After cottagecore fashion took off, we spent spring through summer engulfed in a cloud of loose prairie dresses — and, now, everything from mid-calf boots to cow prints are hot on this season’s style trail. The Western trend is rolling into fall with a full-force howdy, and our eyes are on one fashion retailer, in particular, that’s doing it right. After surveying Free People‘s fresh boho-inspired offerings, we found a goldmine of flared denim, fringey outerwear, wide-brim hats, and, of course, classic cowboy boots.
The Western fashion trend can be as heavy-handed or as stylishly subtle as you like: for those interested in dabbling, start with a pair of flared jeans or ankle booties from the brand’s We The Free collection; for those committed to a head-to-toe yeehaw look, layer any number of Badlands-inspired pieces (suede fringe jackets, felt wide-brimmed hats, or bolo-esque jewelry). Ahead, find our favorites from Free People’s best Western-wear paired with some hot styling tips for fall.
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Super Flared Jeans
Flared jeans are crucial for accommodating high-rise cowboy boots — but they’re also a bonafide statement pant, especially when paired with retro-leaning platform heels.
We The Free CRVY Super High-Rise Lace-Up Flare Jeans, $, available at Free People
We The Free Just Float On Flare Jeans, $, available at Free People
We The Free Pull On Corduroy Flare, $, available at Free People
High-Rise Skinny Jeans
If going wide-legged is too overwhelming — or if you’d like your pants to actually show off your cowboy boots — go for skinny jeans instead. They must be truly slim-fit at the ankles if you wanna get that smooth-as-leggings silhouette — which you can find in denim styles with a bit of stretch.
We The Free CRVY High-Rise Super Skinny Jeans, $, available at Free People
We The Free Riley Seamed Skinny Jeans, $, available at Free People
We The Free Raw High-Rise Jegging, $, available at Free People
Cowboy Boots
Cowboy boots make for the perfect transition-into-fall shoe because they’re often high-rise enough to offer warmth and easy to slip on and off. Plus, they style beautifully with any number of bottoms including full-length pants, skirts, or shorts.
We The Free We The Free Montage Tall Boots, $, available at Free People
We The Free We The Free Bryce Equestrian Boots, $, available at Free People
We The Free We The Free Wesley Ankle Boots, $, available at Free People
Fringe Jackets
If you’re looking to take your outerwear to the next level, select a moto with a fringe trim detail. Since these jackets are such bold, standout moments, ease up on the rest of your look with a simple white tee and jeans.
Understated Leather Howdy Studded Jacket, $, available at Free People
Free People After Hours Fringe Denim Jacket, $, available at Free People
[BLANKYNYC] Fringed Suede Moto Jacket, $, available at Free People
Western-Inspired Leather Belts
Chunky hardware is in — and these belts are on double-duty holding your pants in place and bringing some much-needed flair to any low-frills OOTD.
FP Collection Sunrise Suede Belt, $, available at Free People
Free People Black Rock Western Belt, $, available at Free People
FP Collection Archer Leather Belt, $, available at Free People
Western-Inspired Cowboy Hats
To keep this accessory from looking a bit much, wear a cowboy hat with any low-key look — perhaps with a non-descript sweater, a casual flouncy dress, or a standard white button-up.
wyeth Cash Cowboy Hat, $, available at Free People
Free People Wythe Leather Band Felt Hat, $, available at Free People
Lack of Colour Rancher Felt Hat, $, available at Free People
Western-Inspired Necklaces
These bolo-inspired necklaces are a refreshing take on the Western fashion trend without being too on the nose. These would look especially eye-catching with a plunging deep V neck or, alternatively, with a white high-neck tank top — the trick is to not have an in-between neckline in the way of the tasseled details.
Free People Making Memories Necklace, $, available at Free People
Revello I’m Not Shy Necklace, $, available at Free People
Free People Rewind Necklace, $, available at Free People
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