Fall 2018 fashion trend: Bohemian-Western style
A bootie is less of a commitment than a full-on cowboy boot and looks great with a tailored skirt or trousers -- try this Rebecca Minkoff women's pointed-toe, leather, low-heel boot; $178 at select Bloomingdale's stores and bloomingdales.com. Credit: Bloomingdale’s
Here’s the problem when designers go nuts for the Wild West: It usually looks like you’re dressed for Halloween. Fine, if you’re Gigi Hadid or one of the Jenners looking all Baja-boho at a Coachella party.
But here in the Northeast, it’s tougher to pull off.
A modern take on the Old West, with a black floral eyelet chiffon dress ($64.90), faux leather Western buckle belt ($19.90) and faux suede bootie ($62.90); at select Torrid stores and torrid.com. Credit: Torrid
The Western trend has been popping up on designer runways for easily the past two years — though these days it’s more refined.
“Forget about the rough and rugged look of the Wild West — today’s Western is polished,” says Afshin Haghani, co-owner of Gallery Couture, an airy, trend-savvy boutique in Manhasset. He suggests an East-meets-West mash-up: Take a pretty floral prairie-style dress, cinch it with a big-buckle belt, and top it off with a tailored jacket.
“That’s the look,” he says. “And what’s great about the trend is that you don’t have to go overboard.”
This dark denim shirt is more haute than home-on-the-range, and it will be available in September, $69.99 at H&M stores and hm.com. Credit: H&M
Invest in one key item that’ll give a nod to the trend, he suggests — whether it’s that Western belt, a flash of buffalo plaid or a denim shirt that you can wear buttoned up and tucked into a pencil skirt or trousers for a sleek look that’ll pass muster at the office.
Or the simplest purchase of all?
“Wear your favorite tailored dress with a Western-style bootie,” he says. You don’t have to go full-on cowboy boot — the bootie whispers westward, but makes an edgier, more urban statement. “It instantly updates your look,” Haghani says. “And you won’t feel like you’re wearing a costume.”
For a small investment in the Western trend, try this Sonoma Good for Life embossed belt; $26 at Kohl's stores and kohls.com. Credit: Kohl’s
We’ve scouted out some West-wear that’ll feel at home in Dodge — or Deer Park. No cactus required.
