How to Get a Country Western Look

Want to learn how to dress like a cowboy or cowgirl? Saddle up and bust out your britches with Langston's Country-Western dressing guide. Whether you're going for urban cowboy, couture cowgirl or authentic western rancher, nailing the perfect country outfit is a simple four-part equation. This top-to-bottom guide will have you geared up and ready for a day on the ranch or a night out at the honky-tonk.

HATS

The foundation for any country ensemble starts at the top and ends at the bottom - cowboy hats and cowboy boots. First of all, you'll need a high-quality cowboy hat. Originally Traditional cowboy hats were high-crowned with wide, flat brims. Today Western cowboy hats can also feature shaped brims, buckle sets, and modern accents, like prints and studs. Choose a versatile style by a trusted name brand, like Stetson and Resistol, in a match-all color like black or brown, or start your own trend by  showing off your true colors in Peter Grimm . And feel free to tailor your hat style to the season with a straw cowboy hat for summer days and a felt cowboy hat for the winter.

Tops

What makes a Western shirt a Western shirt? Denim or plaid, snap pockets, fringe and embroidery are just a few Western top staples. If you're going for classic cowboy (think: Roy Rogers), go for a Western dress shirt with detailed embroidery or Western yokes. Contemporary cowboys and cowgirls are all about the plaid, and you can't go wrong with a trendy Wrangler plaid shirt from Langston's.

Bottoms

Denim is the obvious choice for any serious gaucho. Choose denim staples by brands with roots and heart in the Old West - like Levi, Cinch or Wrangler - to achieve that true rough-and-tumble rancher look. Men's and women's boot cut jeans are great for a laid-back country look, while a darker denim with a more slim fit may be better suited for the contemporary countryman or woman. Today's Western jeans may be simple and unadorned (Wrangler 13MWZ and Levi's 517 Rigid are examples of classic western jeans) or dazzled with distressing, exposed stitching, embroidery or studs. Rock and Roll Cowboy Jeans and Rock and Roll Cowgirl Jeans are at the forefront of bringing a designer look to western denim. Just remember that true-blue Western jeans are always just that: blue.

Boots

You simply can't dress country without a pair of cowboy or cowgirl boots. Authentic Western boots typically feature saloon-inspired pull straps, ranch-ready leather soles and eye-catching embroidered leather.

Cowboy  boots come in many shapes and sizes to fit any taste. Choose a pair with a mid-calf length and a pointed or slightly rounded toe for a genuine vintage western touch. But be aware many of today's die hard boot wearers like to mix comfort and style by means of a square or wide toe look.  Always go for recognizable boot brands to ensure a lifetime of wear. Ariat, Corral and Justin are longtime cowboy boot brands that never stray from quality.

Accessories

Give your cowboy getup a personalized touch with country-Western accessories, like studded leather belts with intricate leather work and embossing. Country-inclined ladies can complement any couture cowgirl style with Western jewelry (a stone and silver pairing is always great for down-to-earth cowgirls), leather bags and tooled leather purses. Men and women with a country disposition can jazz up their Western gear with a Western belt buckle and money clip by Montana Silversmiths.