From the Rodeo to Rodeo Drive
by Paige McKirahan

For those from the country like me, Western wear has always been the norm worn by people in the community, on trend or not. Full denim outfits, leather, cowboy boots, fringe, large belt buckles, and flannels can be seen at any county fair on full display but now, those trends are stepping off of dirt roads and onto the runway.

This Western revival began a couple of years ago with a few '90s favorites coming back into circulation; black leather belts with shining horse buckles and suede for skirts and shirts alike were taken back out of the closet along with many other '90s trends as vintage became the “it” style. This fall, fashion is taking this Western interest and running with it after its success on the Spring/ Summer runways. Raf Simons, the new creative director of Calvin Klein, chose to go West for his first show with the label and it paid off in a big way. This nostalgic Americana look grabbed the attention of the public as Simons created a collection that embodied dark American history and horror inspired by films like Carrie and Midnight Cowboy. His full denim outfits adorned iconic public figures like Solange and A$AP Rocky, putting Britney and Justin’s 2001 American Music Awards ensemble to shame.

A$AP Mob for Raf Simons Western Calvin Klein Campaign

Celine, Versace, Chloe, Tom Ford, Alberta Ferretti, Coach, and Hermes are just a few of the other big names that saddled up and incorporated prairie aesthetics into their fall lines. Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar both go as far as naming Western one of this season’s most prominent trends. Capped cowboy boots, denim and plaid button downs secured up to the neck, saddle bags, snakeskin, and fringe are back, but always remember: keep it chic and keep it you.