Howdy lovely,

Westen wear isn’t something we think about wearing on a daily bases, but there is doubting it is at the core of American History. And I was reminded of that this summer. In July I found myself deep in the heart of Texas—a few days in Lubbock, a just hours in Midland, and a three-hour drive between the two with the Best of George Strait playing the complete journey. There’s something about a Texas road trip that just feels different: wide open skies, dusty highways, oil rigs turning and that unmistakable country spirit.

While I was in Midland, I made a few quick but meaningful stops. Cavender’s Western Outfitter and La Hacienda, two shops full of boots, hats, and denim that reminded me how deeply western wear is stitched into American culture. Western style isn’t just a fashion trend—it started out of necessity, and to some, it still is. Hats for the sun, boots for the saddle, denim for durability. Practical, timeless, and effortlessly cool.

Texas has always held a special place in my story. I first lived there when I was just five years old, and it’s where my brother was born. Years later, life circled me back when the Mr. and I moved to Dallas for a few years — and it was there that our daughter was born. Those seasons left such an imprint on me, and maybe that’s why I feel so at home in cowboy boots and denim.

In fact, my cowgirl boot collection started in Texas and it’s grown with me ever since. Each pair feels like a little piece of that chapter of life — timeless, sturdy, and always ready for an adventure. So when I shop in places like Cavender’s or La Hacienda, or slip into metallic boots for a concert, it feels less like dressing up and more like reconnecting with my roots.

The Evolution of Western Wear

Western wear started as pure function. Cowboys needed sturdy denim that could withstand long days on horseback, wide-brimmed hats for protection from the Texas sun, and boots designed for stirrups and dusty trails. These pieces weren’t about trends — they were about survival.

But as with all great style, practicality turned iconic. By the mid-20th century, western wear wasn’t just workwear anymore — it was making its way into Hollywood. Think John Wayne’s cowboy hats, Dolly Parton’s big hair and rhinestones, and the glitz of the Grand Ole Opry. Western fashion became a symbol of independence, grit, and individuality.

Today, it’s everywhere:

Runway: Designers like Isabel Marant, Ralph Lauren, and even Dior have reimagined western details with fringe jackets, suede, and modernized cowboy boots.
Street Style: Festival culture (hello, Coachella) revived fringe, denim cutoffs, and oversized hats, blurring the line between vintage western and boho chic.
Concert Chic: Metallic boots, rhinestone belts, lace-trimmed minis, and denim-on-denim are now concert staples — playful, stylish, and Instagram-ready.

What I love most is that western fashion has never lost its heart. The staples — denim, boots, hats, fringe, and leather — remain unchanged, but how we wear them tells our own story. A pair of metallic boots can take you from a Texas concert to a fashion editorial. A printed western skirt can look equally at home on a ranch or in a city coffee shop. And lace or layered jewelry softens the look, making it versatile for modern women.

At its core, western wear has always been about individuality and confidence. Today, it’s not about dressing like a cowboy — it’s about taking those timeless elements and weaving them into your own personal style.

My Takeaway

From Texas highways to summer concerts, western style made me feel connected to something bigger - both nostalgic and completely fresh. Whether it’s a denim mini dress with metallic boots or a statement skirt with desert sketches, the essence is the same: confident, timeless, and unapologetically bold.

And I have a feeling this won’t be my last western-inspired look of the season. After all, George Strait said it best:
“All my exes live in Texas.” Mine don’t — but my summer style definitely did. ✨