The popularity of the television series ‘Yellowstone’, set in Montana farmland, has sparked a renewed interest in cowboys and cowgirls, their culture and their attire. The series is also having a major impact on social media, where users have adopted the signature look and made it their own. The hashtag #coastalcowgirl, which has had around 44.5 million hits on TikTok so far, shows how popular the ‘Coastal Cowgirls’ are at the moment.
The ‘Coastal Cowgirl’ trend combines elements of the relaxed Californian lifestyle with a somewhat clichéd cowgirl look. It’s a look that can be cute or sexy. Aside from obvious pieces like fringed jackets, western boots, hats and belts, the genre also includes ripped denim shorts and bustiers, as well as crocheted and ruffled prairie dresses and skirts.
On the trend
It’s thanks to Ralph Lauren that cowboy boots and hats came into fashion, as he showed them on the runway in 1979. The designer still presents this style season after season today. Lauren also revisited the coastal cowgirl look for his SS23 show
The Coachella Effect
The Coachella Music Festival was held for the first time in 1999. Over time it has attracted numerous great artists. Its proximity to major California cities like Los Angeles led to an ever-expanding audience. Since then, celebrities, influencers, and festival-goers have embraced the coastal cowgirl aesthetic. It’s a ‘street style’ that is influencing catwalks around the world.
On the catwalks from 2020 to today
Spring/Summer 2020
This look from Natalie De Banco, the designer behind Bronx & Banco, featured a low-cut shawl-print jumpsuit, a western belt, orange suede boots, a hat and a fringed suede bag.
In the same collection, the designer also sent a crocheted skirt over a shiny body down the catwalk. The look was combined with turquoise suede boots, a snake-look western belt and jewellery.
At LaQuan Smith there was a look of a form fitting denim tunic with a built in bustier and a black straw hat by Eric Javitts.
Spring/Summer 2022
Nicoletta Spagnoli showed a short white lace dress under a brown blazer for her brand Luisa Spagnoli. Accessories included a straw hat, a brown leather belt with a silver and turquoise buckle and matching cuffs, and strappy sandals.
At Kim Shui, a model wore a low-cut dress made of Qipao-style material, a white cowboy hat and embroidered knee-high western boots.
Fall/Winter 2023
Also at the Philipp Plein show there was a look of a leather bustier and ruffled leather mini skirt, a studded belt, silver cowboy boots and a sequined hat. The designer also showed off a two-piece denim suit with a split jacket and matching mini skirt, a denim cowboy hat and silver boots.
This article was published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ