Saddle Up: Women Are Leading Western Fashion

Cowboy boots are out of style. The replacement: cowgirl boots. Magazines, media, and high fashion runways are paving the way for the overwhelming surge of Western and bohemian fashion trends that are taking control of American consumers. The quintessential leather, fringe, and denim look has made a decisive return, and they are clearly here to stay. 

Western wear is constantly making its mark on fashion and culture throughout history, although this new surge is different than previous times. With this resurgence, women are taking the reins and dominating Western fashion trends. 

Historically, seeing Western trends become prevalent and desirable in womenswear was unheard of. Throughout American culture and history, American media has fabricated the typical “cowboy” archetype as rugged, masculine, and, most notably: being donned by a man. From various advertising campaigns, to fashion marketing, and even old Hollywood films, extensive profits are a product of the employment and depiction of the typical cowboy. 

In all facets of pop culture, no matter the time period, these depictions have led to the popularity and attractiveness of the Western aesthetic in men's fashion. Films such as The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, country music icons including Willie Nelson, and depictions of actors like Matthew McConaughey’s authentic Texan persona all contribute to this Western schema. Current trends and media continue to uphold this self-sufficient and powerful image, but behind the identities of these campaigns are women. Beyonce’s Grammy-winning debut country album, Bella Hadid’s embracement of Western style, among others, have solidified influential women in modern media, furthering the Western aesthetic and the style’s influence on society.

 In all aspects of media, “The Cowboy” is known and praised for his confidence, courage, and independence. Female wearers of Western fashion are adopting and claiming new ownership of these traits through self-expression via their clothing. 

This rise of Western fashion in women’s closets is symbolic of the overarching rise of feminism and female empowerment in modern culture. Compared to previous time periods in history, women are taking more prominent roles in society in every field. The redefinition of the typical expectation of a mother, increasing rates of women in the workforce, and women pursuing higher levels of education are all examples of the shifting roles and norms of women in society. 

It is no surprise that these changes are also challenging boundaries in women’s fashion. The shift of “The Cowboy” to “Cowgirl” archetype is not merely a rising trend in fashion, it is symbolic of female empowerment and self-sufficiency.

While women are influencing everything from fashion trends to the workforce, this shift is unfortunately falling short in one essential field: high-level roles and leadership within the world of fashion.

Within the fashion industry, the majority of both consumers and employees are women. However, only 12.5% of fashion CEOs are women. Shockingly enough, despite the fact that the majority of individuals enrolled in fashion schools are women, there are still fewer female CEOs in fashion than in the aerospace and finance industries. 

Due to the ever-present gender divide in the fashion hierarchy, individuals in positions of power are searching for ways to cultivate a working environment that involves more women at the top. Unfortunately, even with increased awareness and evolving workplace norms, the fashion industry continues to struggle with creating leadership opportunities for women.

Patrice Louvet, CEO of Ralph Lauren, has communicated his intentions and hopes for a more equal workplace dynamic in the fashion industry. Despite these pushes for reform, it is difficult to “undo” these roles to create equality, especially when most executive roles in fashion are already assigned. 

While fashion consumers are seeing trends that empower and break molds for women, the boardroom still lags behind. It's time the industry reflects that same energy behind the scenes, where high-level roles remain overwhelmingly male. The Cowboy is known and praised for his confidence, courage, and independence. Now, it’s the Cowgirl’s turn—not just on the runway, but in every room where decisions are made.