Same Same But Different: ELLE Editors Get Ready to Rodeo

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Welcome to Same Same But Different. As Gen Z and millennial fashion editors, respectively, we know a thing or two about shopping—for all ages, and especially our demographics. As we find the best products for you, we can’t help but do a little shopping for ourselves and build our personal (age-appropriate) wish lists. And now, we’re sharing them with you. Ahead, check out what’s in our hearts and in our carts lately.

Dale Chong: Word on the street is that fashion is in its “yee-haw” era, which I just learned was a thing. No doubt this is in large part due to Beyoncé’s epic Cowboy Carter album, but if we’re looking at some of the more recent runway shows—like Willy Chavarria’s fall/winter 2024 collection or even Pharell’s Louis Vuitton menswear show—I have a feeling this is only the beginning of a brand-new age of western-inspired trends, and I’m hopping on the bandwagon (with a fashion-forward twist, of course). How about you, Meg?

Meg Donohue: Count me in. Let us not forget the impact of Bella Hadid’s rodeo moment, too! I can’t get enough of her new style. And as usual, she’s ahead of the curve. Western Americana is undoubtedly one of this year’s biggest trends. I was a little reluctant at first, but now I’m relishing finding ways to sport the cowgirl aesthetic. Beyoncé has been making a big case for denim, and you don’t have to tell me twice. I love a Canadian tuxedo, and I don’t think it’s inherently country attire, so it’s perfect for making the trend your own. What’s your approach?

DC: You’re right—westernwear isn’t all about the cowboys and lassos. In terms of inspiration, two things come to mind for me: spaghetti Western classics and Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, simultaneously. Usually, I’m channeling one or the other. For the former, I’m embracing cowboy boots. Tecovas has a great style that you can wear every day—and in black, it’ll serve as the anchor of my outfits. I’m also a fan of the denim-on-denim look, and I’ll be wearing it with a tailored vest and barrel-leg jeans—which seem perfect for this vibe (not to mention, it’s a silhouette you and I have been talking about since January). I’ll finish it off with a stellar hat from Kemo Sabe and a pair of sunglasses—because I need that extra protection. It’s a little more on-the-nose than my usual outfits, but I have no qualms with that. Do you have any more subtle ways you’re incorporating the cowgirl theme into your looks?

MD: I’m going kind of subtle…but also not subtle whatsoever. A typical move from me. Just like you, I have a split vision for this trend. My denim look skews more Annie Oakley, but the flip side is inspired by the way listening to Cowboy Carter—and much of the country music I grew up on—makes me feel. In my head, I’m on a dusty porch swing overlooking a field and drinking some sweet tea (probably spiked, to be honest). It’s that version of country, so naturally, I’m wearing a prairie skirt in this reverie. The American flag print tends to scream “America,” but I find that red gingham provides the desired effect. A fashionable bolo tie, which Beyoncé has been leaning into heavily, is the perfect accessory for this when paired with an ever-western turquoise touch. So that’s my not-so-literal take on the trend; what’s your non-denim vision?

DC: Well, to be honest, my “non-denim” mood board still includes a pair of blue jeans. That said—as I’ve iterated countless times—the perfect pair of denim is a tried-and-true classic, meaning it can be worn with just about anything. And so, this time around, they’re styled with a black suede jacket—I have a very similar one to this Buck Mason option, only with fringe; it’s become my favorite layering piece during any transitional season. Underneath that is a simple, but still well-made, T-shirt (I like to keep things easy!). But the true sartorial heroes are the accessories: a pair of moto boots with harness details and a cool leather scarf. Where are you wearing these items?

MD: The more denim, the merrier. I’m manifesting an outing to Mrs. Carter’s next tour. I was blessed with presale access for Renaissance, and it’ll forever go down as one of the best experiences of my life. But, should I not get so lucky this time around, I’ll probably just incorporate cowgirl couture in my regular life, as I’m prone to do. I’m sure the afternoon grocery store crowd would love it if I spiced up their errands with some assless chaps. Just kidding, I could never be so brave. I’ll stick with my cowboy boots. And for you?

DC: Always manifest the chance to attend a Beyoncé concert—and in style, no less. Since I have no rodeos or music festivals on my calendar for the foreseeable future, I’ll likely just be stomping through my neighborhood on the weekend in these looks, or maybe even the office. Stay tuned!