Saddle-Up Style: Coastal Cowgirl May Be The Hottest Microtrend Of Summer

#Coastalcowgirlaesthetic boasts more than 18.8 million views on TikTok, and the new coastal cowgirl trend is described by Holt Renfrew fashion director Joseph Tang as a mix of “Californian ease and nonchalant attitude paired back with a Western-inspired aesthetic. It’s perfect for the summer months.” While many microtrends are, by definition, short-lived one-offs, the timelessness of essential Western wear like cowboy boots and straw hats, along with lived-in denim, lends a universal appeal to this fashion moment. “The coastal cowgirl trend is easily adaptable and appeals to all ages and body types,” Tang remarks on its universality. 

But the indisputable anchor of this social media-fuelled fashion moment is the footwear. Regardless of the fit or finish, whether new or vintage, a classic cowboy boot shape ensures the coastal cowgirl moment translates from online to IRL. Says Tang, “The Western-inspired boot is a staple for this look … whether it is a modern take on a cowboy boot or a more rugged ankle boot done in suede or distressed leather. The boot is a must to achieve this look.”

Boot options abound at Western wear stores; for a more fashion-y take, Tang recommends options from brands like Ganni, Khaite and Toral. Or, go local. Vancouver-based influencer and entrepreneur Tessa Lindsay Garcia’s boot brand, Mija, offers a Vaquero Boot—a classic cowboy design she refers to as one “everyone could wear … multiple ways. The easiest way to style them at first would be just with a simple T-shirt dress. One of my favourite looks … is wearing them with a longer dress, midi or maxi length so the boots just peek out. Also, tucked into some mom jeans is a look I love.” While the search for a new supplier has forced some stock issues for the nearly sold-out style, Garcia hopes to have the boot back in soon with expanded colour options.  

Boots secured, Tang recommends pairing them with distressed, relaxed-fit jeans or shorts for a seasonal spin. For those eager to view runway examples of the coastal cowgirl trend, Tang points to spring 2023 collections from Miu Miu, Acne Studios and Chloe. As long as it’s denim, anything goes. 

“What I like about the trend is that it’s a study of contrasts: utilitarian, Western-inspired essentials combined with an elevated-yet-relaxed beachy vibe,” Jill Guenza, Levi’s global VP of women’s design, says. “My favourite iterations of this style are pared back and contrast crisp elements with lived-in denim. For example, black frayed denim 501 mid-thigh shorts with an oversized white button-down shirt like our Nola … worn open over a cropped tank and a cowboy boot-inspired mule.”

The trend, she says, resonates well with the brand in both origin—and desire for authenticity. “Levi’s history is intertwined with the rise of the Wild West. There’s an authentic connection between denim and ranching that’s rooted in functionality and purpose. Trends tend to feel most compelling when there’s a visible degree of authenticity that’s been pushed and pulled and permutated into something new.”

Coastal cowgirl also presents the perfect opportunity to lean into the denim-on-denim trend that continues to live on this summer. “[It’s] a great opportunity to mix denim pieces together … that have similar shades of blue and, keeping the cowgirl references subtle, will elevate the look and prevent it from going too costume-y.”

To complete your ensemble, Tang’s instinct is to lean in to eye-catching accessories—a mixture of metal tones and “statement beads” ranging from precious pearl strands to colourful acrylic-material novelty pieces are perfect for adding interest to the dressed-down look. “This trend is all about clashing traditional codes of dressing and making it feel authentic to the wearer.” Cowboy hat, optional. —Aleesha Harris

Five-Step Style

1. The perfect amount of flirty meets easy breezy, Aritzia’s tiered Sunday Best Martine Dress ($98) is primed to be worn on repeat this summer. Available in a selection of shades, we’re partial to the white version, which hits the Prairie vibe perfectly. 

2. Add a dose of cowgirl attitude to all your fits this summer with Dingo 1969 Women’s Primrose Leather Cowgirl Boots ($180 at Lammles.com). The leather style features floral embroidery and a sleek, retro-inspired pointed toe, and the lower-height boot shaft means these will work for many calf sizes. 

3. Nothing dresses up a rugged-yet-relaxed look quite like a piece of gold. A slightly oversized hoop earring like Mejuri’s Dome Hoops ($88) elevate an overall look without breaking the bank. 

4. For a fresh-faced home-on-the-range look, give your lips a hit of hydration and a kiss of shine with Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment ($24, which features shea butter and peptides to hydrate and plump. 

5. Paris meets Prairies with a Dior Diorodeo Large Brim Hat ($1,400). The style features an almost-houndstooth effect, along with a stylish grosgrain band for added style points.