Western Dress Styles and Inspiration

A Western wardrobe means more than just wearing your favorite pair of jeans and boots every day. In fact, just because you can’t wear a dress while horseback riding doesn’t mean you shouldn’t add Western cowgirl dress styles to your closet.

Western dresses are often a little bit longer and more conservative in style—and all of them can be paired with a good pair of cowgirl boots. There’s a Western-inspired style for every occasion, and cowgirl dresses come in short and long sleeve options perfect for all seasons. We’ll cover some of the basic Western dress styles and elements that provide that cowgirl vibe we all know and love.

Cowgirls Love Dresses With Lace

Lace is a popular Western dress feature. From full-lace over a slip to lace sleeves or eyelet details in the skirt, this style is a throwback to vintage Western dresses. While our modern Western styles don’t have as many of the frills—and thankfully fewer petticoats—they still pay homage to the Western fashion that came before, with classic lace detailing that dresses up your wardrobe without going overboard.

Flowy Dresses Offer Western Flair

Most Western dresses are looser, they don’t hug every curve. Instead, they are often flowy, making them a great choice for those humid summer days when you don’t want material clinging to every part of you. Instead, this looser fit allows the breeze to play gently with the skirt and keep you cooler during those warmer seasons.

Midi-Length Dresses for Cool Coverage

Many Western dresses come in a midi length—a perfect, conservative length for comfort during even the hottest summer days. Whether you are shopping for a wedding or attending a work event, a midi dress is always a great choice. Midi styles hit mid-calf, which leaves the perfect opportunity to show off your Western boots—or show just a bit of skin with booties.

Show Off Some Strappy Details

Western dresses may feature strappy, criss-cross details or a lace-up bodice. This fits in with the current fashion trends while staying true to your Western wardrobe roots. These strappy details add a bit of fun—and when paired with embroidered accents, stylish ribbon details, or tiered skirts, you’ve got a dress that you can wear for a variety of casual to dressy occasions.

Choose Dresses With Fringe Accents

Nothing says Western fashion like fringe. Whether it’s fringed sleeves or a fringed hem, it’s a telltale sign of Western wear. However, the fringe doesn’t have to the same brown or black suede that we may be used to seeing on Western jackets. Instead, you may find flowy, multi-colored dresses with fringe details, all-white dresses with delicate fringe, or pretty, feminine styles with tassel accents.

Denim Is a Western Staple

Is anything more Western than a denim dress? We don’t think so! Denim is the perfect choice for events from a Fourth of July barbecue with your family to your friend’s country wedding. You’ll stay cool and comfortable while looking perfectly adorable in a denim dress. Find denim dresses with little ruffle details or cold- or off-shoulder silhouettes.

Look for Western-Inspired Prints

Western-inspired patterns—arrows, horseshoes, or even an Aztec-inspired print—give dresses an extra something. Find printed dresses that feature bright florals, multi-colored cactus prints, a herd of horses, or gorgeous gingham check.

Fill out your Western wardrobe with dresses featuring these distinctly Western details. Cowgirl dresses are just-right, no matter the occasion. Explore our blog for more Western fashion tips.