- Editor's Team
5 ICONIC WESTERN LOOKS IN FILM
As we head into our fourth week of fashion month, the endless parade of street style photos are only further proof that the fashion’s beloved cowboy trend does not seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Western inspired fashion had a moment of renaissance in early 2018 thanks to brands like Isabel Marant, Ganni, and Calvin Klein. And it seems that this trend is only continuing to grow in popularity with the likes of Marc Jacobs and LaQuan Smith's cowboy friendly SS/2020 presentations cementing its legitimacy.
So in order to stay on top of what seems to be a never ending trend, we’re taking a step back from our everyday way of consuming media (sorry Instagram), and going old school. We’ve rounded up our top five best western looks in film in order to shed a fresh light on one of fashion’s biggest movements.
1. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon in Thelma and Louise (1991)
An obvious yet mandatory pick, Thelma and Louise encompass everything you need in order to pull off cool, chic, western inspired looks. Though it’s not a traditional western film, there are aspects of the fashion that hold obvious connections to the culture. Some key stand outs being all the fantastic use of denim, Susan Saradon’s scarves and Geena Davis’ perfectly roughed up graphic tee. And a small side shout out to Brad Pitt’s memorable cowboy hat.
2. Raquel Welch in Bandolero! (1968)
Style wise, Raquel Welch’s character Maria in Bandolero! encompasses all the pieces needed to be classified as a western dream girl. From the hat to the coordinating corduroy set down to the boots, Maria has it all.
3. Jodi Foster in Taxi Driver (1976)
Although the film itself is controversial, the costume design in Taxi Driver is no less than iconic. Foster’s most notable look in the film being her pink front-tie shirt which was paired with pink hot pants, red velvet platforms, and a wide brimmed straw hat. Not traditionally western, the look still pulls obvious inspiration from the culture. Very cool cowgirl meets Lolita.
4. Sharon Stone in The Quick and the Dead (1995)
Sharon Stone’s character Ellen wore costumes that could possibly be the textbook definition of western fashion. Many may not be interested in recreating the looks to T, but the endless layers to her ensembles offer a great source of inspiration for the upcoming fall and winter months. Highlights being her jacket and scarf collection, not to mention her perfected way of styling belts.
5. Drew Barrymore in Bad Girls (1994)
Although all the costumes in Bad Girls are all prime examples of western fashion gone right, Drew’s character Lilly has a quality that makes her stand out from the rest. Her cute lace up tank paired with a suede vest and animal hide chaps could be a recipe for disaster but somehow she makes it look effortlessly chic. It might have something to do with the fact that she’s Drew Barrymore, but that’s besides the point.