Today I’m going over three outfits you could wear to any hoedown or event where you may need to dress western, such as going line dancing or dressing up for spirit week if you’re in high school. I grew up in a rural town outside of Detroit (oxymoron, I know), and used to have a big hoedown in one of our barns every year. We’d have a pig roast, line dancing, and plenty of hayrides, but my favorite part was dressing extra “country” for the fun of it. If you have somewhere to go where you need a western-inspired outfit, I have three looks that go from understated to flashy to fit whatever style you’d like to encompass.
“The Deputy”
This is the most subtle look of all three outfits. It would probably be best for a more casual setting because it is definitely western without being too over the top. I worked my own style into this ensemble with the Ralph Lauren ruffle shirt, but then added the belt for a little bit of flair. The gold-toe booties are considered a shorter cowboy boot style, but can be worn on a day-to-day basis. 
“The Sheriff”
This outfit is more of an attention grabber that would be perfect for a costume / spirit week / or if you’re feeling extra bold. This is the one I’d choose to wear to a hoedown because I enjoy going over the top when it comes to “themed” outfits. The shirt is Ralph Lauren with an equestrian bridle print on it, and the fringe vest I borrowed from my friend Faylyn. The vest is perfect for completing my sheriff look!
“The Outlaw”
This is a mix between subtle and flashy as it mixes in western pieces into a darker outfit. The bandana gives it more of an “outlaw” feel, but you could easily go without it for a more streamlined style. I borrowed the western earrings from my mom to dress up the black turtle neck and the black cowboy hat is perfect to complete the “dark horse” demeanor. If you feel like bringing an edge to a western outfit, you could add in a black leather jacket as well.
I hope you enjoyed my three western-inspired looks. I’m going to a hoedown this weekend and plan on wearing the second look with the cowboy booties from the first and third look.
Katherine Kimes
August 1, 2015 at 12:31 pm (8 years ago)I am going to a hoedown wedding in September of 2015? What do you recommend that I wear? What is proper attire?
thedressdecoded
August 3, 2015 at 8:50 pm (8 years ago)How fun! I wish I was going!
I’d go with a chambray dress with cowgirl booties, or if you want to be slightly dressier – this shabby apple dress is really cute and fits the bill http://www.shabbyapple.com/shop/gday-dress/.
Since others may go the same chambray dress route, I think a red (or navy) polka dot dress is country-chic enough to go with the theme.