

Playing with Fire
High heeled cowboy boots, felt hats in bold hues, fringe leather jackets—today’s trending western fashion pieces draw inspiration from the timeless wardrobe of the American West and contemporary runway trends of today. Although western fashion continues to grow and transcend boundaries into popular trends, the iconic aesthetic of the West remains through everything from the classic fabrications to the patterns and designs that are inspired by the Western landscape.
We connected with western fashion enthusiasts Lindsay Branquinho @lindsaybranquinho, Shaley Ham @WestDesperado, Kira Steiner @kiramaesteiner, and Marijka Hunsaker @Marijka_dam to hear their unique perspectives on incorporating Western heritage into their style and what makes the pieces of the West so iconic.


What are your favorite elements of western fashion?
Lindsay: I really love the vintage side of western fashion. It always goes back to the classics for me—things like denim and leather.
Shaley: I love how western fashion represents a way of life, and so I try to incorporate items into my wardrobe that reflect those values. For example, leather items, cowboy hats, or one-of-a-kind pieces all encompass a deeper meaning to the western lifestyle than just the fashion side of things, so I try my hardest to wear those with pride and reason.
Kira: The textures for sure. I love that in one single outfit, you can have snakeskin boots, a suede belt, cowhide purse, and a felt
hatand it will blend seamlessly.
Marijka: The traditional pieces like cowboy boots, belts, and hats.






What influences your style?
Lindsay: I’m so inspired by the past. I love that when you look back over the decades you can pick out which styles and pieces have true staying power. Those are the pieces that I am most drawn to because they’re chic and timeless.
Shaley: I gather fashion and styling inspiration from many places: Western tradition and heritage play a big role in some of the key pieces I look for within my wardrobe. High-fashion elements also help inspire my personal style, such as designers, runway shows and contemporary fashion magazines.
Kira: My lifestyle! I grew up on a dairy farm with horses, but also loved to get dressed up and take photos of my outfits around my small town growing up. I have always enjoyed different aspects of western and street style, thus combining the two to create my own personal brand.
Marijka: A handful of things. I think the way I was raised, as well as the religion I practice, influence a lot of how I dress. Beyond that, it's my surroundings, where I live, the activities I do, and the life I want to live. I live within minutes of canyons and beautiful mountain ranges, where we love to camp and get away from reality. I love the western way of life and while we are small time hobby farmers, this industry influences me big time in how I want to live, dress, and present myself.
How do you like to style cowboy boots?
Lindsay: Is there really any bad way to wear a cowboy boot? I’m currently loving them paired back to the longer midi to maxi
skirts that are big right now. I love being able to see just those few inches of boot before it disappears under the hem of the skirt.
Shaley: I have acquired some really fun cowboy boots over the years, so I love to show them off. The best way I have found to do that is with a skirt or dress, specifically a maxi skirt or dress that has a leg slit up on one side.
Kira: Any way I can squeeze them into an outfit. I have really been digging a maxi dress or maxi skirt with a good pair of boots.
Marijka: I like to style them with everything. I have fashion boots to wear with dresses and I have work boots to wear with jeans.
I almost have a cowboy boot in every color and for sure I have multiple boots in one color. Any chance I get to wear boots, I
am wearing boots.




What is your favorite piece to style?
Lindsay: A great pair of jeans is a total game changer. They are the perfect foundation for just about any look and I honestly don’t know if there is any other piece that is quite as versatile as they are. From super casual to a night out, an amazing pair of jeans will never let you down.
Shaley: I absolutely love styling vintage leather jackets and capes. I think that including a vintage western piece into any look gives the outfit so much character.
Kira: Anything denim, really. Denim skirts, dresses, shorts, jeans, jackets—I will take it all.
Marijka: Basics. They are such an easy starting point and when things get too complicated, they look great by themselves.


What’s your process for piecing a look together?
Lindsay: I always start with one major inspo piece to build a look around. Then I think about what other pieces will best complement that first one while still allowing it to be the part of the outfit that takes center stage.
Shaley: I always start with my statement piece, whether it be a jacket, boots, or jewelry, and I build the rest of the outfit around that item to complement it best.
Kira: I will always start by picking out one piece that is non-negotiable. I will build my entire outfit around one item that I am
loving for the day, such as a new pair of boots or my favorite denim jacket.
Marijka: I start with one item, and I work around that piece. I look for colors or patterns to match and accessories to tie everything together. Depending on the event, I will either dress more glam or more casual.




What is your go-to piece that you can’t live without?
Lindsay: I have a vintage, western, brown, tooled leather belt with a silver buckle that used to belong to my dad, and it is one
of my favorite things to wear. I love anything with meaning or history, but I also just love the way it can change an entire look
just by slipping it on. I will wear it forever.
Shaley: My cowboy hat. I rarely style an outfit without topping it off with a felt or straw hat.
Kira: Rings. I love mix-matching my gold and silver turquoise rings. They 100% elevate any outfit without having to try.
Marijka: My camel-colored Herring custom cowboy hat. I wear that more than any other item in my closet. I love a good neutral colored cowboy hat.
Hues of red are trending on the runways this season.
How are you styling this color?
Lindsay: I am all in on the red trend. This is actually one where I think you should go big. It’s such a bold, saturated color and I love the idea of embracing that and going for a head-to-toe, tonal look. I’d do this by mixing different shades, from a bright red lipstick to something more like a deep Bordeaux but keeping the pieces a bit more streamlined to make sure it still looks elevated.
Shaley: Red has been my favorite color my whole life, and thus is one of the main colors in my brand and wardrobe. I love making shades of red the main focal point or accent color in almost every outfit I wear.
Kira: The obvious answer would be to style my favorite pair of red cowboy boots, or a red felt hat. I am using red as an accent versus a focal point. Examples: a red belt, red accented bandana, red spiny oyster ring, or even red painted nails.
Marijka: I plan to style red with accessories like boots and wild rags. I don't know that I am a full red color type of person, but I love hints of red and accessories are always the answer for that.


What is your no-fail styling technique for incorporating pops of metallic into your look?
Lindsay: I love metallic. I think the easiest way to incorporate this trend if you’re unsure about it, is to stick with a metallic shoe or boot. It instantly adds interest to your look, but you’ll also be shocked at how they can basically be worn as a neutral.
Shaley: When I wear metallic, I try to make that fabric the focal point of an outfit, so I complement it by wearing softer textures with it, such as knits, silks, or chiffon. This way, even if I have a small element of metallic, the overall look does not translate
as overwhelming.
Kira: Keeping everything else simple. Metallic deserves a moment all to herself. Metallic boots pair amazingly with an all-black look. I also love a good metallic matching set, keeping everything else minimal (black boots, black hat, etc.).
Marijka: Matching sterling silver, gold, or bronze jewelry with it. Because metallic is a statement fabric in general, I do not want to overdue my look, but I could tie everything together with some good jewelry.




What’s your approach to mixing mediums?
Lindsay: Mixing mediums is one of the best and easiest ways to take your entire look up a notch. I love the juxtaposition of layering contrasting fabrics and how it can create a look that’s a little more unexpected. Combinations like silk and leather or suede and satin are my personal favorites.
Shaley: I love mixing mediums because I feel that it adds dimension to an outfit. Right now, I am obsessed with mixing metals and stones with my jewelry, layering gold and silver metals with turquoise accents.
Kira: My strategy for styling is to keep all mediums in the same color group! Example: all neutrals, or all have points of black something to pull them all together.
Marijka: Like Iris Apfel says, "More is more and less is a bore."




How do you like to style contrasting textures?
Shaley: I believe the best way to layer contrasting textures is to make sure they overlap with one another, not individual elements
of a look. For instance, layering a fur or leather jacket over a sequin top can be very classy, or an oversized cable knit sweater over the top of a leather or satin skirt can enhance the textures. I make sure I allow these textures to complement each other, not fight
for attention, within an outfit.
Kira: My rule of thumb is to either let one piece be the focal point or have them all be in the same color family. With loud textures, they can't all be competing for attention. For example, let the sequins be the “thriller,” the leather can be as muted, neutral, or minimal as the canvas.
Marijka: I like to style them with classic basics. If a piece of clothing is a statement piece, then I want all attention on it, so I will pair it with complementing (not competing) pieces.


A big trend this season is mixing luxe with everyday wear. What are you most looking forward to with this trend?
Shaley: Living a western lifestyle, having functional pieces within every outfit is essential, but can become a little mundane.
I am looking forward to adding pops of engraved silver, such as with a statement belt buckle, or pairing upscale boots with a more classic look.
Kira: This has been such a huge element of my personal brand, so I am excited to have a jumpstart in styling. Vests are a
great utilitarian piece in the colder months, and I am looking forward to styling them with elevated pieces in my closet.
Marijka: I am looking forward to elevating my outfits by small and simple means. I do not need a closet full of designer items. But with a handful of luxe closet staples, I can look the part without the price.
How are you incorporating layers into your style this winter?
Shaley: I am adding coats and jackets with bold western prints over outfits with a more neutral base. I also love to see that oversized scarves are on trend this winter, so I am incorporating that final layer on top of my jacket to be a finishing accessory.
Kira: My current layering obsession is lace or mesh long sleeve tops. They are so fun to style as a layer under vests, sleeveless dresses, cap sleeve jumpsuits, etc.
Marijka: I love the look of tall socks or tights with boots. I love western button-downs with crew neck sweaters. I love an assortment of jackets over each other as well, under every piece is a whole new look.


What’s your signature way of styling leather?
Shaley: I am never one to shy away from leather cowboy boots or a good quality leather jacket, especially if leather fringe is involved. Neutral colored leather is a staple in any cowgirl’s closet.
Kira: Leather has always been utilized as an accent in my outfits. I strive for my outfits to be relatable and easily recreated. Leather is a great high-quality material that is usually an investment piece. By selectively choosing high quality accessories (such as leather boots, belts, bags), it makes it seamless when trying to style and adapt with the changing trends.
Marijka: I would say my cowboy boots are my signature way of styling leather. I pair them with as many outfits as possible, and people look forward to seeing which boots I'm wearing that week.






What’s your favorite way to contrast neutral hues with one bold color pop?
Shaley: I love adding a bold pop of color through the use of a statement piece, such as colored cowboy boots or a bold
felt cowboy hat.
Kira: I am living for monochromatic sets or outfits. Any neutral set will work so well as a backdrop for a color pop such as a
belt, boots, or bag.
Marijka: I love a fun-colored purse or pair of shoes to add the extra bold color pop.
How do you personally make an outfit appear visually interesting?
Shaley: Layering. Whether I add layers of texture, prints, or physical layers through blazers, jackets, or jewelry, implementing dimension through layers will always elevate a look to be more visually appealing.
Kira: Jewelry. Hands down the difference between an average outfit and a polished, elevated look. Even in a loungewear outfit, rings, necklaces, or earrings can make you look so put together.
Marijka: When I wear my cowboy hat, it is ALL eyes on me. I am already a tall person but adding another four inches of height, you simply cannot miss me when I wear a cowboy hat.



