While we are big promoters of healthy coping mechanisms like exercise, fresh air, relationship building, reading books, and learning new skills, the reality is there are some quick fixes that take the edge off during stressful times. Now, stop–don’t even think we’re going down that path! What we’re talking about is retail therapy!
So, if you’ve been enjoying our virtual getaways on our social media platforms, why not take it a step further. Let’s work on your cowboy & cowgirl style!
Let’s start from the bottom up: boots. There are dress boots and there are work boots, and then some that can function as both. My favorite every day boot is the Ariat Fat Baby, and Mary loves her Ariat square-toed boots. I love how comfortable the rounded toe is, and Ariats are known for being built with great foot support, so we can wear them all day and not have tired feet. When it’s time to dress up a bit, my go-to fancy boots are my Lucchese’s. Ladies, these are like a cowgirl’s Manolo’s and worth the splurge! For the gentlemen, Sam also is an Ariat fan because their boots fit well and they don’t overdo the ornamentation. Give him a blank check, and he says he would order a pair of Paul Bond working boots.
Any old jeans do not a cowboy make. Your stretchy skinny jeans will work just fine, but if you really want to look the part, then they won’t cut it. Remember that old saying about Wrangler butts drive me nuts? Ok, maybe not so PC anymore, but Wrangler jeans are still a thing. Ben likes the Wrangler 20X for men and several of the lady wranglers prefer the Ultimate Riding Jean for women. Some of the guys also swear by Cinch jeans. A newer one to the jean game that Mandy and I have really liked are the Ariat R.E.A.L. jeans, but if you ask Devyn her Kimes Ranch jeans are the top pick for this year.
Please note that the longer, the better for riding jeans. If you normally wear a 30 inseam, get a 34 for when you’re riding. When you get on a horse, your jeans hike up a bit and if they aren’t long, they get all jumbled up in your boots.
Urban cowgirl, traditional cowboy, what look do you want over your jeans? The standard long-sleeve snap-button shirt is the timeless look, and still fashionable in the Western wear world. Whether you bring in some old school Texas flare like Nate does or rock the bling like a rodeo cowgirl, you can’t really go wrong with one of these shirts. Many guys stick with the simple T-shirt and belt look—tucked in is still in style on a ranch! But the ladies get to have a bit more fun with this layer of clothing. Drapey wraps, flowy styled T-shirts, or loose, embroidered blouses. If you want some inspiration, follow our friends at Woolies, where they find amazing cowgirl couture to inspire your cowgirl style.
And finally, the lid. The ins and outs of cowboy/girl hats is a hefty topic, so we’ll table that for another time! Until then, have fun checking out these Western styles and putting together your ranch look!