5 chic ways to rock the western trend

If you’re wanting to go western in style, opt for looks that use pieces that are chic rather than cliche

Ready to venture into new fashion territory? More than just stetsons and spurs, the Wild West offers plenty of style inspiration. Give the trend a try with these five pieces. 
Written by Jocelyn Stiebel

The prairie dress

The humble prairie dress has made a fashionable comeback in styles reimagined for not just country girls but city dwellers too. Pick a dress that has obvious wild west-inspired detailing – whether it’s in the print or the ruffles.

Kelso western-print dress 449.95 SHOP NOW; shell bracelets (2-pack) 79.95 SHOP NOW; straw hat 179.95 SHOP NOW; Kelso snake bangles (4 pack) 60 SHOP NOW; Free 2BU lace up sandals 129.95 SHOP NOW

Sunset tones

Rich, warm tones such as mustard are key players in the Western-theme colour palette. Whether you’re opting for a full mustard look using a maxi dress or wearing a mustard top paired with a denim skirt or jeans, remember to choose accessories that complement the richness of mustard and that won’t distract from the colour being the main focus of your outfit.

Free 2BU casual shirt 199.95 SHOP NOW; Free 2BU ribbed knit dress 279.95 SHOP NOW; belt bag 100 SHOP NOW; Kelso sandals 150 SHOP NOW; rings (3-pack) 40 SHOP NOW

The saddle bag

A saddle bag made from leather that slings across the body… what could be more cowgirl than that? The dark brown of the leather pairs beautifully with rich reds, another popular hue within the Western colour palette; wear strappy sandals that wrap around the ankle and opt for a belt if you want to cinch in your waist.

Kelso bag 349.95 SHOP NOW; Kelso babydoll dress 279.95 SHOP NOW; skinny belts (2-pack) 149.95 SHOP NOW; Free 2BU square-toe lace sandals 129.95 SHOP NOW

The embroidered top

Choose a floaty, billowing top that has bohemian embroidery detailing and make this the focus piece of your western-inspired outfit. The soft fabric and light colour of the top offsets the denim in a delicate balance that is critical if your outfit is to steer clear from looking like a costume.

Kelso cold-shoulder top 299.95; Free 2BU high-waist jeans 349.95; midi gold hoops 59.95 SHOP NOW; Sissy Boy studded pointy heels 450 SHOP NOW; Free 2BU cross-body bag 399.95 SHOP NOW

The bell-bottom jean

Perhaps the most iconic item of all is the bell-bottom jean – and it’s an added bonus that this style suits just about every body shape. Rather than going full-blown ranch girl in cowboy boots and a suede waistcoat, we say opt for classy block heels and a shirt in a classic bandana print.

Free 2BU paisley-print shirt 199.95; Kelso bootleg jeans 249.95 SHOP NOW; Kelso cat eye sunglasses 99.99 SHOP NOW; Kelso asymmetrical block heel sandals 349.95 SHOP NOW

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Fashion editor: Rushana Burton. Fashion assistant: Primrose Skolo. Stills photography: André Wepener.