Ranch to Runway: Exploring the Roots Of Western Fashion

Our modern-day fashion didn’t simply materialise overnight; it has evolved over hundreds of years, taking inspiration from different eras and cultures to create the diverse styles we see today. If there’s one culture that’s truly embedded itself in fashion, it’s the Wild West.

From cowboy boots and fringe jackets to denim jeans, some of the most iconic staples in our wardrobes trace their roots back to this rugged era. With our autumn collection drawing inspiration from this timeless chapter in fashion history, we’re taking a closer look at the western styles that continue to shape what we wear.
Join us as we explore the legacy of western fashion.

Western fashion originated in the 1800s as workwear for cowboys and ranch workers. 

The style we know today was shaped by a blend of Mexican vaquero outfits and Native American craftsmanship. From bowler hats adapted from sombreros, to ponchos and leather chaps, many of the cowboy staples resembled vaquero attire. Even the intricate embroidery on western boots can be traced back to Mexican design.

Native American influence, though often overlooked, was just as important. Fringe on jackets and trousers, originally used by tribes to help rainwater run off garments, later became a signature western look. Bold beadwork introduced vibrant patterns and colours, which evolved into embroidered shirts, belts, and accessories. Western jewellery and bolo ties were also inspired by Native accessories.

Despite these artistic flourishes, western fashion remained grounded in practicality — from sturdy boots built for rocky terrain to durable fabrics, like leather and denim, that withstood long days of ranch work. 

It wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries, however, that western fashion shifted from practical to chic, thanks to the rise of western films and Wild West shows — such as the classic, How the West Was Won (1962).

Style icons from Marilyn Monroe to Cher have brought elements of this look into their sensational wardrobes, and, since then, western fashion has become woven into the fabric of modern style. From runway collections to everyday wardrobes, its influence continues to resurface, proving that the sun never really sets on a timeless trend.

No matter your individual style, cowboy boots are an essential for every fashionista’s wardrobe. Nowadays they can be seen in every shape and colour, flaunted by supermodels and everyday fashion lovers alike, but classic western boots had far more humble beginnings.

When cowboys realised their low-heeled boots were unsuitable for the rocky and sandy roads of the west, a cobbler in Kansas was inspired to create a pair of tall boots with heels specifically designed for walking over the tough ground. Borrowing from the designs on Spanish military shoes, it was the vaqueros who introduced embroidery to the boots – and they wouldn’t have been nearly as unique without it.

In the modern day, cowboy boots are adorned with everything from buckles to beads, and they can go with nearly anything!

Whether you’re wearing yours with a maxi dress and bringing some boho to your western look (just like Cher!), or you’re pairing them with denim jeans like a typical cowboy, western boots have earned their place as a timeless piece of fashion.

No piece of western wear is more culturally significant than the cowboy hat. Today it’s a style that makes a statement whether it’s showcased on the runway or at your favourite country music festival.

This hat was invented in the mid-1800s, when cowboys needed protection from the blistering sun, harsh winds, and the dust of the American west. The first true cowboy hat was designed by John B. Stetson. It was crafted in the shape of a bowler hat, as this was less likely to blow off in the wind, and crafted from felt with a wide brim to shield the face and neck.

The wide brim was influenced by the Vaquero style, whereas Native American beadwork inspired many of the stylish details that later crept into western fashion.

The Stetson quickly became an essential for ranch life, but it was more than just a tool. It was a marker of individuality; shaped and creased to reflect the personality of its wearer.

Fast-forward to the 21^st century and the cowboy hat is a standout accessory, that’s no longer restricted by the confines of the ranch. Worn by Hollywood icons like Clint Eastwood and Dolly Parton, it’s been reimagined as a fashion essential that can transform any look.

Whether paired with a suede jacket for classic western flair or styled with a tailored jacket for a bold occasion look, the cowboy hat remains the pinnacle of western fashion.

Few styles are as universal as denim jeans. Practically everyone owns a pair, whether they wear them every day or just once in a blue moon — but you might be surprised to learn that even this everyday essential is a western classic.

In the mid-1800s, miners, ranchers, and cowboys needed trousers tough enough to withstand the rigor of outdoor labour.

Enter: Levi Strauss, who, along with tailor Jacob Davis, patented denim jeans and added the copper rivets we see on trousers today.

The result was a pair of trousers durable enough for gold rush miners and practical enough for cowboys spending long days in the saddle.

By the 20^th century, jeans had transcended workwear. Hollywood westerns romanticised them, whilst musicians, rebels, and fashion icons transformed them into a symbol of freedom. Jeans continue to reinvent themselves whilst the western trend puts the spotlight on their roots.

Saddle Up Your Style with Duster Coats & Buckskins

If you picture a western coat, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a suede fringe jacket. But the original cowboy coat was far simpler.

Made from canvas or linen, the duster coat was long and loose, with a split up the back for horse riding. It wasn’t just effortlessly suave — it was designed to shield clothing from dust and rain, later finding a second life among early motorcyclists for that very reason.

Still, dusters proved impractical on rougher, faster terrain, flapping in the wind and catching on gear. That’s where the famous buckskin jackets came in.

Inspired by Native American craftsmanship, buckskins offered toughness without excess fabric. Their fringe sleeves became an iconic element of western style, but the design was originally functional — helping rainwater wick away from the garment and keeping the wearer dry. Native artists also introduced beadwork and ornamentation, giving buckskins their distinctive flair, a style influence still seen in western fashion today.

Immortalized in pop culture and flaunted by icons like Sonny & Cher and Prince, fringe jackets still turn heads. Whether styled with denim for true western flair or layered over a velvet tunic for a bohemian twist, they prove that western wear is utterly timeless.

Top it Off with Western Accessories

No western look is complete without its finishing touches, and two of the most iconic are the neckerchief and the bolo tie.

An accessory rich in history, the neckerchief carried over from Victorian fashion, where gentlemen wore cravats and scarves at the collar. Cowboys put their own rugged twist on the look, using a simple square of cloth as protection against dust, to keep warm on cooler days, and even as a makeshift bandage.

With the addition of unique patterns and bold colours, it became a stylish accent to the western look. The bolo tie emerged in the American southwest in the mid-twentieth century. Drawing inspiration from Native American jewellery, the tie featured a leather cord clasped with silver or engraved designs. The bolo tie soon became a statement piece and is now the official neckwear of states like Arizona and Texas.

The legacy of both accessories has travelled far beyond the ranch, appearing on runways, in street style, lending a touch of western artistry to every vintage lover’s wardrobe. Wear yours with an embroidered patsy blouse, then add a statement blazer and you’ve got a formal western look you can wear anywhere, from the boardroom to the bar.