing and a plummeting neckline. Don’t forget to dress up a friend or an s.o. and throw things back to Britney and Justin circa 2001.
Finally, if you’re looking for a more subtle western touch, take a lesson from Alexa Chung in working cowboy boots (mid-calf, with a swishy midi), or Miranda Kerr in how to make fringing look fabulous. And for a gentle nod to the ol’ stars and stripes, Texan blogger Whitney Kutch suggests that you pound the pavement in contrasting stripes of red, white and blue. Accessorise with an anti-Trump badge.
So yes, Americana fashion is certainly the home of the brave... but there’s no need to venture into fancy dress territory if you don’t want to. Work in references to the land of eagles and apple pie with whatever level of drama you feel comfortable with – whether that’s in cowboy boots or a shoulder bag with tassels. Go as wild as you like. It’s the American dream, after all.
Shop the look on SHS
3 other ways to indulge in Americana...
Listen: Dixie Chicks' 'Wide Open Spaces'
One of the greatest country songs of all time. Fact. Just listen to the peals of that violin; the twang in Natalie Maines’ voice... swoon.
Watch: 'Nashville'
You’ll come for the country music, then stay for Deacon Claybourne. Delightfully dramatic, it also features some genuinely incredible covers and originals.
Follow: @lonestar.looking.glass
Southern gal Alice Kerley serves up major inspiration in her penchant for all things western. Rocking deep blue denim and tassels aplenty, this fashionista is rarely seen without a cowboy hat.
For more fashion frolics, follow Kitty on Twitter @kittyruskin
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