A beautiful pair of boots and a decent hat can cost hundreds of dollars at Western wear outlets. But, those hoping to adopt the Western Chic look don’t have to spend a fortune on expensive cowboy attire to look stylish.
Instead of buying brand new duds, it’s far better to invest in second-hand or thrift items. Not only will you save a bundle of bucks, but you’ll always come away with a unique look that says, “I know how to dress Western, y’all.”
But where you shop is only part of the equation. Following these simple tips and tricks, you can score the best Western attire for the lowest possible price:
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Don’t Be Afraid to Thrift
Frequenting thrift stores and secondhand markets is one of the most effective ways of finding genuine Western Chic attire at bottom-drawer prices. Sure, the clothing you find might be a little faded or worn, but for the most part, thrift stores won’t stock clothing that is heavily damaged or stained.
A worn-in pair of leather boots that may have once cost three hundred dollars could be yours for the low, low price of twenty bucks. Not only that, but long flowy dresses and gowns are everyday staples of secondhand clothing stores as well.
While some of these items may be too large for you or not your style, they can be cut down to size or used as fabric for an upcoming sewing project.
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Get Friendly With the Sewing Machine
There’s never been a better time to whip out the ol’ sewing machine and power it up. With a basic knowledge of sewing, anyone can start putting together a personalized clothing line to show off their rustic tastes.
Beginner and intermediate sewers can create vests, jackets, leggings, dresses, and skirts from nearly any fabric. That means that the old yellow bedsheets you’ve intended to throw out can quickly transform into about a dozen western-inspired clothing items. Using your sewing skills to create your own wardrobe of Western Chic attire can save you heaps of cash while being deeply rewarding.
Sewing can also improve motor skills and has been shown to help prevent dementia in older adults. Those who enjoy sewing also tend to gravitate toward similar arts and crafts projects, such as jewelry making.
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Use Those Rustic Accessories
Plain leather bands and unpolished turquoise are all you need to make a simple outfit pop. Luckily, these types of accessories are typically inexpensive and easy to make at home. Or you could pick up a
new leather bag to really stand out from the crowd.
Dull, worn leather belts can become prized fashion pieces with a little creativity and forethought. In addition to turquoise, raw copper and dark metals tend to be excellent accents.
Don’t be afraid to use found items such as buttons, tarnished jewelry, and unique pebbles or stones. You can incorporate these small items into bracelets, necklaces, and other gorgeous adornments.
The best part of using found items when making accessories is that they tell a story. Including second-hand pieces in your clothing can make a huge difference in your comfort level. For a more realistic look, try to use a luxury car rental and surprise everyone you know, this is the perfect idea for a party.
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Embrace Second-Hand Jeans
The worst part about wearing new clothes is that they tend to be stiff and uncomfortable for a while. Eventually, they become a bit softer, and more conformed to our bodies.
This process is known as breaking-in. Second-hand jeans are pre-broken, ensuring that you get the best fit possible the first time you try them on.
Also, thrift store jeans tend to cost only a fraction of the price of a new pair. With the money you can save switching to hand-me-down jeans, you could afford to buy enough pairs to last you a lifetime.
Naturally, second-hand jeans also make excellent throwaway fabric for sewing projects. Imagine it—you could own a denim outfit that won’t make you feel blue! After all, jeans go with everything.
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Button-Up and Dress-Down
Remaining chic while dressed in cowboy attire doesn’t have to be a delicate situation. Button-up those jeans and that shirt and dress-down when you’re feeling sporty!
With the right boots, hat, and belt, you can sparkle like a prairie diamond no matter what jeans or blouse you’re wearing.
Don’t be afraid to try out different types of Western Chic looks, from flowing skirts and airy dresses to bootcut jeans and snug cut-offs. There are several styles of Western shirts for women, and no matter your collar, sleeve, color, or material preferences, there’s sure to be something that fits you just right. You’ll never know which look fits you best until you try them all!
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Keep It Simple
Cowboy chic requires a slight hand and a lot of restraint. While it’s true that layered necklaces and vest-dress combos can be exquisitely alluring, simple outfits can be just as attractive.
Part of the enchanting quality of Western attire is its simplicity. It can be easy to fear dull colors and designs but resist the temptation to overload the eyes.
A simple white dress can become a go-to outfit when paired with dark, solid-colored boots and a single piece of bright, natural jewelry.
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Research Cowboy Attire for Inspiration
If you’re still feeling a bit lost, don’t worry. You may need a boost of visual inspiration to get you on your way.
Using your favorite search engine, research chic cowboy styles, and ideas and explore the examples that catch your eye.
More than likely, you can successfully mix and match different pieces and colors to suit your specific preferences. It’s as easy as scrolling through some pictures!
It may also be helpful to make a small vision board or image folder to keep track of favorite designs.
Rock That Cowboy Chic Style
Lastly, and most importantly, you need to rock your cowboy attire with all of the confidence and natural charm that you can muster. Not only will it help you to feel more confident in your new duds, but it will make you glow like a warm ray of sunshine.
If you’re not comfortable in your new style, switch things up and see how you feel. Loose dresses may not be right for your lifestyle, but jeans might be perfect. Or tight jeans might be too restrictive, allowing you to try out flowy dresses and skirts instead.
Whatever your style and comfort level, if you’re true to yourself and proud of your look, you’ll be unstoppable! So, what are you waiting for? Get started on becoming the ultimate Western Chic diva today, and check out the rest of our site for more fashion inspiration!
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