Let’s talk Western basics that always work. From the shirts to the boots and the lived-in denim and the sultry sway of fringe–we’re wild for the look and it’s so easy to incorporate into everyday wear. Western looks make you feel something–there’s a collection of people that live in the open land, work the land and love it most. Ranch life. Rodeo excitement. A saloon or two. If in this reading, you yearn for a bigger belt buckle–we’ve done our job. 

It’s important to note the role Ralph Lauren plays in the romanticizing of the western heritage appeal, the hard but admirable work of ranch life and that adventurous and free-spirited storyline. 

And we want to do right by Ralph. All Hat and No Cattle is not the vibe. We want to suit you up so you manifest the look and feel part of the wild west–as if you didn’t just buy it but have been dreaming about it this whole time.

Now that we have the essence of the aesthetic, let’s view it through an elevated lens–more runway and less stable. This is a highlight reel of pieces that are styled for Paris and New York so there are zero chances it looks costumey. Think ranch-to-city or where you’d take these looks–perhaps ranch-country stops including Jackson Hole and Aspen. This is luxury western wear that still embraces a men’s rugged sensibility and a wild streak with women. Now, let’s saddle up. 

The origin story of beloved Westerncore looks start with the timeless denim shirt. Whether in chambray, corduroy or more distressed versions, this shirt solidifies that you’ve nailed the western trend. 

On the men’s side, Savas offers the Lowry shirt in terracotta and sapphire suede while their Allen denim shirt is the more traditional route. Elevated western style can be found in Brunello Cucinelli’s snap-front option in a rich red mahogany hue that keeps you in this season’s sought-after colorway. Robert Talbott has the established look with a more polished perspective and both Sartorio and Ksubi offer more personality-loaded options with fading, distressing and artistic embroidered stitching. 

Consider styling with chinos, corduroy pants or a denim-on-denim look but in a different wash. The key to keeping things refined is adding more luxury to this lived-in shirt’s utilitarian feel so weaving in elevated materials also helps to keep things top-shelf.

For the ladies, the classic western shirt takes on many forms, morphing into a modern approach for a new take on styles of the old west. TWP’s relaxed, blousy silhouette comes in a neutral tone while this season from Mother shows the brand really leaning into country charm with a number of selections including a denim option with white piping details and prairie looks from a denim shirt with white trims with embroidery and scalloped edges and a cream cotton shirt with eyelet embroidered ruffles that look at home on the range. Have fun with these tops and style with long skirts, leather boots and all your bootcut denim.

Denim is the thread that runs through a western collection. It gives it an edge, a durability and a hardy material that’s made for working and wearing forever. It’s why fading and distressing are badges of honor.

Men will love the Ralph Lauren RRL slim-fit style inspired by late-’60s denim for a vintage throwback that highlights the male physique. Versace offers styles with intense fading in a stonewash fabric as well as a dirty wash design that’s animated and suited for a pair of cowboy boots. A more youthful look from Ksubi has yoke embroidery and is part of a matching set with the above-mentioned shirt.

Ladies, you can’t go wrong with a bootcut style so a dark rinse option from Rag & Bone or a baby bootcut in coated black denim from L’agence are easy choices to get the look. If you desire a statement jean, Veronica Beard gets playful with elongated suede panels down the front that’s reminiscent of men’s chaps. Mother gives us a front-yoke jean in a wash aptly named Cosmic Cowgirl (so it’s a sure thing). Finally, make Dolly Parton proud and wear the distressed sequin jeans that has us hearing the song “Rhinestone Cowboy” on repeat.

When you crave that rugged and earthy look, you turn to suede and leather. Both materials are foundation styles to the western aesthetic as they originated from the practical needs of working cattle ranchers and cowboys. If there’s one easy way to execute that wild and adventurous spirit, it’s with these outerwear pieces.

Options for men can be found easily. Founded in Nashville, Savas has nailed it (no surprise) and comes out swinging with a double-breasted suede peacoat with a removable collar. This stately piece is long and imposing (something you’d see in an old western movie). Following that up is another Savas design with traditional yoke detailing with modern zip elements. Even Peter Millar offers up a leather vest that will help to bring that rugged approachability to life (not to mention it’s a killer layer). When it comes to patina, the black leather blazer from Savas gives you that seasoned and broken-in visual with a hand-sanded finish moving between matte and luminous–special beyond compare.

Women can enjoy suede and leather looks from ARMA. Crafted from a modern leather house, this brand brings us a cognac leather, crocodile pattern trench coat for major drama and a sweeping silhouette. Another piece is the reversible statement coat that features both a leather and a curly, shearling side for a two-in-one creation. Really, anything from the brand is going to get you that elevated western sensibility so it’s a great starting point. Try Veronica Beard’s cropped suede jacket that is a bit more contemporary or a bomber silhouette from L’agence that stays in theme with materials but is a small departure from the core western wardrobe.

Plaid=western. It’s just one of the rules. It signals rural workwear like no other. Men’s Ralph Lauren RRL has a blue option that’s effortless and easygoing. From golden hues or red selections, there’s a plaid for every personality. Tip the scales on luxury and go for the versatile grey design from Brunello Cucinelli. For the ladies, a tried and true look from Ronny Kobo has the ideal rusty brown and gold colorway with decorative buttons and matching pants for a look that screams HOWDY!

Fringe is a key western detail so adding it here and there cements the look. Another Dolly-endorsed option is the denim trucker jacket from Mother that’s adorned with rhinestone fringe for a party piece that’s equal parts glam and gutsy. Find more fringe with the Toteme fringe scarf jacket or TWP’s cozy cardigan. Heck, even the Moncler scarf has a western feel in brown plaid with fringe–and it’s unisex so anyone in your house can rock it.

The only way to add some giddy-up to your step is with a pair of western boots. For men, Ralph Lauren Purple Label throws its hat in the ring with a suede option that has a Chelse boot silhouette and traditional western stitching. The lighter hue pushes it into a more up-to-date look than traditional, dark brown varieties. To Boot’s worn-in, vintage treatments at the toe of their dark suede boot gives it grit. 

Women get to play the cowgirl with a dark brown western bootie with logo heels from Valentino that also offers a tall, equestrian style for a bit more polish. The black leather riding boot from Brunello Cucinelli is designed with a band of sparkling monili for a city-girl detail.  

Boots are deeply rooted in western DNA. If you’re worried about western style looking too much like a costume, remember–it’s all in the styling. Adding too much looks forced and the clothes are wearing you and not the other way around. 

Consider each western-inspired selection as your rugged element then aim to refine with luxurious fabrics, glamorous touches or pieces that add a little panache and soften rough edges. Bring your personality into it as well: roll the sleeves, pop your collar and add contradicting elements for a modern contrast and update. Bring modernity to the look. It’s less I-got-my-hands-dirty-today and more emulating the most attractive movie star in an old western movie.

Almost as important as boots, your belt tells a story. This men’s Orciani belt in brown leather has colorful western embroidery that adds a rustic charm. The same goes for the lighter brown leather belt with diamond embroidery. Both feature a carved, brushed leather for a crackle finish. 

On the women’s side, the Chloé belt stuns with galloping horses on the buckle as well as a hidden logo. L’agence’s concho belt offers a Southwestern and Native American jewelry design that’s very noticeable. Lastly, TWP’s option with a silver horse motif buckle can’t be more on point. Bottom line: these small details will rope them in.

If you aren't convinced or still need inspo–turn on the TV series Yellowstone, search for cow print accessories, load up on corduroy and learn an old country song or two. At the very least, shop Ralph Lauren RRL in-store or online. It’s our popular western anchor brand on the men’s side and whether you lean into this cotton leaf print shirt or a work shirt with a corduroy collar (bonus) or a slim black denim shirt with diamond snaps–you’re doing the damn thing and hats off to you.