The Best Western Fashion Moments Of 2024

Western-inspired fashion took center stage in 2024.

This year was historic for Western fashion, bringing incredible moments of Western influence to star-studded red carpets and major stages across the nation. As cowboys become the pinnacle of cool, the mainstream fashion scene has been filled with cowboy boots, cowboy hats, belts with oversized buckles, Native American-made jewelry, and Western-inspired textiles. Before we saddle up for 2025, we’re looking back at the most iconic fashion moments of 2024, also fittingly known as the “Year of the Cowgirl.”

Lainey Wilson

2024 was a defining year for Lainey Wilson, securing her influence as a leading lady of country music. Following her on-stage success was a string of outfits true to her signature bohemian style, flaunting bell bottoms paired with fringe, turquoise, and touches of sparkle. While co-hosting the CMA Awards, Wilson brought elements of her now-iconic style to the red carpet with an elevated flair. Dressed in all black, Wilson highlighted Western elements such as a classic silver bolo tie and flat-brim hat against an evening pant suit fitted with beading. This look aligned with Wilson’s true cowgirl style while exuding elegance fit for the occasion.

Lily Gladstone

The 2024 Golden Globes witnessed history as Lily Gladstone took home the honor of Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, for her role in Killers of the Flower Moon. Gladstone was the first-ever Indigenous nominee and recipient of the award, and her statement look drove home the magnitude of the moment. Dressed in an eye-catching white gown paired with a dramatic, floor-length black shrug and Bulgari necklace, the red carpet look is timeless. Gladstone made a stylistic choice that cemented the meaning of the award, finishing her look with a pair of Native-made beaded earrings, paying homage to her heritage.

Naiomi Glasses

Naiomi Glasses has seen a rise to influence in 2024, bringing Navajo heritage to worldwide stages through her work with Ralph Lauren. Serving as the inaugural Artist in Residence for Polo Ralph Lauren, Glasses designed an incredible three-part clothing line around traditional patterns used in Navajo weaving. During the SWAIA Fashion Show, Glasses modeled for Native American designer Lauren Good Day, flaunting an incredible use of color and pattern mixing, topped with touches of Navajo jewelry.

Shania Twain

Shania Twain has been bringing back iconic looks from her career for her residency in Las Vegas, including the original jacket and dress from the “Man, I Feel Like A Woman” music video. The look was originally worn 25 years ago and was on display in a museum before being brought into the Planet Hollywood show rotation. Twain is currently on the final leg of her residency, performing through February 2025.

Miranda Lambert

Two queens of country music took the stage together during the Stagecoach Music Festival, setting up an incredible 2024 photo-op filled with both talent and style. Miranda Lambert, a lover of Nudie-style embroidery and rhinestones, wore a bedazzled jumpsuit topped with dramatic fringe and embroidered pieces for her set at the much-anticipated festival. As a special surprise, Lambert brought out Reba McEntire, who wore a classic Western leather jacket and jeans, finished with a timeless belt and buckle. The duo brought two styles together in perfect harmony.

Kacey Musgraves

Driving home the appeal of the Rhinestone Cowgirl motif, Kacey Musgraves made a statement during the CMA Awards in a look she called “denim and diamonds.” A fitted denim dress dripping in gems and feathers communicated a country feel with over-the-top details. True to Kacey’s personal style, this look was playful yet refined, pushing Western elements to new heights.

Quannah ChasingHorse

Quannah ChasingHorse stepped out on the Oscars red carpet in a stunning look made by Native designer, Norma Baker-Flying Horse of Red Berry Woman. The red patterned dress is finished with a beaded feather choker that drapes over one shoulder, adding the perfect amount of drama to the look.

Each of these looks represents the vastness of authentic Western style, proving its influence on the mainstream fashion industry and beyond. As we look to 2025, we expect to see more genuine Western and Native American designers in the spotlight, highlighting the enduring style of heritage design.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Tira Howard/Courtesy SWAIA