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When LA-based label Phipps showcased their Fall/Winter 23 collection earlier this year, it emphasized what had been brewing for months — fashion has returned to the West. But this comes at no surprise, as hit series like The Last of Us, The Mandalorian, and Yellowstone platformed ideas of lone rangers, outlaws, and wide open spaces to a global audience. Couple that with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift‘s southern roots on display for their world tours, and you have a potent mix of hypnotic Western iconography.
After decamping from Paris to American soil, Spencer Phipps also chose a quintessentially Western location to host his return to the States. Shot on Big Sky Movie Ranch, a stretch of rolling lands in southern California, this plot is famous for hosting TV and movie scenes like Little House on the Prairie,Twin Peaks, and most recently,Babylon. “I wanted to focus on the core essence of what [the brand] represents,” Phipps noted after his collection debut, referencing his Californian roots and Western appeal. “I think I can do it better in the US. It makes more sense for the brand from a marketing strategy, a business strategy, and also my own personal life.”
Phipps also wasn’t alone. Fashion labels Rhude, Bode, and VTMNTS all showcased overt examples of the West too. From chap-fused denim and custom cowboy hats, to Canadian tuxedos and prairie-style silhouettes, western wear has taken a foothold in fashion.
How to Shop the Western Trend
Remember, when shopping trends, stick with high-quality basics that should blend into your closet, or products that lightly nod to the aesthetic without being so forward. This will keep the pieces feeling more relevant in your wardrobe rotation rather than looking dated in a week. However, we think this trend shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon, and will likely continue to debut for seasons to come.
Considering your closet, we’ve gathered the best western-inspired duds to shop when leaning into your inner cowboy. With boots, denim, jackets, and accessories, you’ll look like an outlaw in no time.
Hottest Western Clothing and Accessories
Western Hats
The staple to any Western look is the hat. Styles range from classic to modern, and the materials are just as vast. Straw cowboy hats make the perfect beachside adornment for your look, while wool and fur felt make more sense in the dry heat. Above all brands is Stetson, a company that’s been around since the 1800s and is credited with creating the first-ever cowboy hat. For over 150 years, the company has been making high-quality goods, so if you’re investing in something that will last your lifetime, this is the brand to look at. Buy Stetson Reg Oval Hat, $90 at Amazon
Shop More Western Hats
Visvim Brown Vin Cowboy Hat — $1120 at Ssense
Stetson Bozeman Outdoor Hat — $120 at Amazon
The Ranchman — $295 at Tecovas
Cash Cowboy Hat — $88 at Free People
Nick Fouquet Disfarmer Fedora Hat — $1407 $1831 at Cettire
Teton Crushable Wool Cowboy Hat — $89 at Overland
Western Sweaters and Jackets
When looking for a sweater or jacket, start with the material. Tanned leather (or faux leather), suede, and wool are intertwined into the West’s fabric palette. Then, reduce your options using colors and patterns. Desert tones like sand or cactus green are a great base before introducing designs inspired by rich art and storytelling. As Frye has a history with high-quality leather goods, we recommend springing for their Leather Trucker jacket. Its patina look gives it a lived-in feel, and its lack of gimmicky patterns or embellishments means it will stand the test of time. Buy Frye Leather Trucker Jacket, $550 at Nordstrom
Shop More Western Sweaters and Jackets
Running Wild Poncho — $398 at Free People
Asos Faux Leather Western Jacket — $95 at Nordstrom
Bode Tan Fringed Leather Jacket — $2260 at Ssense
Phipps Matcha Abysse Turtleneck — $1270 at Ssense
Frye Leather Trucker Jacket — $550 at Nordstrom
Western Denim
If you lack the denim staples to pull off Western flair, we recommend shopping new selections based on the fit. Bootcut and straight-leg jeans have a history with the West, initially designed for sailors in the 1800s before migrating to cowboys and ranch hands. The best fits are tighter on the thighs and butt, showing off those assets, and have a bit of wear on them. For something lower cost, check out Wrangler’s Cowboy Cut Jeans, though we recommend rubbing them in the dirt and washing them a few times before showcasing them. Buy Wrangler Cowboy Cut Jeans, $35 at Amazon
Shop More Western Denim
Lucky You Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans — $98 at Free People
Double RL Vintage Straight Leg Jeans — $459 at Nordstrom
Wrangler Cowboy Cut Jean — $35 at Amazon
Silver Jeans Slim Fit Bootcut — $98 at Nordstrom
Phipps Corduroy Jeans — $273 $390 at Mytheresa
Balenciaga Rigid Bootcut Jeans — $1150 at Nordstrom
Western Boots
Another staple to the Cowboy look is the cowboy boot. This is also another area where you shouldn’t skimp but rather invest in a high-quality product that can blend within your closet. There are several historic brands to look at, but we recommend Ariat. They were the first to introduce athletic footwear tech into their boots, so whether you’re trained on horseback or plan on walking a mile in your boots, these will give the comfort and support your feet need. Buy Ariat Sport Wide Square Toe Boot, $180 at Ariat
Shop More Western Boots
Ganni Black Western Boots — $725 at Ssense
New Frontier Western Boot — $158 at Free People
The Cartwright — $275 at Tecovas
Frye Billy Western Boot — $288 at Nordstrom
Bench Made James Western Boot — $300 at Ariat
Western Shirts
You don’t have to say “Western” regarding shirts. A simple plaid print or denim material will suffice when making the statement. These are quintessential to any closet, regardless of the Western theme. If your closet lacks this basic, perhaps it’s time to stock up on them. Buy Levi’s Brown Jackson Shirt, $90 at Ssense
Shop More Western Shirts
Levi’s Brown Jackson Shirt — $90 at Ssense
Carhartt Loose Fit Flannel — $69 at Amazon
Polo Ralph Lauren Western Denim Shirt — $148 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Levi’s Sawtooth Western Denim Shirt — $90 at Ssense
Izzie Cargo Jacquard Shirt — $198 at Free People
Double RL Corduroy Shirt — $295 at Nordstrom
Western Accessories
The accouterments for any outlaw are the accessories. From belts, bags, and shades — These are the final touches you need to pull off the gun-slinging, cattle-roping cowboy of the west. For the last detail, we recommend using a flask to carry your whisky for those late nights by the fire. Buy Stanley Classic Flask, $20 $26 at Amazon
Shop More Western Accessories
After Prau Khaki Western Double Belt — $150 at Ssense
Minas Messenger Bag — $368 at Free People
Ray-Ban Metal Aviator Sunglasses — $88 $160 at Amazon
Needles Brown Papillion Western Belt — $245 at Ssense
Bode Multicolor Pampa Pony Scarf — $350 at Ssense
Stanley Classic Flask 8oz — $20 $26 at Amazon
