Travel
14 Western-inspired Travel Clothes That Actually Go With Everything in Your Suitcase — From $15
Western wear, cowboy aesthetic, country couture — whatever you’d like to call it — has taken the fashion world by storm, but it’s not just a mere passing trend. As a New York City-based travel writer, it’s hard to go a block without seeing studded belts and vintage washed jeans, and the trend has spread far beyond Manhattan; I’ve even spotted it on recent trips up and down the East Coast. Though its resurgence in pop culture features new spins on the traditional fashion genre, Western wear obviously has roots dating back centuries, but there’s something about the classic look that will forever exude cool. With celebrities like Beyoncé and Bella Hadid showcasing the best of the Americana lifestyle, this latest resurgence is beckoning everyone (including myself) to give their travel clothes a refresh.
Beyond looking sharp, the Western wear trend embraces easy-wearing, high-quality basics inspired by country living, making it a must-have for your travel wardrobe. It prioritizes timeless pieces like maxi denim skirts and cowboy boots that can be worn and reworn in a plethora of ways to maximize your travel outfit possibilities. These pieces are typically denim-, cotton-, leather, and suede-heavy, making them the ideal transitional garments that can be worn throughout spring (and some of our favorite finds can even be rocked in the summer).
Don’t know where to start transforming your wardrobe to embrace a Western aesthetic? I’ve curated a selection of pieces that I’m absolutely loving this season that will look great anywhere, be it a serene getaway in Wyoming, an exciting rodeo, or even to a “Cowboy Carter” listening party.
Tecovas The Annie Cowgirl Boots
Cowgirl and cowboy boots are undoubtedly one of the most prominent items emerging from the Americana fashion movement, and if you’re looking to embrace this shoe trend, then you should do so with the best: a pair of Tecovas. The Austin-based brand prioritizes authentic craftsmanship to make its top-quality, already-worn-in-comfy boots that are made to last. I’m utterly obsessed with this Annie style, the brand’s best-selling cowgirl boot, and am eager to add them to my collection because I know that they’ll be my comfortable go-to pair of boots that’ll last me years to come. Plus, they’ll look equally wonderful with a pair of jeans as they would with a flowy dress.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option to achieve the same look, consider shopping the Soda Reno Women’s Cowboy Boots that boast a $50 price tag at Amazon.
Madewell The Santiago Western Ankle Boots
Not quite ready for full-on cowboy boots? Or, maybe you’re headed somewhere warm. Either way, if you want to dip your toes into the style, these Madewell ankle booties are the perfect way to start. Beyond their alluring 82 percent discount (thanks to an on-site double deal — just use the code SPRING30 to unlock an extra 30 percent off at checkout), they’re absolutely adorable. Country styles embrace shiny hardware and durable materials like suede, as seen on these boots, which’ll elevate any look that you have planned. And, because they’re crafted with elastic and a low block heel, they go on-and-off seamlessly and will be easy to walk in. Hurry, they’re selling out.
J.Crew Maxi Denim Skirt
Maxi denim skirts, and denim in general, are totally country-approved thanks to their utility style that is a bit more polished and put together than a mini skirt. I’m all in for embracing more maxi denim skirts into my wardrobe. They can be styled with T-shirts, blouses, vests, and more, making them a welcomed, versatile staple in your suitcase. In fact, denim skirts are among the first garments that I look for when preparing for a trip, because of the way that they can seamlessly elevate any look. If you want to test the waters on this trend, do so with this stunning, on-sale skirt from J.Crew while it’s 46 percent off.
Wrangler Women’s Cowboy Cut Jeans
Wrangler is among the original cowboy couture brands, selling high-quality denim that parallels the rise of country since the 1940s. Needless to say, you can’t go wrong with anything from the cowboy fashion pioneer to adapt your wardrobe to Western style, but I recommend starting with these Cowboy Cut jeans. They effortlessly blend classic aesthetics with contemporary details for unmatched comfort. Crafted with 98 percent denim and 2 percent spandex, these jeans exude vintage charm with the modern ingenuity of a comfortable pair of travel pants. And at just $50, they’re the perfect garment to wear on your spring adventures.
Amour Vert Violette Organic Cotton Eyelet Dress
Flowy, flirty dresses add a feminine touch to an otherwise rather masculine trend. And this prairie-style dress not only embodies the essence of country living, but it also serves as the ideal white sundress for the vibrant seasons of spring and summer. Crafted with 100 percent cotton, adorned with delicate details, and featuring a fashion-forward corseted bust, this dress is a timeless and breathtaking addition to your wardrobe. And to complete the look, I recommend pairing with a pair of cowboy boots — duh!
Sézane Women’s Amerie Shirt
This Western-style embroidered chambray snap shirt is an incredibly versatile choice that radiates versatility. With its long-sleeve design, this shirt offers year-round comfort while shielding you from the elements (without causing overheating). It’s also a stunning option to add to your collection of Americana-inspired garments, inviting endless styling options, whether paired with a denim skirt, jeans, or classic boots.
Unfortunately, this stunning top is about to sell out. If you have your heart set on the look, check out the newly dropped Grosy Women’s Embroidered Plain Tunic Shirt for $40 at Amazon.
Free People Wilder Embellished Sling Bag
Conchos are the focal points of any Western look. Instead of wearing the classic disc around your waist, you can sport it on your travel bag. Here, the historically rich accessory decorates the belt bag’s strap to add that cowboy flair to any outfit. It also offers the spacious, hands-free functionality of a great belt bag; wear it as a crossbody, off the shoulder, or as a belt bag, and will confidently safeguard all of your items as you explore new destinations this year.
Wrangler Western Shoulder Bag
For a larger option, this adjustable shoulder bag is winning over shoppers for boasting the “perfect size” and a “sturdy feel that feels well-made.” That also happens to be the ethos of Western fashion, prioritizing items that both look and feel good — just check out that stunning embroidery! And starting at just $52 and available in an impressive 50 different colors and prints, the Montana-styled bag is just waiting to be added to your cart.
Mavi Venus Denim Vest
Denim is widely recognized as a premium and long-lasting fabric, making it an ideal choice for outdoor activities and country living. Western wear is known for its practicality, and as such, many denim styles are adorned with functional pockets and comfortable cuts that are perfect for all-day wear. Take this stunning denim vest from Mavi, which features front pockets and a straight fit that can be styled in various ways (and will look great in each of them). Whether you choose to store your lip balm in one of the frockets (front pockets) or utilize them for your ID and cards, you will never regret adding this versatile top to your collection.
Quince Women’s Suede Trucker Jacket
It would be wrong to share a list of high-quality Western wear to add to your travel wardrobe without including a buttery soft suede jacket, and this one from Quince is just what your transitional wardrobe needs right now. It’s warm enough to wear as the temperatures continue to dip and rise, but remains lightweight and soft for hot days ahead. And since the trademark of this style is practicality, you can bet that this jacket is equipped with a few functional pockets to hold onto some of your small belongings.
Livingston Straw Cowboy Hat
Saddle up travelers! To bring your entire Western ensemble together, you need a cowboy hat. This iconic accessory not only exudes a relaxed and cool vibe, but it also serves a practical purpose. Originally designed to protect cowboys from the scorching sun while working outdoors, these hats have now become a versatile (and useful) fashion statement. This utility also lends them as the perfect accessory to shield your face from the sun at the beach, festivals, and beyond.
This lightweight hat can also travel like a dream with the help of a convenient hat clip. Plus, it gives your outfit more style points than any old baseball cap or sun visor would.
Steve Madden Women’s Recent Gladiator Sandals
Modern takes on Western wear draw inspiration from classic country accessories like the studded (and classic) concho belt — which are on full display in these Steve Madden sandals. I personally love a strappy gladiator for travel, as I find that they have more support and grip compared to other styles on the market. This pair caught my eye for its stunning look that I know would be a standout at any festival or vacation that I have planned this season.
Superdown Robyn Strappy Back Top
Plenty of these styles possess a classic and timeless appeal due to their simple yet classy look. However, the recent revival of this style has inspired retailers to think outside of the box and explore incorporating Americana prints, like cowhide, to give a fresh twist to this country craze. For instance, try out this stylish cow print top from Superdown, which will surely make a statement at any music festival or evening event that you have on the schedule.
Werforu Leather Belt
A true Western-inspired outfit is never truly complete without a concho belt. This $15 one from Amazon is embellished with beautifully etched hardware that’ll effortlessly pull together any look, while remaining understated enough to not cause too much attention. Style it with a pair of vintage wash jeans or wear it with a dress to give yourself some extra waist-cinching magic.
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