Non-Costumey Ways to Wear Southwestern Style Clothing
Bold Navajo prints, lots of fringe, shearling jackets, and western boots. Southwestern-style clothing is an excellent way to look casually chic. But how do you wear this colorful, bold trend without looking like you just stepped out of the wild west? Here are seven style tips to help you create a modern, non-costumey southwest look, no horse required!
1. Slip into Western Boots
The simplest way to get your feet wet with Southwestern-style clothing is to pull on a pair of cowgirl-style boots. Low-heeled ankle-height booties with almond-shaped toes go anywhere. Wear them in place of ballet flats for a more unexpected look. They’re natural with jeans.
Tall western boots work too. Find a luxurious pair in suede or leather with fringe, shearing, a buckle, or other Western-inspired details.
2. Throw on a Sante Fe Style Wrap
Ponchos, blanket coats, and wraps are a significant part of the South by Southwest trend, which is inspired by Native American cultures, including the Navajo, Apache, and Hopi, among others. The most charming pieces are made from rough woven fabrics with rich and intricate patterns, like this beautiful tribal sweater coat. The colors are desert-like – tawny and earthy with pops of bold. These clothes look handcrafted. What other popular Southwestern-style outerwear options are available? A shearling coat also fits the mood.
3. Uplevel to a Cowgirl Chic Look
Why uplevel Southwest style for a fashion-forward look? Try a crisp white button-down paired with a western-style embroidered skirt. It’s a bit “European missionary meets the locals”- and the perfect way to look modern in this traditional look.
All you do is choose a simple white shirt free of frills or fuss. Pair it with a straight skirt with western-style beading or embroidery to get a high-fashion look on a budget. Simple pumps and stud earrings round out your face in a chic, understated way. This version of the trend works for the office, dinner, or anytime you need to be a bit more put-together!
4. Fringe is Fabulous
Get an upgrade from your basic tee. Choose a fringe sweater or top to give a touch of the Southwest feel to a casual look. Wear your fringe tee with simple jeans or tan pants for a weekend-ready outfit that can take you anywhere.
5. Rock those Tribal Colors
It’s tempting to pair bright and colorful southwestern pieces with all-black or all-navy outfits, but instead, pair them with warm, dusty neutrals to round out your look. Try a blanket poncho in soft beige, taupe, and stone shades. Olive, cognac, and warm brown hues look fabulous with southwestern pieces. Mimic the colors of a southwestern landscape in your outfit to tap into the look in a super-subtle way and make your ensemble look more authentic.
6. Avoid Rustic Head to Toe
There’s cute, and there’s costume-like. Don’t wear this rustic look head to toe to avoid the latter. Limit yourself to one, two, or maybe three Western elements in your outfit. Feather jewelry, oversized belts, or turquoise- can also make your business appear dated, especially if you try to wear them all together. Instead, feature one native statement piece and build around it. Or, wear minimal jewelry, such as a simple watch, stud earrings, and perhaps a fun silver bangle. If your ensemble doesn’t include western boots, go for elegant pumps, booties, or flats to finish your look quietly.
7. Carry a Southwest-Inspired Bag
Wondering what bag to pair with your outfit to have savvy Southwestern style? A slouchy purse fits the casual vibe of anything Western. Suede or worn leather has the rustic vibe you are after, and the fringe on your bag is classically cowgirl.
Do you like Southwestern-style clothing? Or, maybe you prefer a more refined Western look?
Wonderful to see this look again. As a college student, I collected silver Navajo jewelry years ago (I am 60 now) and love to pull these pieces out again. I agree that the western look is best in small doses or with just a few accessories or one critical element. Along these lines, I have a question: Can you show us how women over 50 can wear cowboy boots without looking silly? I love them but want to be careful that I don’t appear to be trying too hard. Have you covered this topic earlier? Cowboy boots?
I’ve never tried the Southwestern look before. I’m not big on earth tones, but I do like the ones with silver/black.
Hi Ellen, It’s a change. If you want to try it, it starts small. Try a top withsomef fringe detail or cowboy booties, and see how you like it. Cheers, Deborah
No, I will not wear the trend. Where I live in Northern Minnesota, one might wear a nordic print but not the Southwest gear.
Where can I find the grey fringe shirt? Thanks!
Hi Marta, Here’s the info on the top:http://www.polyvore.com/southwest/set?id=137339184
Where can you purchase that skirt?
Hi Lena,
Here’s the info on the skirt: http://www.polyvore.com/southwest/set?id=137336798
Hi,
Maybe I am just too old (60plus), but I would wrap myself in a sheet rather than wear one of those blanket-looking jackets. I do not love the fringe, either.
Cowboy boots, on the other hand, are fabulous!
Hi Claire, That’s perfectly all right. I think it is important to stress that fashion is not a one trend fits all thing. Suppose this is not for you; good for knowing it. What you wear should be a true expression of who you are.
Cheers, Deborah
This is such a fun look to create and wear. So happy to see this trend.
I have one sweater coat that fits this trend and would love to find a pretty ivory and black aztec print!
Love your site! Such a big fan!
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Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com