Cowboycore / Cowgirl / Out West – the return of a western icon to fashion salons
What do Timothée Chalamet, Beyoncé, Playboi Carti, and a fringed denim corset have in common? The answer is surprisingly simple: cowboycore. A style once reserved for rodeos and Western movie sets is taking festivals, runways, and the streets of big cities by storm in 2025. Instead of literalness, she opts for deconstruction; instead of costume, she plays with motifs. The modern cowgirl draws on classic elements of the Wild West, but combines them with gold, glitter, and the courage to be herself. Find out how to create cowboycore looks!
What is cowboycore and why is it taking festivals by storm?
Cowboycore is a trend based on a reinterpretation of the Wild West aesthetic. It draws inspiration from the attire of cowboys, settlers, and rodeo competitors and performers, but complements it with elements of modern urban fashion, boho, and glam. Cowboycore style is based on a combination of functional, rugged styles with bold accessories and a feminine sensuality. These fashion interpretations feature classic accents like the Stetson hat, bolo tie, and cowboy boots, while glitter, fringe, and pastel colors lend a contemporary edge to this aesthetic.
The cultural context is also important. For several seasons, fashion has been invoking folklore, roots, and local influences, and the aesthetic of the Wild West fits perfectly into this trend. The success of Beyoncé's album Cowboy Carter and the announcement of her tour have only accelerated the cowgirlcore boom. The same goes for the styles of Timothée Chalamet and Playboi Carti, who appear in public in ensembles combining Western elements with high fashion.
Cowboycore is taking festivals by storm because it combines glamour and comfort—two essential qualities for hours-long concerts and outdoor events. This Wild West-inspired style allows you to stand out from the crowd while remaining functional and relevant to contemporary trends. Pastel hats (e.g., pink ones at Chappel Roan concerts), denim corsets, and metallic fringed jackets are increasingly replacing the more basic boho styles that dominated festivals in previous seasons.
Cowboycore vs. Western Core – What's the Difference?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, it's important to distinguish between cowboycore and western core. Cowboycore is a contemporary, urban take on the cowboy style, inspired by Western motifs rather than simply copying the costume. This style combines classic Western styles with current trends: a denim corset instead of a classic shirt, a shiny fringed jacket instead of a suede cape. Cowboycore is both playful and fashionable, and its essence is a conscious reference to pop culture and street style.
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Western core, on the other hand, refers to the historical look of the 19th-century West. Authentic styles, materials, and functionality are at the heart of this style. This style honors heritage and is often chosen by those fascinated by Western culture and heritage fashion. The difference, then, lies in the intention: Western core is a tribute, while cowboycore plays with convention.
Microtrends within cowboycore
The cowboycore style is incredibly broad and flexible, and its distinct identity doesn't prevent numerous branches and interpretations from emerging. Within it, diverse aesthetics develop, allowing Western motifs to be adapted to individual tastes, personalities, and situations. It's increasingly clear that this trend doesn't operate as a single, rigid model. Here are the most important microtrends within cowboycore!
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Double denim look (so-called cowboy tuxedo) – a modern take on the total denim look: a denim corset, high-waisted shorts, pastel shades and distressed details that give classic denim a contemporary character.
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Boho-western – a combination of airy, romantic fabrics with raw accents like a suede vest or cowboy boots; a style perfect for summer and festivals.
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Y2K cowgirl – a western interpretation of early 2000s fashion: mini skirts, shiny fringed tops and bold color accents.
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Luxury West – a premium version of the Western style promoted by fashion houses (e.g. Maison Margiela, Isabel Marant, Chloé), i.e. noble fabrics, silk fringes, jewelry inspired by traditional craftsmanship, but made of precious stones.
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Festival fringe glam – cowboycore in an evening and party version: metallic fringes, sequins, glitter and eye-catching jackets.
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- Large gray resin earrings
- Rigid transparent resin bracelet
- Large silver bamboo bracelet
- Large black obsidian ring
Why did Cowboycore become a trend?
Cowboycore emerges at the intersection of several contemporary phenomena and responds to the current needs of fashion consumers. Above all, it is a natural extension of a fascination with nostalgia and heritage aesthetics—references to the style of the past with a modern approach to form and detail. Cowboycore offers a sense of rootedness and a symbolic reference to freedom and independence. At the same time, it allows for self-expression through distinctive, expressive wardrobe pieces. Its ability to combine diverse styles, as well as the context itself, are also significant. As mentioned earlier, pop culture events also played a significant role—the series Yellowstone, the success of Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter, and the presence of stars in Western styles at fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, and New York.
How to Wear Cowboycore – Practical Tips and Styling Examples
Cowboycore style looks its best when it balances classic and bold—nothing over the top, but with character. It's not about dressing up like a Western, but rather a fashionable nod to its aesthetic. Just one bold accent—cowboy boots, fringe, or a hat—is enough to elevate the entire look.
Styles inspired by the Wild West aesthetic don't have to be literal. The power of cowboycore lies in the details and the skillful balance between rawness and lightness. A denim jumpsuit paired with bright accessories, a flowing dress broken up by a fringed jacket, or suede pieces in earthy tones are just some of the ways to capture the spirit of this trend.
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Layering is one of the most effective ways to create an eye-catching and atmospheric look. Cowboycore style gains strength when raw fabrics are paired with soft, natural materials, and the simplicity of the cut is broken with detail. Opt for jewelry that attracts attention and adds a Western touch to the look. Round earrings with unusual shapes and textures, thick chains, colorful resin bracelets, and gold-plated enamel rings work well in cowboycore-inspired outfits – light yet expressive accents that work beautifully with denim and natural materials.
Must-have styling
Certain elements have become an essential part of cowboycore, establishing the trend's recognition and giving the look an instant Western flair. These pieces are a must-have in your wardrobe:
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cowboy boots – leather, embroidered, often in white, red or pastel colors, they go great with jeans, dresses and skirts;
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fringe – they appear on jackets, vests, skirts, handbags, and sandals. They add movement and lightness;
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cowboy hat – from the classic Stetson to its modernized versions made of denim or straw;
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Denim – preferably in a total look. A shirt and shorts or a denim corset with bell-bottoms are absolute classics.
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bolo tie – a strap with a decorative clasp, a stylized necklace worn with a white shirt or tank top;
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leather accessories – belts with a large buckle, handbags with a western pattern, fingerless gloves.
