‘Cowboy Core’ Is Trending — Here’s How To Wear It IRL 

You know a fashion trend is popular when you start to see multiple iterations of the same concept. One such trend that has so many different interpretations is “cowboy core.” Whether you’re going for coastal cowgirl, grungy cowgirl, or even just traditional Southern cowgirl, trying to incorporate this trend into your daily wardrobe might be a bit overwhelming.

That’s why we’re bringing it back to the basics. If you’re itching to explore your Western side, we’re breaking down the easiest and most accessible ways that anyone can try this trend. Even if channeling the West is totally out of your element, you’ll still feel like yourself with these small tweaks that let you have fun with cowboy core while still looking like you belong in your regular, everyday life. Here are easy, fun, and functional ways to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe now.

1. Add Cowboy Boots to an LBD

Warmer weather is  the perfect time to show off your footwear, since you’re likely going to be letting your legs breathe a little. The next time you reach for your favorite little black dress, pair it with some chic cowboy boots. If you’re nervous about this trend, we recommend starting with pointed-toe boots. This will give the footwear a look of structure that mimics other shoes you wear, such as your everyday pointed-toe flats or pumps. You can also keep the trend low-key by adding boots that are the same color as your dress for an all-black, monochromatic look.

2. Grab a Denim Jacket

Every cowboy has a denim or chambray shirt that they practically live in. You can pull from this tried-and-true style to celebrate the cowboy core trend on your terms by adding a lightweight, denim jacket over a dress or tank top. If you want to level up the cowboy core trend, we recommend looking for a denim piece that has some embellishments on it. A pearl embellished jacket or even just a jacket that features some interesting stitching can make it feel unique, Western, and more fun to play around with.

3. Add a Scarf or Bandana

Is she Parisian or is it cowboy core? Depending on how you tie your neck scarf, you can be either. Pair a colorful scarf or even a traditional bandana around your neck with a crisp white button-down shirt. The top will add an element of classic style to balance out your Western-inspired choice. 

4. Wear a Western Charm

If you want a more subtle way to try cowboy core, you can celebrate it with the right accessories. Grab a cowboy-inspired phone case or phone charm, or pick up a chic, gold-plated cowboy boot charm necklace that evokes the trend in a low-key way. 

5. Grab a Western-Inspired Belt

Long denim skirts have been trending for a few seasons now, and you can upgrade yours by adding a chunky, Western-inspired belt to play up the cowboy core trend. You don’t have to go the cartoonish cowboy route of wearing an oversized belt buckle on a slim leather strap — there are so many stylish belts with chain links, hardware, and turquoise stones that add an instant level of glam to any outfit. Our favorite way to rock this Western belt trend is to drape the belt over the skirt’s belt loops for effortless styling.