Fashion is Going Western… Again!
If you’ve been keeping up with the music industry or if you’re just an avid social media follower, you’ve probably heard the big news that pop is going country. Musicians like Beyoncé and Lana Del Rey are moving on from their pop-focused tunes and are releasing country-influenced albums this year. They’re not the only ones — according to Billboard, artists including Post Malone, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, and Ed Sheeran have also worked on country music in recent years. As our fashion fiercely reflects our culture, we’re sure to see some added Western flair in our apparel as well!
How exactly is this music trend going to transfer to the fashion industry? We’ve seen it already with the rise in cowboy boots and hats, fringe, and suede, but get ready to see it in an entirely different way. Crazy embellishments, over-the-top silhouettes, and unique textiles are in high demand. Denim is still all the rage, and we’ll be seeing it in a variety of fades, washes, and styles, such as all denim co-ords. This fashion phase will not be lacking in earthy colors, unique motifs, and fun embroidery. Throughout 2023 we got a look into this trend on the runway, but it's only just now kicking off with a huge presence in Fall/Winter 2024 collections. At their latest shows, houses like Louis Vuitton, Schiaparelli, and DSquared2 showcased interesting country-influenced pieces of their own, featuring Western collars, buckles, and design details. Isabel Marant, Ellie Saab, and Chloé also showed their cowboy inspiration by utilizing Western elements such as fringe trims.
Off the runway, Western clothing is totally having a moment. We’re seeing it especially with supermodel icons like Bella Hadid, and, of course, Lana Del Rey and Beyoncé, who all seem to be having cowgirl phases of their own. While Lana is having an old-country moment, channeling icons like Loretta Lynn (see her Grammy’s look here), Beyoncé is certainly having a more glammed up Western take, and fans everywhere are dying for it! As for Bella, her recent Western-inspired endeavors are starting a domino effect, with Vogue coining it as “Horse Girl Season”, as her social media posts have put women everywhere in a fashion frenzy.
Lana Del Rey (Harper’s Bazaar, 2023) Beyoncé (Glamour, 2023) Bella Hadid, 2024 (W Magazine)
We’ve seen so many country-adjacent trends in recent fashion news, but it’s looking like this year will be bigger than ever for the style. We’re seeing this in a huge variety, with even gothic-inspired Western pieces coming to center stage. From classic Western pieces to extraordinary looks with a futuristic touch, it’s certain that this style is here to stay. The only right thing to do is have some fun and embrace it yourself!
Megan Piston is a Senior at Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Fashion Merchandising. Her aim is to connect people through fashion and encourage all women to embrace their own personal style.