Cowboy Fever – How Beyonce Revived Western Wear

Whether you’re a part of the Beyhive or not, it’s safe to say that Beyoncé has infected us all with the Cowboy Fever. 

In March of 2024, the superstar dropped her 8th studio album and Act II of her fan-speculated musical trilogy titled Cowboy Carter. The album ranked #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and accumulated her three Grammys this year, including the incredible wins for Album of the Year, Best Country Album and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “II Most Wanted” with Miley Cyrus. With all this fame, it’s no surprise that cowboy hats, patriotic cutoffs and fringe accents are at the top of the trend cycle. 

Let’s strap on our boots and dig into the history and resurgence of Western wear in today’s fashion. We’ll also discuss some fire ways to spice up your Cowboy Carter concert looks. 

A Quick Lasso Through History

Before it was a Beyoncé aesthetic, western wear was the daily uniform of ranch hands, rodeo queens and yes, actual cowboys. Think: weather-beaten Stetsons, Levi’s jeans (wink wink) and practical button-downs built to survive life on the farm. While the classic silhouette still rides strong, fashion has always had a way of wrangling it into something a little more runway-worthy.

Since the 70s, the cowboy look has trotted in and out of pop culture – from Elton John and Dolly Parton’s rhinestone-studded ensembles, Madonna’s Music era in the early 2000s, to Lil Nas X breaking barriers with his single “Old Town Road” (2018). But Beyoncé has done more than dust off the saddle. Even with her Act I album, Renaissance (2022), we saw the precursor to this trend with the sudden uprise of disco cowboy boy hats. Now, she’s given the western look a global, genre-blending glow-up that celebrates and highlights Black American southern roots and reclaims the cowboy narrative as one that’s rich, diverse and fashion-forward.

Fashion’s Current Western Obsession

Western wear is the vibe right now, but it’s not just Beyoncé. Designers like Pharrell for Louis Vuitton and labels like Diesel and Acne Studios have been slinging western flair all over the runways. We’re getting fringe jackets, embellished belt buckles, snakeskin boots and yoke-detailed shirts – not just as festival staples but street style favourites.

TikTok is flooded with #yeehawcore and #cowboycarter hashtags, showing everything from thrifted bolo ties to full glammed-up rodeo queen fits. This modern Western look blends nostalgia with rebellion, perfect for those who want to nod to tradition and still make it fashionable.

How to Build Your Cowboy Carter Look

Whether you’re hitting her next tour stop, heading to a themed party or just want to add some southern spice to your everyday wardrobe, here are five easy ways to serve Cowboy Carter energy.

Start with a Hat

The cowboy hat is non-negotiable. Go classic with tan or black felt, or bring the drama with glitter, metallics or even feathers. If you’re a real diva, look for one with an oversized brim and custom detailing.

Mix Denim with Drama

Cowboy fashion has always loved denim, but Beyoncé ups the ante. Think patchwork jeans, extreme flair bottoms, denim corsets, or over-the-top jean jackets with fringe, embroidery or crystal accents. Don’t be afraid to go full Canadian tuxedo either.

Fringe, Baby, Fringe

Channel your inner Stevie Nicks by adding movement to your outfit with fringe on jackets, skirts or boots. It catches the light and creates instant main character energy, especially when you’re dancing in the crowd.

Statement Boots

Cowgirl boots are the western version of a sneakerhead’s grail. Go for embroidered leather, bold prints, metallic finishes or full-on rhinestones. Platform boots and square-toe styles also give a modern twist to the classic silhouette.

Layer Your Accessories

Add some glitz with chunky belts, bolo ties, turquoise jewelry, and Americana touches like flag patches or star studs. Or be just like the Queen Bey herself and rock some grilz. It’s all about creating a look that says, “Yeehaw – but make it fashion.”

Beyond the Concert – Western for Everyday

The great thing about the Cowboy Carter trend? It’s more versatile than you think. Try pairing a western button-up with tailored trousers for a business-casual remix. Layer a fringe vest over a graphic tee for a coffee-run look with attitude. Or just swap your sneakers for a low-key boot and call it a day.

Since we aren’t gatekeepers here, we linked some accessories so fire that Beyonce wouldn’t dare point at you and say “She ain’t no divaaaa”. 

Regardless, the cowboy vibe is all about feeling empowered – there’s something about stomping around in boots, with a wide-brimmed hat on, that makes you feel like the main character in your own spaghetti western (soundtracked, of course, by Beyoncé).