It’s not every day that one of the world’s biggest queens transforms her music and her look. But here we are. Thanks to Beyoncé that look and sound are country western in her second of three musical projects.
The next eagerly anticipated country-inspired album “Act II: Cowboy Carter” is set to drop on March 29 as a follow-up to 2022’s “Act I: Renaissance,” a dance album celebrating Black queer culture. But even before its release, the first single, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” has already become the No. 1 country single in the U.S., making Beyoncé the first Black woman to have ever led that list, according to Variety.
So, ahead of the “Cowboy Carter” release, here’s an affordable cowboy fashion starter kit with five essential pieces to help usher in your next country-western era:
1. A Pair of Cowboy Boots
The foundation of any cowboy look is a pair of kick-a*s cowboy boots. And the cowboy boot pool runs deep. You can choose from genuine cowboy boots from brands like Lucchese, Tecovas or Justin, affordable ones from Steve Madden or Jeffrey Campbell, designer cowboy boots from Miron Crosby that’ll cost more than your mortgage, or downright cheap ones from stores like Altar’d State and DSW.
Choose a pair that meets your fashion needs and your wallet, whether that means investing in a well-made pair or sticking ones you’ll only wear a handful of times. We picked boots that are somewhere in the middle.
2. A Cowboy Hat
Cowboy hats are just as much a statement piece as a trusty pair of cowboy boots. Its wide-brim, often made of felt or straw, protects from the sun, whether you’re wrangling cattle or two-stepping at a hoedown. A cowboy hat instantly adds flair and personality to any outfit as a symbol of rugged individuality and frontier spirit.
3. A Western Shirt
Cowboy shirts blend elements of practicality, durability and distinctive design. But unless you’re rustling up cattle at the Ponderosa Ranch, you can have fun with your western shirt and inject some of your own feminine flair into your cute look.
4. Fringe Anything
When you think of Western wear, do you see images of dusty trails, rolling tumbleweeds, and, of course, that iconic fringe dancing and swaying in the breeze? Us, too! Fringe actually had practical purposes by shedding water and drying out faster when wet. Now, fringe is a fashion statement all on its own, adding movement to any outfit — cowgirl or otherwise. From haute couture runways to dusty rodeo arenas, fringe has found its way into every corner of the fashion world.
5. A Western Belt
A snazzy belt with a statement buckle bursts with country-western appeal. Belts are versatile and ready for action in countless ways. Wrap one around your waist with jeans and a tucked-in western shirt for a classic cowgirl feel. Or, use it to cinch a flowy dress, instantly giving off your best boho vibes. They’re the ultimate layering accessory.
The post An Affordable Cowboy Fashion Starter Kit for Your Next Beyoncé Era appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
