How to Dress Like a Cowgirl for a Rodeo
You too can be the sweetheart of the rodeo, though authenticity can cost a pretty penny. If you're lucky enough to live somewhere in the heart of the true West, look for decent Western wear at local thrift shops. If not, poke into surplus stores, look around online and pull together a total outfit from treasures found in unlikely places. The key point is this: If you're going to a rodeo and want to look like you belong there, avoid looking like a rhinestone-studded dude ranch escapee or, at the other extreme, a caricature from a Li'l Abner cartoon. Does this Spark an idea?
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The classic cowgirl hat is a Stetson-style wool felt or straw hat--straw "breathes" much better in the heat---but there are other, more stylish options, such as Quarter Horse and Mexican-brimmed hats. Palm fedoras are quite fetching, or try an Australian drover's hat for that Calamity Jane look. Make any interesting straw hat "look Western" by adding touches such as a pretty pin and matching bolo as a hat brim. A good Western hat is pricey, so here's one place to improvise and save money for striking effect.
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Save on boots too, if you can, but authenticity counts. Rodeo people know the real thing. If riding and roping will never be part of your life, a Western-style ladies' "shoe boot" might work, a shoe that looks like a boot peeking out from under your jeans. Square-toed Western boots are more wearable in real life---some Justin brand boots are quite affordable---but many ladies' styles have pointed toes and stacked heels. The choice is yours.
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Tooled leather belts and handbags are women's Western wear classics---make sure colors and textures "go" and advance your overall look---but other trends are more stylish, including very wide hipster belts and rhinestone numbers that can be worn over an untucked shirt as well as threaded through belt loops. Big silver belt buckles are best when they announce your barrel racing championship---cowgirls are big achievers too these days---so go for something subtler if bragging rights aren't an issue.
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Wear any well-worn and comfortable blue jeans. You don't want to look like you just walked out of a department store. If you have to buy jeans, buy them well ahead of time and wash multiple times to break them in. Indigo blue Wranglers are classic, though there are many trendy brands and styles, including low-rise jeans with hem-level slits in the outside seams. Create fashion drama with black jeans and a black Western shirt. Fancier women's shirts might feature embroidered yokes and "smile" pockets, but you can find an understated solid, stripe or plaid cotton shirt with Western-style pockets and pearl snaps just about anywhere.
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Tips & Warnings
Low-key jewelry and accessories can make a stronger fashion statement than cowgirl bling.
