Cowboy Craze: The Western Trend Taking Over Your Instagram Feed

By this point, you’ve undoubtedly scrolled past endless pictures of celebrities and influencers rocking Western inspired outfits and accessories. While the cowboy hat craze seemingly appeared out of nowhere, the accessory pairs perfectly with a bikini and cutoffs, completes any space cowboy party fit, makes for a fun Fly outfit addition — and even doubles as dorm wall decor.

This trend is ultimately tied to a bigger movement. In 2018, pop-culture archivist Bri Malandro noticed a rise in black-pop culture figures rocking cowboy hats and nicknamed it the “Yeehaw agenda.” She believes this functions as an ode to black cowboys who have been erased from American culture and history, after making up roughly 25 percent of the cowboy population by the end of the Civil War. In a bid to celebrate this niche group, Malandro shares images of Black celebrities and public figures —think 1990s Beyoncé, Tupac, and even Obama — rocking the cowboy hat over the years to her Instagram account, @theyeehawagenda.

Cowboy hats have grown exponentially in popularity thanks to many celebrities constantly posting — and performing — in this over the top accessory. Lil Nas is rarely seen without his now iconic Western getup, Cardi B blew up the Internet with her sparkly pink hat and matching boot and chaps getup for her Houston show, and Kasey Musgraves released her very own $75 white light-up cowboy hat (which Selena Gomez then wore).

Additionally, many influencers have recently embraced this look. Bella Hadid’s recent Vogue Australia cover shoot featured cowboy boots and hats, plus structured denim and corsets. Kendall Jenner has also been repeatedly spotted in cowboy boots, chunky silver belt buckles, and Western inspired denim.

It’s not just cowboy hats that are in, but all things cow print, fringe, and denim. During New York Fashion Week, Prabal Gurung sent cherry red cowboy boots — plus Western inspired denim — down the runway. LaQuan Smith’s collection featured black cowboy hats, bedazzled bandanas, and silver belt buckles.

High end retailers and fast fashion companies alike were also quick to hop on the craze in a variety of ways. Ganni’s fall collection features a variety of colored boots and clashing animal prints on Western cut denim. R13’s latest launch features cheetah print cowboy boots and floral Western wear. Even Urban Outfitters’ site is filled with silver belt buckles, boots, and cow print accessories.

Whether you’re ready to rock a fun colored cowboy hat, or looking for a more subtle way to work Western wear into your everyday wardrobe, there are many affordable options to help channel your inner cowboy!

Take a look at some of the ways you can integrate Western into your next outfit below:

HUGH Leather Black And White Cow Print Boots, us.topshop.com