Western Gets A Fashion Return (Again)
Maybe we should just go ahead and deem it a classic now?
The Western look has always been a go-to motif for designers — popping up every few years — most recently at spring’s D&G show. It’s been spotted elsewhere, too, like in the Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony buckle boots, and in countless street-style photos in which girls are sporting black belts with arrow-shaped silver hardware.
But venturing into the Wild West is dangerous territory: It can so very easily slip into the realm of “theme dressing,” which is not a good thing. Two words: Personal. Jesus. Seriously. Go back and watch Depeche Mode’s video for the song — it’s a bonanza of fringe, boots, leather and dust. It’s goth outlaw at its finest and, in our opinion, how Western should be done.
First, the easy stuff. Leather -— once primarily relegated to outerwear — is now being treated like cotton. You can probably find leather PJs if you wanted them. But one of the most original silhouettes we’ve seen lately is a flounce skirt. Buy one. Now for a sleeveless denim jacket… well, there’s not much to say about those except for how very Outsiders and awesome are they?
Which brings us to the trickiest part: the accessories. While this is the most exciting step of putting the look together, go slow. If it helps, picture hecklers shouting “Yee-haw!” at you from across the street and that should impart some restraint. Which means no hats. If you want to go ahead and buy one, be our guest, but we promise that you’ll throw it aside every time you try it on, deeming it to be too much.
Also, you’re allowed just a singular statement piece, either a bag or belt. There are all sorts of tempting fringed and concho-encrusted gems on Shelpers.com, but there should only be one damn item in that basket once you’re done. OK, now out yonder you go. But P.S., finding a horse or a pony is up to you.
A.L.C. flared leather skirt, $390 at intermix.com
Democracy of Nevermind denim vest, $118 at farfetch.com
Kain silk and modal tank, $85 at net-a-porter.com
American West drawstring hobo, $159.99 at grayhorse.com
Tony Lama Lady West concho leather belt, $79.99, at shelpers.com
Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses, $145 at Nordstrom.com
Jeffrey Campbell Nation booties, $190 at shopbop.com
