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Dating back to the early 1800s, the rodeo–and the now-iconic apparel that comes along with it–owes its popularity to the Mexican cowboys or vaqueros who not only originated, but perfected the craft. In 1845, when the United States annexed Texas and claimed a large portion of Mexico along with it, cowboy culture slowly but surely became woven into the American West’s way of living–paving the way for the daring performances and feats of strength we see in communities like Fallon today. With this much history and significance, attending a rodeo and dressing the part–whether it’s your first rodeo or not–can feel a bit daunting. But no need to worry, here are a few tips that will have you feeling as confident as the cowboys and cowgirls taking on bucking broncos.
Let’s start at the top–literally! Perhaps one of the most defining pieces of the cowboy-aesthetic and style is the cowboy hat, a term that only became popularized in the 1920s. Built for durability and functionality against the elements, the hat was created by John B. Stetson in 1865 and deemed the “Boss Of The Plains” hat. Today the cowboy hat is still a versatile and unique addition to an outfit for the looking to mesh with their personality.
From cowboys to rockstars, and the average joe alike–the bandana has long been a staple of American fashion. You can tie it around the neck, loop it through your belt, or weave it through your hair–there is no wrong way to rock the bandana, especially not at the rodeo!
Similar to the bandana, plaid shirts are a popular accessory and clothing item that can be utilized in a myriad of ways. Wearing one as a shirt or tying one around your waist to wear over your clothes will not only add a layer of warmth on particularly cold evenings, but also a flair of fun to your outfit.
A significant accessory for the average cowboy, the belt has ultimately become synonymous with the rodeo scene–but not just any belt, oh no! Leather belts with large, often considered flashy, belt buckles have long served as a way of communicating your prowess in the sport. Given the trend-treatment by Hollywood it is now a great way to show off some of your personality (and also just keep your pants up).
Speaking of pants–blue jeans are an iconic staple of the Cowboy fashion scene. Men and women alike have been known to throw on a trusty pair of denims and head to the rodeo, so if you go with these you’ll definitely fit right in.
Talk about a shoe that has stood the test of time–Cowboy boots have been a staple of U.S. fashion since the 1800s and were inspired by the vaquero-style of boots brought to the Americas from Spain as far back as the 1600s. Although not everyone who wears them today can claim to use them for the once-intended purpose of staying anchored in the stirrups while riding, these days the shoe is an essential must-have item of the cowboy aesthetic. With endless options for colors and styles you are sure to find a pair that fits with whatever you decide to wear during your trip to the rodeo.
When in doubt, stick to the classic patterns, prints and colors. Anything with tassels, fringe, denim, or snakeskin print is a safe bet. Additionally, when it comes to colors, gold, silver, and turquoise are popular picks.
While these tips are a good place to start, the most important thing to remember when dressing for the rodeo is to have fun! Wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident above all else–allow your inner confidence to shine through and there is no doubt that you will fit right in with this lively crowd. Ready to show off your best cowboy-chic fashion look? Break out your western-wear and saddle on up to the rodeo in Fallon!
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