How The West Was Won — Channel Annie Oakley In These Western Chic Fashions!
The Wild Wild West galloped onto runways for Fall/Winter 2015, with Gucci, Tom Ford, M Missoni, Valentino and Tory Burch all toying with cowgirl-inspired pieces ranging from playful denim shirt dresses and fringe leather and suede jackets to saddle bags, cowboy boots, and rugged jewelry pieces fashioned with leather, rope, and concho shells. Prepare to be lassoed by the charm of these Western chic fashions. Saddle up, girls!
GAP 1969 Denim Western Shirtdress, $51.99. Available at Gap.com
A denim shirtdress is a wardrobe basic for any cowgirl style lover. This 100% cotton number features Western-inspired front and yoke seams, as well as the traditional chest patch pockets with button-flap closures, plus the curved shirttail hemline is longer along the back to offer more coverage along the back.
Valentino Butterfly-Embroidered Western Boot, $2495. Available at NeimanMarcus.com
Even Valentino, a house known for embracing the feminine and romantic, offered a new take on the classic cowboy boot, by pairing the classic square-toed, pull-on silhouette with a dip-top shaft embroidered with colorful butterflies and whimsical star, heart, and crescent moon motifs.
The Two Bandits Annie Oakley Cuff, $78. Available at The2Bandits.com
Available in either antique silver or antique brass, this cuff bracelet features an intricately etched oval concho as the central attraction, its ridged outer perimeter featuring linear etchings evocative of sun rays, followed by a rope-like circular frame with butterfly-esque etching at its core.
MSGM Paisley-Print Silk Crepe de Chine Shirt, $750. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
Known for its large-scale, in-your-face prints, MSGM approached its Pre-Fall 2015 collection with a bit more restraint — at least in regards to the size of its prints — without losing any of the brand’s signature audaciousness and whimsy. The paisley print seen in this button-down shirt, as well as many of the other garments within the collection, was inspired by the chaotic mix of colors and the love of asymmetrical shapes embraced by the Memphis Group during the 1980s. The triangular shapes and star motifs within each paisley swirl, then, speaks to that postmodern aesthetic, while the fringing along the chest recalls classic Western wear.
Elizabeth and James Suede Fringe Pouch Bag, $345. Available at NeimanMarcus.com
No, hippies did not kickstart the fringe-trim movement. Cowboys and cowgirls alike were rocking fringe-adorned jackets and boots since the late 19th century, with Buffalo Bill being just one of the pioneers of the style. City slickers can add a hint of cowgirl charm to their looks, then, with a fringe-adorned handbag like this standout number from Elizabeth and James, fashioned out of a merlot-toned suede and adorned with three tiers of angled fringe as well as a chain and leather crossbody strap.
Vanessa Mooney Mess Around Black Gold Concho Wrap Choker, $50. Available at VanessaMooney.com
Though bolo ties have undeniable Native American roots, with Zuni, Navajo, and Hopi silversmiths and artisans in New Mexico and Arizona creating elaborate neckwear as far back as the 1860s, the accessory was brought to the attention of the American mainstream thanks to on-screen cowboy characters The Cisco Kid and Hopalong Cassidy, who popularized the look in the 1950s. In the 1980s, when Rockabilly style became all the rage, bolo ties were embraced by hipsters, again within a Western-themed context but one steeped in rock ‘n’ roll — hence the look of memorable film characters like Pretty in Pink‘s Duckie or even Pulp Fiction‘s Vincent Vega. Girls, too, have embraced the distinctively Western accessory, which was designated the official neckwear of Arizona in 1973. Give the look a whirl with this Vanessa Mooney suede bolo wrap tie necklace, featuring an antique gold concho and gold spikes adorning the two ends.
Cult Gaia Senorita Turband, $38. Available at CultGaia.com
Cowboys often tied bandanas around their necks and pulled them upwards so as to cover their noses and mouths whenever their horses kicked up some serious dirt and dust. As time passed, however, bandanas — especially red, blue, and black ones with all-over paisley prints — became an intrinsic part of the Western fashion canon. Rock yours as a headband with this 100% cotton Cult Gaia headband, which is lined with a flexible wire that allows you to twist and knot it as desired.
Frye Deborah Studded Boot, $628. Available at TheFryeCompany.com
Talk about a gold rush! These mid-calf cowboy boot which feature a classic stacked wooden heel measuring 1 3/4″ in height, distressed gold leather uppers, and a 6″-tall shaft fashioned out of perforated leather and encrusted with tri-colored metal studs.
Tom Ford Fringe Stretch-Cady Jacket, $3890. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
This Italian-made jacket features layers of long fringe for maximum movement and swing, plus it’s lined with silk so it slips on effortlessly.
Finn Arrowhead Bolo Tie Necklace, $1195. Available at Ylang23.com
An upscale riff on a classic leather bolo tie, this Finn necklace consists of a 16″-long chain adorned with an 18k gold arrowhead motif adorned with pavé diamonds at the center. The two ends of the chain dangling below the arrowhead, meanwhile, feature pavé diamond tips.
Brixton Tiller Hat, $56.95. Available at Swell.com
There’s no quicker way to infuse some Western sass into a look than through a dashing hat. This 100% wool Brixton piece comes in a fashion-forward teal shade and features a round crown and a leather cinchcord.
Streets Ahead Brown Leather Cuff, $57. Available at StreetsAheadInc.com
One look at this brown leather cuff with turquoise stitching and antique silver studs and you’ll likely picture Miranda Lambert in a “Kerosene”-esque music video, belting out a song about a revenge-prone scorned lover.
Nine West Quarrel Pull-On Booties, $99.95. Available at NineWest.com
Don’t let anyone step on your blue suede shoes — especially if they’re these pull-on booties, featuring turquoise suede uppers with Western-inspired stitching and 3 1/4″ high heels.
Charlotte Olympia Pandora Panorama Clutch in Canyon Print, $1295. Available at Shop.Nordstrom.com
This perspex box clutch lets a Southwestern landscape do the talking — and enthralling. Measuring 7 1/2″ in width, 4 1/4″ in height, and 1/2″ in depth, and featuring an interior zippered pouch, this glamorous clutch features a top clasp with the signature Swarovski crystal-adorned Charlotte Olympia spider.
Sydney Evan Yellow Gold & Diamond Horse and Horseshoe Necklace, $950. Available at SydneyEvan.com
Lovestrength Phoenix Belt, $87. Available at Lovestrength.com
In the West, all the head honchos wear conchos. Do so in style by donning this turquoise-toned leather belt, which is adorned with a sextet of silver-toned metallic conchos and is designed to be worn along the hips.
Jamberry Horses Nail Wrap Set, $15. Available at Jamberry.com
Stylish gals will start a stampede to get their hands on this Jamberry Nail Wrap Set, featuring adhesive decals with glittery silhouettes of galloping horses.
Zara Suede Jacket, $189. Available at Zara.com
This fringe-trimmed suede jacket feels like it was plucked from the set of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman — in fact, it looks like a feminized version of the very same coat sported by Joe Lando while romancing Jane Seymour.
Oasis Buttoned Mini Skirt, $62. Available at Oasis.andotherbrands.com
Whether you’re going for a ’70s-inspired look or a Western-flavored ensemble, this A-line denim mini skirt will help you achieve the desired effect. The brass-toned buttons along the center and tan contrast stitching add the earthiness necessary for a corral-ready feel.
Brixton Leonard II Hat, $92. Available at Brixton.com
You’ll channel one of the gunslingers in Strange Empire when you rock the Leonard II, which features a wide, straight, stiff brim, a pinched crown, and a two-color braided horsehair band.
Tory Burch Fringe Suede Shoulder Bag, $895. available at ToryBurch.com
Though it was inspired by the Bohemian fashions donned by London-based musicians in the ’70s and ’80s, there’s a distinctively Western sensibility to this navy suede fringe bag, featuring a front fold-over flap adorned with a semipecious lapis stone.
Zara Suede Dress with Pockets, $49.90. Available at Zara.com
You’ll blend in with the magnificent scenery at Red Rock Canyon when you wear this button-front suede dress featuring two patch pockets along the chest and a banded waist.
B-Low the Belt Bri Bri Leather Belt, $158. Available at FreePeople.com
Since one is the loneliest number, B-low the Belt decided to place two silver-toned buckles on this Western-inspired leather belt.
Nasty Gal x Nila Anthony Wild West Suede Bag, $58. Available at NastyGal.com
Part of a Western-themed handbag collaboration between Nila Anthony and Nasty Gal, this brown suede saddle bag features a trapeze-shaped fold-over flap with a hidden magnetic button closure and a playful tassel accent, along with an adjustable shoulder strap and a gold ring accent at the top.
Belle by Sigerson Morrison Fusion Bootie, $395. Available at RevolveClothing.com
This suede bootie’s harness details — not to mention the etched, silver-toned charms adorning the leather straps that, in turn, encircle the shaft — give it an audacious, outlaw-worthy feel.