Embracing Western Fashion: The True Trendsetters

Aspen Edge, a petite figure standing at 5 feet and weighing just over 100 pounds, radiates style in her striking moto-style cowhide jacket. This cropped piece, adorned with flair, weighs approximately 15 pounds, which she strategically packs in a carry-on when traveling, ensuring it doesn’t affect her checked luggage.

While attending the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Aspen captures attention not just for her fashion but for her deep roots in Western culture. With amber brown hair and strikingly arched brows, she pairs vintage Western boots with matte-leather shorts, resonating with a new wave in NFR fashion. This blend of traditional and modern styles shows how the Western aesthetic continues to evolve.

Authenticity Over Celebrity

In a cultural moment where Western Americana is basking in the spotlight, Aspen stands among unsung heroes. Unlike celebrity fashion icons Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, who recently graced the cover of Vogue after a Western-themed shoot, the real trendsetters are the everyday cowgirls and ranchers embracing their heritage through fashion. For them, style emerges not from fleeting trends but from a rich cultural tapestry.

Fashion as Heritage

“Growing up on a ranch and competing in rodeos has ingrained Western heritage in me,” Aspen shares. She believes fashion serves as an essential expression of this heritage, enhancing its beauty. Her eclectic style, influenced by her experiences as both a ranch hand and a rodeo queen, showcases her ability to mix rugged denim with sparkling rhinestones, illustrating the versatility of Western attire.

Lineage, Not Logos

Aspen’s wardrobe is a testament to her commitment to lineage over logos. Seeking brands rooted in Western values, she sources hats from a family-run maker near Denver, emphasizing the significance of supporting local artisans. Her cowhide jacket, crafted by a unique brand from Cody, Wyoming, serves as a cherished reminder of her barrel racing days, melding nostalgia with contemporary flair.

The Vintage Appeal

Kimberly Williams embodies the vintage ethos in Western fashion. Her turquoise ensemble, featuring a yoke shirt adorned with embroidered roses, reflects pieces that tell stories. As a full-time horsemanship coach, she balances her passion for fashion with a practical lifestyle, communicating authenticity through every vintage item she wears, some of which have been in her collection for decades.

Coastal Cowboy Vibes

Emerging trends also highlight a blend of modern and classic in the Western fashion scene. Bekah Whinery’s “coastal cowboy” style exemplifies this mash-up, with her vintage T-shirt and boot-flare jeans paired with sneakers. This laid-back yet stylish approach signifies how younger generations are redefining Western attire while retaining its essence.

Values of Western Fashion

Overall, the essence of Western fashion encapsulates sustainability, durability, and originality. It reflects a lifestyle that values hard work and devotion, drawing parallels to Aspen Edge’s metaphor of Western culture as a tree with interconnected roots. Events like the NFR and the evolution of fashion play pivotal roles in maintaining these enduring values.

As the Western fashion landscape continues to evolve, it remains steadfast in its commitment to heritage and authenticity, ensuring that true trendsetters shine from within the culture rather than from the celebrity spotlight.