Hey Guys! Today’s post is brought to you by Jen. Jennifer Monahan is a country cowgirl and mom of 2 fantastic kids out of Jackson Hole Wyoming. When she’s not working on her ranch or riding, she likes to keep up and write about the newest fashion trends. You can follow her on twitter @Jenmonahan76.
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Everyone has a favorite pastime; a hobby that we all enjoy to the point of going out and spending money to show our support and spirit. For some of us, rodeos are the way to go. Unfortunately, they can be a little pricey if you plan on going all out with your outfit. Here are a few extraordinary pieces of clothing that you can get for a fraction of the cost.
Iconic Cowgirl Boots Make The Cowgirl
Image Via Flickr User johnnyvintage
Cowgirl boots are the most iconic piece of every rodeo chic outfit. Rodeo’s tend to keep you on your feet a lot, and you obviously want to look fantastic. So if there’s one piece of your get-up you may want to splurge a little on, it’s on your cowgirl boots. A good set of authentic, leather cowgirl boots are a worthy investment, since they’re not only great for rodeos, but for a plethora of other occasions as well, because they go with basically everything.
Real genuine leather conforms to your foot, giving you a beautiful custom fit. Properly crafted soles from trusted brands like Justin, Ariat and Nocona won’t wear down no matter how many rodeos and nights out on the town you put them through. If the rodeo you’re planning on might be getting wet and muddy, you may want to consider cowgirl boots with rubber soles. The price tag might be a little shocking at first, but it’s better to spend $150 or more on a great pair of boots, that go with most anything, one time, then it is to spend $50 on something you’ll have to replace time and time again.
Tops and Dresses
Image Via Flickr User Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious
Rodeos are notorious for having festive shirts that scream spirit and adventure. You can find a fantastic, yet traditional button down rodeo shirt, complete with frills, fringes and other fixings of your choice around $21 to $45. Patriotic red or blue plaid button down shirts with or without patterns or designs stitched into them are traditional for rodeos or any western affair. Many online retailers have larger selections than a lot of their in-store counterparts and provide better financial options. Don’t feel bad for shopping around, though. You’d be surprised what kind of a steal you could find at the local thrift store or second hand clothing chain.
If you prefer to go a little less traditional and amp up the rodeo spirit with a more modern style, a simple rodeo dress could be the perfect way to go. These dresses can range from $30 to $290. Like the shirts, shop around online or at a second-hand store for the best deal. Shop around on and offline, be sure to check out any local western wear stores, they have been known to have periodic “blow-out” sales especially around winter time.
Unique and Custom Handcrafted Bottoms
When you go to a rodeo, you want to be comfortable in what you’re wearing. A lot of times, a good pair of old jeans is a perfect way to get that classic rodeo look and feel. Feel free to tear them up a bit, rugged, shredded jeans are quite alright at rodeos. However, if you’re heading to the depths of the rodeo in the heights of summer you may want to wear a pair of jean shorts or skirt. If you’re looking to save a little extra, take an old pair of jeans and cut them to the length you want. This way, you’re able to fashion a nice, authentic look without breaking the bank. Many stores also cater to the cowgirl in all of us by offering simple yet stylish semi-athletic skirts. If you want the extra flare but don’t want to spend the extra dollar, turn that simple skirt into an arts and crafts project. Grab a few plastic gems, jewels or fabric glitter and glue and go to town. Custom work is often the best work.
Cowgirl Accessories
Accessorizing your cowgirl outfit is a fun and budget friendly way to really make it your own. Here are a few things you can’t forget about
- Belts – Anything from the traditional thick brown leather ones to a more southwestern style with turquoise and light brown woven leather.
- Belt Buckles – A great thing to search around for at flea markets or garage sales for cheap. Vintage belt buckles can really make your outfit come together.
- Hats – Cowgirl hats come in all different shapes, sizes, colors and materials. From brown to pink, from felt to suede to straw. For leather and suede hats, unless you can find an amazing deal on them, straw’s the way to go. They’re inexpensive and airy for those hot summer days. They’re also classic and you can add embellishments like suede braids and silver or turquoise medallions, which can usually be found in antique shops or flea markets for cheap.
- Bandanas – Any simple bandana will do, or if you have an old shirt or a piece of cloth you can cut up, make one yourself. Tie the bandana behind your neck so the triangle portion is in front of you.
- Jewelry, Etc. – While you’re out and about at any flea markets, western stores or second hand shops, pick up any earrings, bracelets or even spurs that fits within your budget. However stick to silver or turquoise, gold is no-no at rodeos.
Accessorizing is a fun and easy way to own your style, use what you already own and check out pawn shops, flea markets or online market sites like EBAY, Amazon or Etsy.com for great deals. Honestly, these choices are so vast the combinations are infinite.
These are just a few things you can utilize when gearing up for a good ol’ time. Mix and match, go traditional or modern, the choice is yours and so is the budget.
So Tell Me..
What are a few of your rodeo fashion favorites?
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