Swagger into fall in Isabel Marant’s layers of suede, Reformation’s swingy fringe jacket and Ralph Lauren’s 10-gallon hat.
By Janet Kelly
Cowboy culture is in America’s hard drive—and the fashion industrycontinues to take notice. On 2024 fall runways, designers, such as Ralph Lauren and Isabel Marant, paid tribute to the country’s Western roots—with pointed-toe, angled-heel, embroidered boots; fringed leather jackets, big-buckle belts and wide-brimmed hats.
Giddy-up, girlfriends.
There’s fringe and then there’s the swingy fringe on this Ralph Lauren waxed leather jacket. It’s currently out of stock, but the site says it will notify you if it becomes available. It sells for just under $2,ooo.
More wallet friendly—and available—is this Reformation suede jacket ($648) with lots of fringe as well. Bring your own attitude.
Speaking of attitude, you can’t channel your inner cowgirl without a big hat. This wide-brim one in wool felt has a leather tie and tassel. Also available in black, it sells for $98 from the Sundance Catalog.
I’ve never found cowboy boots to be all that comfortable. But Texas-based City Boots says their handmade styles in calfskin leather fit like a glove. They come in gorgeous colors with intricate embroidery, like these in deep green (also available in powder blue, magenta, navy and red. The spendy ($1,250) 8-inch-high boots hit a few inches above the ankle.
Cassidy Suede Embroidered Boot
From someone who’s struggled to pull on a boot sans zipper, I appreciate ones that have them, like this cropped-to-the-ankle, hand-stitched style ($385) from British label Penelope Chilvers. Right now is a perfect time to wear them with cropped jeans or pants or a midi or maxi skirt or dress.
Saddle up for the day’s activities with this large leather-and-faux suede tote (16.93″ long-by-9.84″ height -by 4.72″ width). It sells for $249.99.
The skinny on barrel pants is that it’s not flattering, at least that’s what a few of you reported. I’ve seen some exaggerated versions of the style that balloon out mid-leg, which seems like a no-no for most of us. However, this corduroy pant from Everlane looks like a kinder, gentler take on the popular style and it’s available in navy and sandstone.
Cinch the waist of your jeans or a sweater dress with swagger. Madewell’s cowhide waist whittler ($65) is up to the task with a substantial, etched silver-tone buckle.
Double up on Ayr’s relaxed-fitting denim shirt ($165) by pairing it with jeans or for wear it under a puff vest with a tweedy brown jacket. Here’s another one with snaps in a light chambray.
How to smell like a cowgirl? Splash on D.S. & Durga’s scent with notes of sagebrush, white thyme and prairie switchgrass. It sells for $210 for 50ml.
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When my sisters and I were kids, my parents went on an “alone” vacation somewhere out west. They brought home 3 kid sized jackets with fringe for us, each big enough for a few seasons until they had to be passed down. All 3 of us loved those jackets. Sure wish I still had mine. But I do still have a great pair of really broken in cowboy boots I never parted with. I bring them out and wear them every time cowboy fashion rolls around again. Thanks Ralph Lauren.
Wish I still had my Frye boots of old!