Rodeo Ready

Get Rodeo Ready

Your Complete Rodeo Style Guide

Get Rodeo Ready

Bucking horses, cheering crowds, cotton candy, and cowboy boots.


Rodeo season is upon us.

Whether you’re attending the Calgary Stampede or dozens of other rodeos across Canada and the US, you want to dress the part. 


While these events don’t have a dress code, you should never pass on an opportunity to dress like a cowboy - or at least give your wardrobe a western edge. 


It’s the one time of year when anyone can rock bootcuts with actual cowboy boots and not feel like an impostor. Don’t be afraid to embrace the spirit of the rodeo through your style, even if you spend most of your time wandering the midway instead of riding bulls.


Adding Some Western Style to your wardrobe won’t be a one-and-done affair either. Farmhand fashion is so ingrained in our culture that most of pieces can be worked into your everyday wardrobe. Jeans, denim jackets, plaids, flannels, and even western button-ups can be just at home on the ranch as they are downtown.


So, whether you're cheering from the stands or actually competing, get ready to unleash your inner cowboy or cowgirl and make a stylish statement this rodeo season.



Rodeo Style Tips For Women

Ladies, a rodeo is your excuse to rope in some pieces you can rock well after the last horse is returned to the stable. On rodeo day, you’ll likely be out from high noon until past midnight, so you’ll want a fit that you can be comfy in until the cows come home.


Luckily, striking the balance between comfort and style is easy with western wear. Afterall, it’s design to be worked in all day.


Generally speaking, there are two approaches you can take to rodeo style. We’ll call them classic and unconventional. The former is more a traditional look while the latter has a bohemian twist. These aren’t hard and fast categories though, so feel free to mix and match these tips to create a look that works with your own personal style.

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Classic Cowgirl

Whether you’re heaving hay or strolling the midway, this look works. It typically includes some combination of a well-fitting shirt under a flannel overshirt with denim bottoms.


On top, a t-shirt or tank with a themed graphic or pattern is always fun. For flannels, try denim, gingham, plaid, a solid color, or even something with traditional western embroidery (ideally with pointed or sawtooth pockets for that extra western edge). You could also try tops in country flavoured patterns and styles, like floral blouses with puffy sleeves or peplum features.

For bottoms, consider Bootcut Jeans, straight leg jeans, or even overalls. No worries though, Skinny Jeans work too. Tuck your flannel or cowboy shirt into your jeans for a truly classic cowboy look that’ll have you fitting in with the barrel racers.


For hotter days, consider Denim Shorts or even a flowy dress or skirt.


For cooler evenings, you might also want to add A Denim Jacket or a, duster length cardigan. You could also go a bit edgier with a leather or buckskin jacket.


Classic Cowgirl:



  • Jeans or denim shorts
  • Flowy skirt or midi dress
  • T-shirt, tank, or crop top
  • Patterned or puffy blouse
  • Flannel overshirt
  • Denim jacket
  • Duster cardigan

Unconventional Cowgirl

Mix some bohemian flavour into your rodeo look. After all, both western and hippy cultures have a love of natural settings and roots in folk music. Because of these mutual influences, elements from these two styles usually play well together.

Flowy dresses or skirts, rompers, and flared jeans look just as good with Birkenstocks as they do juxtaposed with cowboy boots. For dresses and skirts, try Floral or Paisley Patterns, or stick with A Timeless White or Pastel Color.


If you don’t want to go with a dress, for bottoms you can try distressed or cut off jeans, denim body suit, or fringe skirts. All these items have a folky aura that can work well at the rodeo or the show in the evening.

"For tops, try out Off The Shoulder Shirts, Corset-Style Blouses, or other playful shirts that look like they could fit in at a saloon or a music festival."

As an outer layer, oversized flannels, blazers, a funky buckskin jacket, leather jacket, or poncho with a bold western pattern can have you ready for a night on the town or around the fire.


Mix these with some statement footwear, bold belt, and funky jewellery to get your Coachella cowgirl look on point.


Unconventional Cowgirl Essentials:

  • Distressed straight leg or bootcut jeans
  • Cut off denim shorts
  • Flowy maxis dresses
  • Fringe skirts
  • Bold jewellery
  • Buckskin jacket
  • Footwear

While cowboy boots are the obvious choice, many other options work for both the classic and unconventional cowgirl look. Anything with a leather, workwear, or country vibe can fit in at the rodeo.


  • Chelsea style boots
  • Chukkas
  • Ankle boots
  • Motorcycle boots
  • Knee high boots
  • Combat boots
  • Footwear

Accessorize

Round out your look with barn burner accessories that add a cowboy flair. Of course, a cowboy hat is the obvious choice, but a wide brim hat or even a trucker cap can also fit the vibe.


A western-inspired belt with a rodeo or cowboy buckle can complement you outfit. Others like concho belts or cinch belts also have a rustic feel.


Layered necklaces, wristbands, or jangly bracelets can add a boho flavour, specifically for the unconventional cowgirl look. A bandana as a headpiece or tied around the neck is touch that’s just as home on the ranch as it is around a drum circle.


Purses with a western twist can also accentuate the outfit. Try bags in leather textures with fringes or western rhinestone patterns.

Women’s rodeo accessories:



  • Leather necklaces and wristbands
  • Bold belt buckles
  • Jangly jewellery
  • Concho belts
  • Cinch belts
  • Bandanas
  • Wide brim hats
  • Cowboy hats
  • Trucker caps
  • Purses with fringes or western patterns
"Remember, rodeo fashion is all about embracing the spirit of the Wild West while expressing your personal style. Have fun experimenting with different elements and creating a look that makes you feel confident."

Styling Tips For Men

As with the ladies, a rodeo is the opportunity to add some timeless, western-influenced pieces to your wardrobe. Every boy played cowboy at some point in his childhood, so here’s the perfect excuse to add an outlaw attitude to your style.


Similar to the women’s section outlined above, there are two general directions guys can take with a western look. For our purposes we’ll call them classic and country.

Classic Cowboy

Channel your inner cowpoke with a stylish and rugged ensemble. Think George Strait, Tim McGraw, or your favourite characters from Yellowstone.


Start with a well-fitted t-shirt in a solid color or with a subtle western-inspired graphic. Pair it with a collared button-up shirt: Try plaid, gingham, chamois, or denim button-up shirts in a classic style or with cowboy details like pointed or sawtooth pockets, shotgun cuffs, or shoulder drops. These can also make for foundational pieces in your everyday wardrobe after the rodeo.


For bottoms, a pair of sturdy jeans in a straight or bootcut fit will give a western attitude. Look for denim with a rugged wash or distressed detailing. Complete the look with a leather belt adorned with a standout buckle. If you’re not feeling bold enough for a full-on rodeo style buckle, go with something a little bulky to get that cowboy feel without going over the top.


Consider layering with a denim jacket to stay comfortable into the evening. Accessorize with a cowboy hat or trucker cap.


Classic Cowboy Essentials:


  • Bootcut or straight leg jeans
  • Well-fitting t-shirt
  • Button up shirt in a classic or cowboy cut
  • Bold belt buckle
  • Trucker cap
  • Leather boots (cowboy or other)

Country Cowboy

This style adds some bold and edgy pieces to the classic cowboy look to take it from rancher to rockstar. Think of the timeless style pioneered by Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings.


Give your outfit an edge with shirts or blazers with embroidery, rhinestone belts, concho belts, bandanas, bolo ties, vests, crocodile skin textures, and anything with a fringe. You can also layer up with a buckskin, leather, or duster jacket.


Men's Rodeo Footwear

As with the ladies, men don’t have to feel obligated to wear cowboy boots – even though this is the perfect excuse to do so. That being said, almost any chunky casual or workwear boot with a leather texture can fit in at the rodeo.


  • Cowboy boots
  • Chelsea boots
  • Chukkas
  • Motorcycle boots
  • Trench or combat boots

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