Western Chic Is Back, and We Have Beyoncé to Thank
The Queen Goes Country (and So Does Fashion)
It’s official: Western chic is having a major moment, and no one’s doing it quite like Beyoncé. With the release of her genre-bending country album Cowboy Carter, she didn’t just break music records (she FINALLY received AOTY)—she ignited a fashion wave. Think rhinestone-studded fringe, custom cowboy hats, snakeskin boots, and denim on denim, all elevated, reimagined, and unapologetically Black.
This isn’t just a nostalgic nod to cowboy culture. It’s a powerful reclamation. Beyoncé is reminding us that Black artists and Black fashion have always been part of the country story. And now, the fashion world is finally catching up.
SHE’S A TYRANT
Beyoncé’s Western Era: More Than a Style Shift
From her announcement looks to the costume looks on her anticipated Cowboy Carter tour, Beyoncé fully committed to the Western aesthetic. She stepped out in everything from Louis Vuitton to custom bolo ties and Stetson-style hats. But it wasn’t just about dressing the part. It was about rewriting the narrative.
For too long, country and cowboy culture were portrayed as overwhelmingly white. Beyoncé’s style says otherwise. She’s honoring the Black cowboys and musicians who have been part of this legacy for centuries. Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album serves as a testament to the versatility of music and fashion, seamlessly blending genres and styles. As a global icon, her influence extends far beyond the realms of music, often setting trends and sparking cultural conversations. With this album, Beyoncé has redefined what it means to embrace Western aesthetics, infusing it with her own unique brand of voice and glamour.
LEVII’S JEANS
Western Chic, But Make It Couture
What makes Western chic in 2025 different from traditional western wear? It’s all in the mix: high-fashion fabrics, modern tailoring, and a dose of glam. Thanks to Beyoncé, fringe isn’t just for rodeos. It’s for runways. Cowboy boots are now a statement shoe. Belt buckles are going designer.
Fashion brands are leaning into it too. Labels like DSQUARED2, Schiaparelli, and Balmain are serving up rodeo-inspired collections with a luxe edge. Even streetwear brands are dropping capsule collections that blend Y2K, Southern style, and hip-hop roots.
BLACKBIIRD: TAKE THESE BROKEN WINGS AND LEARN TO FLY
A Style Movement Rooted in Black Culture
While Beyoncé may be leading the Western renaissance in pop culture, she’s also using her platform to spotlight its Black origins. Her look isn’t just Western. It’s Southern, soulful, and distinctly Black. From braided hairstyles under cowboy hats to gold grills paired with fringe, she’s weaving cultural identity into every detail.
And she’s not alone. Black creatives—stylists, designers, photographers—are at the forefront of this movement. On TikTok, Gen Z creators are pairing cowboy boots with vintage tees and oversized belts. On Instagram, stylists are reinterpreting the Western trend for Black bodies, celebrating curves, braids and curls in ways the fashion industry often overlooks.
JUST FOR FUN
Why It’s More Than a Trend
Western chic may be everywhere right now, but its staying power lies in its roots. This resurgence feels personal, powerful, and political. It’s about reclaiming space, rewriting fashion history, and showing that country and cowboy fashion were never just one thing.
Beyoncé gave us the soundtrack, the visuals-ish (ifykyk… we’re still waiting on the actual visuals), and the cultural context. Fashion followed. Whether you’re throwing on a “simple white tee” with some Levi jeans or investing in the perfect pair of boots, consider it a nod to the legacy—and the queen—who made Western cool again.
AMEN
Western chic isn’t just having a moment. It’s having a movement. Thanks to Cowboy Carter, we’re seeing fashion embrace Southern Black identity in ways we’ve never seen before. And honestly? We’re here for it.
So dust off your boots and remember this: country style has always had rhythm. It just needed a Beyoncé beat to bring it back into the spotlight.
Need Concert Outfit Inspo? TAC’s Got You Covered
If you’re heading to the Cowboy Carter tour, scroll down for curated Western chic looks styled by TAC. Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @thealmedacollective.
EXCLUSIVE: MEN’S INSPO
