When it comes to perfecting quintessential summer looks — this ain’t our first rodeo. The viral coastal cowgirl ensemble is no exception.
Celebs far and wide fancy the coastal cowgirl aesthetic. Actress Pamela Anderson has been rocking the look for decades. And model Kendall Jenner is practically synonymous with sun-kissed, Western flare.
The flirty, country-inspired look — which is currently all the rage among influencers, too — took over TikTok this spring. And with more than 90 million video views to date, it looks like this trend is here to stay throughout the summer months and beyond.
What is the ‘coastal cowgirl’ aesthetic?
Giddy up, cowgirls. We’ve got the deets on the only wardrobe pieces you need this summer. And no, you don’t need to reside seaside or hop on a horse to rock them.
But first, what exactly is the coastal cowgirl look? Here’s what the experts say.
“Overall, the coastal cowgirl trend is both rugged and relaxed,” fashion expert, Samantha Sutton, told InStyle. “It combines the easy breezy coastal feel that comes from knits and oversized button-downs with classic ‘cowgirl’ essentials, like denim, Western boots, big buckle belts, and even cowboy hats.”
In a nutshell, think Yellowstone’s Beth Dutton but with a chic, Malibu spin.
Of course, the coastal cowgirl look goes far beyond the clothes — it’s an entire aesthetic. And one that can even be implemented in the home, no Dutton-esque ranch necessary.
“I would say the base of this style is refined furniture made from woods, leathers, and airy fabrics,” Kyra Smolkin, a Los Angeles-based creative director, told Clever. “From there it’s just about layering on your favorite throws, hanging some vintage frames, and showing your personality through knickknacks you collect at your favorite [flea markets] or throughout your travels.”
Where to shop the coastal cowgirl trend
Ready to get the look? Here are the best brands using sustainable and ethical materials to shop for all of your coastal, Western wardrobe needs.
Christy Dawn, Summer Dresses
Throw on a fun and flirty floral sundress courtesy of Christy Dawn. Founded in 2013, the brand makes its beautiful pieces using regenerative cotton and deadstock fabric, or leftover textiles. For total beach vibes, snag the Emma Dress in Oat Straw Cream or the Shay Dress in Wildflower Bouquet. The latter features a fitted bodice and adjustable spaghetti straps and pairs perfectly with a pair of tan-colored cowboy boots.
Stella McCartney, Cowboy Boots
For vegan cowboy boots made for walking, opt for Stella McCartney. Not only are the Cowboy Boots vegan, but they also feature “ornate stitching and a Cuban heel” for feet candy that’s equal parts sophisticated and yeehaw.
Smart Glass Jewelry, Recycled Jewelry
This eco-friendly company gives the beachy, cowgirl trend a sustainable twist. Add a little summer sparkle to your fingers with the brand’s iconic, chunky rings, which are made from post-consumer bottles salvaged from restaurants and even dumpsters. No one piece is like the other — each ring is unique, from the Cobalt ring made from a vodka bottle to the Perwinkle ring made from a sake bottle. The recycled jewelry brand also carries vibrant necklaces and earrings like the new Double Dangle Wave Earrings, available in colors inspired by the ocean.
Reformation, Sustainable Denim
From maxi skirts and handkerchief tops to shorts and vests, Reformation has all the sustainable denim a vacay-bound country girl could ever fancy. The company also makes shopping with the planet in mind easy with its helpful “sustainability” drop-down menu, which gives consumers the option to sort denim by “organically grown,” “recycled material,” and “regeneratively grown” categories.
Corkadia, Vegan Leather Belts
No vacay-ready, Wild Wild West outfit is complete without a leather belt. For a sustainable, vegan option, check out Corkadia’s colorful belts. Featuring antique bronze-colored buckles, they’re perfect for pairing with a pair of jeans or a summer dress.
Related on Ethos:
- Vegan Leather Cowboy Boots for the Eco Western Festival-Ready Look
- Stella McCartney’s Pre-Fall 2022 Collection: Beatles Inspiration and Vegan Leather Cowboy Boots
- 9 Luxe, Leather-Free Mules and Clogs and How to Style Them
- 13 Fair Trade, Sustainable Denim Brands: Perfect Fit Jeans for You and the Planet
