This article was originally published on February 15, 2024 and has been updated.
ICYMI, the Yeehaw Agenda is back and better than ever. After a short detour into #MobWifeWinter, cowboy chic is the moment. Model Bella Hadid hard-launched her IRL cowboy boyfriend, Kacey Musgraves is officially returning to her country roots with new music and on Super Bowl Sunday, Beyoncé released two new country songs to herald a new era in her music career. Most recently, the singer announced on March 12 that her country album Cowboy Carter will be released later this month. Yeehaw, indeed!
We shouldn’t be too surprised at this latest venture for Queen Bey. Fans of the singer have long been anticipating that the icon, who grew up in Texas, would someday return to her country roots with an album. Beyoncé has made nods to the genre in the past, releasing “Daddy Lessons” off her 2016 album Lemonade (and performing with The Chicks at the Country Music Awards the same year).
In 2022, the mogul leaned into her cowboy roots with her Ivy Park x Adidas campaign, celebrating Black cowboys and cowgirls. And even her Renaissance album and tour, which largely drew inspiration from Black dance music, included a nod to country style, with the singer donning disco cowboy hats and performing atop a horse onstage. As Time writer Taylor Crumpton noted in a recent article about her upcoming album, Beyoncé has always been country. The rest of the world is just catching up.
And, because this is Beyoncé, who never does anything half-assed, her country aesthetic is infiltrating not just her sound, but her wardrobe as well. Since the beginning of February, the singer has been donning cowboy hats, boots, and bolo ties, at first a hint (the singer loves a good Easter egg) and then confirmation that she’s more than just a little bit country.
Shortly after the announcement of her upcoming album, Beyoncé popped up at the 58th Super Bowl sporting an inarguably Texan look: A custom Dolce & Gabbana minidress with thigh-high boots, a turquoise bolo tie, and teased hair. The singer’s manicure even got in on the theme, with nail artist Miho Okawara giving the star a french tip featuring turquoise gemstones typically associated with western wear
On February 13, the singer made a New York Fashion Week appearance at Luar’s Fall 2024 show. While Bey was there to support her nephew’s modelling debut, all eyes were on the singer who donned a silver suit dress from Gaurav Gupta with matching embellished thigh-high boots, an iridescent Ana briefcase bag from Luar’s collection, and an oversized cowboy hat.
And on Valentine’s Day, Ms. Carter blessed us all with yet another sexy cowboy look, rocking a Dolce & Gabbana point d’esprit tulle gown with boning, a tulle veil and gloves, and a garter belt. And, of course, the singer wore a black cowboy hat.
Unlike the attire at your local rodeo, Beyoncé’s yeehaw aesthetic clearly has a formula: A minidress + thigh-high boots + lots of embellishment. It’s not only cute, but also easy to emulate — whether you have a designer or Amazon budget. Below, find some of the best picks for channeling your inner Beyoncé-approved cowgirl.
Turquoise ring
If there’s one thing that every cowboy-chic look needs, it’s turquoise. Turquoise anything and everything. Jewellery is a great place to start when it comes to incorporating this western-beloved stone into your look; pair a bunch of stackable rings with some necklaces or a bolo tie, and you’re good to go.
Statement minidress
Like Beyoncé, we love a minidress. Versatile and wearable through all four seasons, the western wear trend means it’s the perfect opportunity to pull out old minidresses you have tucked away in your closet and repurpose them. The only criteria? That you feel fabulous in it.
Western shirt
For the days when you just want to throw on jeans and boots, a classic western shirt is a fab option. While this look may be less Beyoncé and more Bella Hadid off-duty, one thing that’s for sure is it’s cowboy as heck.
Cowgirl-approved belt
We love the power of a well-placed accessory, and when it comes to the western aesthetic, a belt is the best way to go. Amazon has affordable and super cute options for those who want to dip their toes into the trend without breaking the bank. (We don’t *all* have Beyoncé money, unfortunately.)
Cowboy boots
Arguably the most important part of any yeehaw-chic outfit: the boots. Cowboy boots have evolved within the world of fashion, and they can be as pared-down — or as chunky — as you want them to be. We’d recommend a sleek black pair with minimal silver hardware. Easy to wear and super versatile. Plus, they’ll stand the test of time *and* the yeehaw trend.
Cowboy hat
As much as we’d love to don an Orville Peck-style fringed cowboy hat or one bedazzled to the heavens, realistically it’s probably not what we’re going to turn to for the day-to-day or when planning a ’fit for drinks with your besties. In that case, it’s probably best to go with a hat that’s a statement, but won’t wear you. Go for something well-made and versatile, so you can pair it with jeans or a statement mini.
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