Hi ho Silver away! In the past, when we thought about cowboys and the wild wild west, the words of the fictional literary figure The Lone Ranger would come to mind. A mysterious masked male figure riding on top of a white mare fighting outlaws and riding through an untamed land is all quite romantic, in a rustic fairy tale kind of way.
However, when we come down to the brass tacks of said fairy tale could we really see ourselves living in the untamed west wearing cowboy boots and hat on the regular? Heck no! Wearing these items is as far from our minds as the possibilities of Justin and Selena getting back together “ it just ain’t going to happen. That is until the year 2011, when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge travelled across the pond for their royal tour of the Great White North and made a stop in Calgary, Alberta.
We remember that year as clear as day, when the entire nation was transfixed to the television to see the hip newlywed couple explore our land and, for us, what wonderful outfits Kate would be wearing for the trip. One particular moment that caught our attention, and has stayed with us since then, is their visit to the Calgary Stampede. The couple had so much fun taking in the legendary event and we remember vividly how the Duchess rocked western wear like none other. Her choice of boot cut jeans, cowboy hat and statement belt buckle made us rethink our initial thoughts on going country. If the Duchess of Cambridge gave cowboy wares her stylish seal of approval then who are we to question?
Taking in the Calgary Stampede is one of the great Canadian events you have to experience at least once in your life; it’s like celebrating Canada Day in Ottawa. This year, from July 3-12, the legendary event will take place and if you happen to find yourself in the midst of the most stylish event in the wild west you have to, as they say, Do as the Romans do and dress the part.
The essentials you’ll need to build your western wardrobe for the festive occasion include the all-important cowboy hat and boots, fringe, plaid and denim, lots of denim. Don’t be afraid of adding your personal touches when you’re deciding on an outfit to wear to a rodeo show during the day or line dancing with a hunky bull rider at night. However, if you need a little help to get your western wardrobe started, we gathered 10 country chic inspired clothes and accessories that will turn you into a genuine country gal.
1. Tip Your Hat
Riley & McCormick Switchback Hat, $69.90
2. Forever Plaid
Forever 21 Tartan Plaid Top, $21.90
3. Patch Work
Joe Fresh Patch Jean Shorts, $34
4. Ride ’em Cowgirl
Ariat Meadow Pendleton, $239.95
5. Fierce Fringe
Zara Fringe Messenger Bag, $49.90
6. Lucky Horseshoe
Mejuri Silver Horse Shoe Bracelet, $60
7. Sunglasses
Ray-Ban Original Classic Aviator Sunglasses, $200
8. Night Shift
Zara Fringed Faux Suede Top, $39.90
9. Denim Duty
Mother Cropped Denim Jeans, $230
10. High Noon Heels
Aldo Paules Sandal, $80
