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From the wild west, all the way to London, Milan and New York, western wear is now trending in all of the major fashion hubs. As winter approaches, designers have been rolling out collections featuring bolo-ties, rustic belts and suede. From fringe jackets to denim, western wear can be a great way to stay warm this winter.

Story by Ida Kamali

Photos by Emma Hollingsworth

Modeled by Onome Amudo, Ashley Yen and Sage Foster

The “Old West”, a term associated with the feral and untamed wilderness, is often used as a trope for America’s conquest of the frontier. From Blazing Saddles to The Lone Ranger, the “heroes” of the Old West are aligned with the problematic ideas of masculinity, racism and nationalism that still reign today. It is important to examine the context and brutality of historical concepts such as “Cowboys vs. Indians”, in which the “good guys” fight the “villians” to protect the damsel in the distress. This lookbook is aimed at highlighting the antiquated notions of the Old West and stripping away the toxic masculinity and power dynamics associated with it by replacing them with femininity and cultural awareness.

As winter approaches, the most essential function of fashion is to keep warm. A good way to do this is to take inspiration from western wear, where layering is more than encouraged. The quest for warmth can be achieved by layering an embellished long-sleeve collared shirt with a suede fringe jacket. For further warmth, throw on some thick denim and boots. To finish off the look, neckwear is essential for the true cowgirl. Bolo-ties can serve as a simple, yet nostalgic accessory. Neck scarves and bandanas, once used as a way to keep the arid dust of the country out of one’s face, can quickly elevate any look.