How to Dress Like a Cowgirl: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

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1The Essentials

2Accessories (Optional)

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Co-authored byElle Monus

Last Updated: May 19, 2024Approved

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Cowgirl attire is both practical and fashionable, blending touches of femininity, masculinity, and down-home Southern charm. Read this article to learn how to master this timeless look!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

The Essentials

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  1. 1

    Get a pair of bootcut, blue denim jeans. Alternatively, you can wear cutoff denim shorts or a denim skirt.

  2. 2

    Wear a button-down shirt. These shirts can either be short-sleeved or long-sleeved. For a more casual look, wear a t-shirt.

    • Roll the sleeves of your button-down at your elbows.

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  3. 3

    Find a Western-style cowboy hat. These kinds of hats come in black, brown, tan, and white.

    • If you don't want to wear a hat, try a bandana that matches the color of your button-up shirt. Keep the tied part on the side of your head, and tie it like a bow.
  4. 4

    Get a pair of cowboy boots. Traditionally, cowboy boots are made of leather, but are also available in faux-leather and exotic skins like alligator, snake, and buffalo. These boots also come in a variety of toe styles: round toe, square toe, or pointed toe.

    • If you plan on wearing your boots in muddy or wet conditions, consider getting a pair with rubber soles.
  5. 5

    Wear your hair down in braids or a low ponytail.

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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Accessories (Optional)

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  1. 1

    Tie a bandana around your neck. Traditional cowboys and cowgirls alike used bandanas to absorb their sweat while working on the ranch. Nowadays, bandanas are mostly worn as a fashion statement.

    • Tie the bandana behind your neck so that the triangle part is facing your front. (Only if you wore the cowgirl hat instead of the bandana)
  2. 2

    Wear a Western-style belt. Cowgirl belts are usually made of brown leather, and have large silver, gold, or turquoise buckles. For extra flare, find one with braided or medallion embellishments.

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  • Question

    Can a cowgirl wear shorts?

    How to Dress Like a Cowgirl: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (12)

    Community Answer

    A cowgirl can definitely wear shorts. Denim shorts are best, but any shorts should work if they are paired with the right shirt, shoes, hat, and accessories.

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  • Question

    Can cowgirls wear dresses?

    How to Dress Like a Cowgirl: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (13)

    Chandler Chambers

    Community Answer

    Yes. Most of the time, denim or flannel dresses are the way to go.

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  • Question

    What kind of shoes can I wear if I don't have cowboy boots when dressing like a cowgirl?

    How to Dress Like a Cowgirl: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (14)

    Community Answer

    Different kinds of boots are good as well, sneakers would be an acceptable part of a modern cowgirl's wardrobe, and good sandals that don't look too feminine would be nice in summer, as would neutral-colored flip-flops at the beach or pool. Generally, a cowgirl would stay away from anything with an umcomfotable or impractical heel.

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      Tips

      • Wear little to no makeup on your face. Authentic cowgirls are au-natural.

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      • Consider buying cowboy boots, belts, and hats second-hand from a thrift store, as they can be quite expensive.

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      • Make sure to wear a hat or bandana. It completes the outfit.

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      Tips from our Readers How to Dress Like a Cowgirl: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (15)

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

      • Cowboy boots can be expensive... I would recommend getting them from a thrift store for a cheaper option.
      • Try French braiding your hair. Cowgirls like me French braid our hair to keep it out of our faces.
      • Cowgirls can also wear denim or plaid dresses, and the boots come in many different styles.
      • Western graphic tees can be a nice touch, along with some teal jewelry.

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      References

      1. Look around your house, you can probably find stuff that adds to your costume!

      About This Article

      How to Dress Like a Cowgirl: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (31)

      Co-authored by:

      Elle Monus

      Image Consultant

      This article was co-authored by Elle Monus. Elle Monus is an Image Consultant and the Co-Founder of True Image Group. With over 11 years of fashion industry experience, she specializes in holistic approaches to branding, size-inclusive image consulting, and personal styling. Additionally, Elle has had the opportunity to work on several New York Fashion Week shows and has been featured in multiple media outlets, such as Racked. This article has been viewed 323,299 times.

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      Co-authors: 41

      Updated: May 19, 2024

      Views:323,299

      Categories: Fashion Styles

      Article SummaryX

      If you want to dress like a cowgirl, go for a country charm look by putting on a pair of bootcut, blue denim jeans, which are the usual pants worn by cowgirls. However, if you’d rather wear a skirt or summer pants, you can choose a denim skirt or a pair of denim shorts. Pair this with a button-down shirt and roll the sleeves up to your elbows if it’s long-sleeved. For your headwear, select the well-known Western-style cowboy hat in your choice of black, tan, brown or white. Complete your outfit with a pair of cowboy boots and you can choose from round, square or pointed toes. For more tips, including how to add suitable Western-style accessories, read on!

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      • How to Dress Like a Cowgirl: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (32)

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      How to Dress Like a Cowgirl: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      What did real cowgirls wear? ›

      A traditional cowgirl outfit from the old west consisted of a pair of gauntlets, a short skirt, tall lace up boots, and a red scarf. The sash was probably a style adopted from Charlie Russell who, inspired by the vaquero costume, always wore a red sash.

      How to dress up as a cowgirl? ›

      Tips from our Readers
      1. Cowboy boots can be expensive... ...
      2. Try French braiding your hair. ...
      3. Cowgirls can also wear denim or plaid dresses, and the boots come in many different styles.
      4. Western graphic tees can be a nice touch, along with some teal jewelry.

      What do modern cowgirls wear? ›

      Denim Dress, Cowgirl Boot, and Woven Straw Cowgirl Hat

      Such a blend brings forth the combination of tradition and modernity in that a denim dress would be so universal while cowgirl boots would dominantly bring a touch of Western vibe.

      How to dress like a country girl? ›

      Most importantly, country girls like looking casual and comfy, and they don't wear really tight clothing.
      1. Choose plaid shirts. ...
      2. Wear plain colored shirts, snap shirts or shirts with minimal designs. ...
      3. Another country thing is clothing from brands such as Cavender's, Sheplers, Wrangler, Cabelas, Rowdy Bell Co and more.

      What do cowgirls wear on their feet? ›

      Boot Shaft - Traditional cowboy boots have a tall shaft that go up to about the mid-calf. This provides the best protection during riding or being out in the bush. Ankle cowgirl boots or booties are gaining popularity and are good for casual wear and going out.

      Were there black cowgirls? ›

      Eventually, Black cowboys and cowgirls gained notoriety for their skills and achievements. One of the most renowned Black cowboys was Nat Love. Love was born into slavery in Tennessee but later became a skilled cowboy, participating in cattle drives, rodeos, and ranching activities.

      How to make homemade cowgirl costumes? ›

      Just grab a plaid flannel and a pair of distressed jean shorts and combine them with this rugged cowgirl hat and western bandana. Complete the look with a cute pair of boots, of course!

      Do cowgirls wear jeans? ›

      An essential element for every cowgirl, blue jean styles have seen a lot of change in the last few years.

      Do cowgirls wear bandanas? ›

      American bandannas are a very fashionable accessory that suits to cowboys & cowgirls, rockers & rockabillies, skaters, metalheads and punks, between many others.

      Do cowgirls wear their shirts tucked in? ›

      Plaid Shirts: Plaid or checkered shirts in various colors are a classic choice for modern cowgirl outfits. They can be worn tucked into jeans or tied at the waist for a more casual look. Fringe: Fringe detailing on jackets, vests, and skirts adds a touch of Western flair to cowgirl outfits.

      What do cowgirls wear around their neck? ›

      The wild rag was historically worn by cowboys and cowgirls; as far back as the 1800's. The primary use was protection from the cold, dirt, sun and wind. Way back when, these scarves were made out of anything a cowboy could find to cut and tie around his neck.

      Do cowgirls still exist? ›

      In addition to ranch work, some cowboys work for or participate in rodeos. Cowgirls, first defined as such in the late 19th century, had a less well-documented historical role, but in the modern world work at identical tasks and have obtained considerable respect for their achievements.

      How to dress sexier as a woman? ›

      Wearing figure flattering clothing is the key to enhancing your sex appeal. Don't hide your shape with baggy clothing, but don't squeeze your body into extremely tight clothing either. Everyone has their own unique assets, so choose the clothes that best accentuate yours.

      How do you know if you are a country girl? ›

      14 Signs You're A Country Girl
      • Your personal heaven is behind the wheel of a pickup truck. ...
      • You can't love a man who doesn't love his dog. ...
      • You don't take nothing from no one. ...
      • You spend more time with horses than you do with actual people. ...
      • You'll wear cowgirl boots, no matter the occasion.
      Mar 24, 2014

      What makes you a country girl? ›

      For years, country folk were associated with poor, uneducated, unsophisticated people. However country girl means something entirely different in my book. It means mild mannered, polite, easy going, friendly, educated in the ways of nature, tough, resilient, and full of wonder.

      Were there real cowgirls? ›

      In addition to ranch work, some cowboys work for or participate in rodeos. Cowgirls, first defined as such in the late 19th century, had a less well-documented historical role, but in the modern world work at identical tasks and have obtained considerable respect for their achievements.

      How did people really dress in the Wild West? ›

      With slight individual and regional differences, the basic Old West cowboy attire the wide-brimmed hat, an ordinary shirt worn beneath a cowboy vest and waistcoat, the cotton or wool trousers, covered halfway with the leather chaps, the distinct tall boots with spurs, and the oversized silk handkerchief worn around the ...

      What did girls wear in cowboy times? ›

      Women wore knee-length prairie skirts, red or blue gingham dresses or suede fringed skirts derived from Native American dress.

      What did cowgirls do in the 1800s? ›

      Women not only ran the ranch at home, they also drove cattle up the trail. Mary Bunton was one such cowgirl, and she wrote about driving up the Western Train in 1886 with her husband. Lizzie Williams and Margaret Borland each drove their cattle up the Chisholm Trail.

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