THE JOURNAL
Trends come and go, but if there is one that has had a persistent influence on men’s style over the years, it has to be westernwear. The tough environment it was designed for might be a million miles away from modern life, but the utilitarian appeal of the cowboy uniform feels eternal.
According to the retail intelligence company Edited, British and American retailers introduced 240 per cent more new styles of cowboy boots and denim shirts this year than they did in the same period last year. It is all part of a trend we like to call ranch dressing – western shirts with angular yokes and pearly buttons, trucker jackets and fringed suede blousons, embroidered stacked-heel boots and even wide-brimmed hats. Incorporating them in your everyday attire, however, can be tricky.
If you are wondering how to wear cowboy clobber without venturing into dressing-up territory, here’s how.
01. The cowboy boots
Cowboy boots may be the easiest thing to start with – and the most fun. You will find anything from knee-high, hand-embroidered styles to more understated monochrome pairs on MR PORTER.
We’ve gone for something in between the two. Fittingly called Midnight Cowboy, presumably after the 1969 film, these boots from Enfants Riches Déprimés have typical top-stitching on the ankles and toe caps, as well as contrasting suede overlays, but are understated enough to be worn every day with jeans or more formal trousers, such as these Dries Van Noten pleated strides.
We have rounded off the outfit with Maison Margiela’s checked shirt. If you want to elevate things for a night on the town, throw on Our Legacy’s double-breasted blazer and some carefully chosen accessories. We’ve gone for a bandana from Givenchy, a pair of Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses and Isabel Marant’s feather necklace.
02. The western jeans
Few brands do understated, refined Americana better than TOM FORD. Its recent collections have been rooted in the cultural heritage of the US and offered updated versions of western denim shirts, jeans, buckled belts and suede jackets.
These versatile beige jeans allow for bolder layers on the top half while the skinny fit shows off John Lobb’s equestrian-inspired suede boots. Keep things smart with RRL’s embroidered shirt and an Alanui cardigan when temperatures dip.
As for accessories, we’ve maintained the earthy palette with SAINT LAURENT’s monogrammed messenger bag, a Jacquie Aiche feather gold ring and a pair of Brunello Cucinelli aviator shades.
03.
The trucker jacket
You cannot fail to have noticed that the shearling trucker jacket has become the jacket for winter. Between its luxurious construction and superior warming properties, shearling has become a winter wardrobe essential.
Polo Ralph Lauren’s version features a double-buckled throat latch, snap-fastening shoulder epaulettes and zipped cuffs. Wear with jeans (we like Gallery Dept.’s distressed pair), a long-sleeved T-shirt and a checked flannel shirt by Remi Relief.
Ramp up the western references with Sid Mashburn’s 2.5cm belt, which is hand-embroidered with an Aztec-inspired motif, Yuketen boots and Ray-Ban sunglasses.