The rodeo is a fun and exciting equestrian event that features bull-riding, barrel racing, tie-down roping and other uniquely Western competitions. If you want to dress up, these rodeo outfits can help you create a stylish, comfortable and cute look for the occasion.
Whether you want to style a cowgirl outfit or just need to find the proper attire, we’ll show you what to wear for a fashionable rodeo-themed ensemble. These ideas are affordable, feminine and easy to design with some wardrobe staples.
For inspiration, this guide will show you examples of what to wear to a rodeo. From summer to winter attire, these cute rodeo outfit ideas for women will have you looking chic and classy.
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What To Wear To The Rodeo
When dressing for the rodeo, you’ll want to wear an outfit that suits the venue and season for a flattering, comfortable and chic look. While wearing denim and cowboy boots can work for some ladies, modern rodeo attire is all about styling fashionable and functional clothing to achieve a Western-themed look.
To fit the dress code, some great outfit ideas include:
- Dark and light wash jeans, denim shorts, skirts and dresses in floral prints or cute frills
- A Western blouse, t-shirt, crop top, flannel tops and denim shirts
- For a sexy cowgirl look, style cowboy boots with your outfit.
- Ankle boots, sneakers, wedged sandals and other casual footwear must pair well with your ensemble.
- When it comes to accessories, a high-quality leather belt with an oversized buckle can be a nice touch.
- Simple jewelry like gold pendant necklaces and statement pieces like turquoise earrings and bracelets are popular.
- A rodeo in the summer will require light and breathable fabrics.
If you’re going to The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Texas, you’ll want to dress up with cool and comfortable clothing during the day but bring a jacket and layers for warmth at night.
Rodeo Outfits
Jeans
Blue jeans are a classic choice to wear to the rodeo for a stylish, versatile and comfortable outfit. Denim jeans will help you create a cute cowgirl look that works with different shirts, boots and hats. Popular and easy to wear, you can style dark wash jeans for an elevated country-chic touch or light blue denim to achieve a more casual outfit.
For a traditional approach, you’ll want to stay away from ripped, distressed and light-wash jeans. These styles are naturally modern and will instantly pull you into the urban princess territory. To create a stylish and contemporary rodeo outfit, you can pair trendy ripped skinny jeans with boots and a tank top or button-down shirt.
When wearing white jeans, combine your denim with a bold flannel, costume jewelry and a pair of elegant cowboy boots to balance your look. But overall, the rough and ready feel of the rodeo will have you reaching for darker colors to avoid unflattering staining when you fall off the bucking bronco.
When it comes to cuts and silhouettes, you can style straight-leg or bootcut jeans to give off a relaxed Southern Belle vibe that is incredibly easy to pull off for most women. If you’re a fan of tighter cuts and have an impressive figure, try low-rise, dark-wash skinny jeans with a striking V-neck vest for a look that even Daisy Duke would envy. For the ultimate cowgirl finish, tighten your jeans with a chunky brown belt.
Dresses
A dress is a casual and youthful outfit for the rodeo that can still offer a classic Western vibe. Perfect for showcasing your feminine side, flowing cotton and linen dresses featuring frills or floral patterns can work well in the summer, keeping you cool and fresh whether you’re bull riding or simply taking in the wonders of the Wild West.
You’ll want to stick with lightweight materials like linen and cotton to help you battle the brutal summertime sun, but you can easily play around with dress lengths to highlight your unique style. Knee-length cuts are practical and look stunning with thigh-high Western boots or shorter booties. You can also rock a flowing midi dress for more coverage, but you should avoid maxis to prevent any trips on the dance floor.
Pretty dress styles include bohemian tunic dresses, bell sleeve options and ruffled dresses with strappy sleeves if you prefer a relaxed and girly feel. Don’t be afraid to throw on a denim jacket and suede boots with rhinestones for the ultimate cowgirl ensemble.
Shirts
If you’re planning to wear jeans or denim shorts to the rodeo, the right shirt can offer the perfect top to complete the look. You should wear a shirt made from breathable and lightweight materials like cotton or linen to avoid overheating throughout the day, especially in the summer.
There are a few different styles that you can choose to help you channel your inner cowgirl fashionista without breaking rodeo dress codes. For a cute and feminine look, a designer shirt, crop top or blouse can take your outfit to the next level.
Classic flannel shirts can look stunning, providing a durable fabric with stylish patterns that will hold up. Bright shades like blue and red are always fashionable choices, but you can also keep things neutral with black or tan shades if you want your fringed jacket to take center stage.
If you don’t want to go shopping for anything new, a stunning ruffled shirt, camisole, band shirt or basic tank can easily be jazzed up with the right accessories. Add a trendy fedora or a traditional cowboy hat and a chunky belt to the mix for a popular style.
Long Sleeve Denim Shirts
If you want to rock the double-denim look, a long-sleeve denim shirt can be a stylish way to wear a Western outfit. Long-sleeve shirts look refreshing with jeans or denim shorts, but you can also wear them tucked into a kitsch short skirt if you want to give your ensemble a feminine edge.
These shirts look stylish in lighter washes, but darker shades tend to look more sophisticated. Whatever color you choose, adding a colorful bandana, a pair of pleather boots and an oversized cowgirl hat will pull your look together in seconds.
Although loose-fitting styles are more common, you might want to experiment with a tighter button-down shirt to showcase your buxom curves. You can wear the denim shirt on its own or leave a couple of buttons undone for a slightly disheveled feel. For something even more casual, pair a plain black tank and wear the denim shirt like an oversized jacket or tied at the waist.
Blouses
Blouses are a cute and feminine way to command attention at a rodeo with minimal effort. You’ll want to stay away from materials like silk and chiffon as they won’t stand up well against all the heat and activity. However, bohemian blouses look incredible with a pair of jeans, suede booties and a statement belt for a style that screams Southern chic.
If you’re wearing a heavily patterned blouse, keep your jewelry delicate and draw the eye upward with an eye-catching hat or bandana. For a simple look that showcases your decolletage and allows your accessories to be the focal point of your outfit, a block-color long-sleeve blouse or a peasant blouse is perfect.
To draw attention to your figure, try a natural crinkle blouse that cinches in at the waist for an outfit that fits the rodeo brief while looking elegant. To finish things off, don’t be afraid to wear a suede corset for a serious dose of sex appeal.
Button-Down Shirt
Button-down shirts will always look cute while you’re watching the action from the stands. To avoid the worst of the heat and humidity, stick with cotton or linen for breathability and comfort throughout the day.
You can rock a denim shirt in a dark wash with no issues, but it’s worth donning a moisture-wicking undershirt to avoid any unsightly sweat patches with lighter washes. Otherwise, a button-down vest can be a charming alternative that is bound to turn heads.
To get even closer to the traditional rodeo feel, try a boyish snap shirt worn buttoned up for a slightly fitted look or unbuttoned for a relaxed vibe. If you’re on the hunt for ideas, brands like Levi’s offer excellent Western-style shirts that feature Western yoke patterns for a minimalist nod to rodeo culture. To round off your outfit, pair your shirt with a neutral felt cowboy hat, a statement belt and a fringed jacket.
Shorts
Short offers a casual look and can be sexy when paired with cowboy boots that show off your legs. While elongating and pulling focus to your legs, classic denim shorts are cool and comfortable bottoms for the rodeo.
You can wear tight booty shorts for a look that will instantly turn heads, but you might want to stick with cuts that sit just above the knee for a casual feel. Rolled-up shorts can look extremely cute with a gingham shirt and heeled cowboy boots, but distressed edges and loose threads will add a subtle edginess to any ensemble. For a dash of personality, search for denim shorts with embroidered back pockets.
If you want something lightweight, versatile chino shorts are a wonderful option. You can choose paper bag styles that cinch you in at the waist or tighter designs that cling to the legs for a form-fitting feel that looks amazing with loose shirts.
Hat
A cowboy hat can allow you to create a fun and classic outfit for the rodeo. While an optional accessory, you should wear a cowboy hat to elevate your look. Most Western hats are made from wool felt, fur felt, leather, straw or canvas, giving you different textiles to find your perfect match.
You’ll want to shop around for a hat with a relatively wide brim, a structured feel and a slight dip at the top. Some ladies might like fedoras, but Stetson and Resistol are popular Western brands that design beautiful hats with slightly upturned brims for an authentic look.
While you may like bold colors like red or pink, neutral shades such as black, camel or brown shade are versatile choices that will match most outfits. For a cute finishing touch, go for hats with an old-school drawstring that sits just below the chin.
Boots
Boots are a must-have fashion accessory for any rodeo outfit. Cowboy boots come in many different styles, patterns and materials to suit any woman. From sexy knee-highs to cute booties and stylish suede kicks, the right boots will instantly take your ensemble to new heights.
Most cowboy boots have a low and practical heel for all-day comfort. This gives you the scope to attract attention with materials like crocodile leather, alligator skin, snakeskin or suede for a standout look. If you’re on the petite side and need a height boost, choose knee-high boots or ankle boots with a chunky heel to give you stability. If you’re a true-blue rodeo girl, you might want to keep things simple with a pair of basic ranch boots.
To have all eyes on you, don’t be afraid to choose breathable leather boots with delicate floral embroidery across the front. Suede boots with charming horseshoe patterns or Americana designs are also an easy way to showcase your signature style.
Accessories
The accessories you wear to the rodeo can quickly become the focal point of any outfit, with Western and minimal modern jewelry, belts and practical bags being the most popular options across the country.
Simple gold and silver pendants layer beautifully with statement necklaces for an eye-catching style, while basic bangles add texture and interest around the wrists. If you appreciate costume jewelry, a chunky turquoise pendant or a rustic leather bracelet is guaranteed to impress.
To add a touch of Western charm to your look, a leather belt with a statement brass buckle or a neckerchief is an interesting way to add color and excitement to your style. If you’re feeling bold, a colorful, painted buckle is always fun.
A purse probably won’t be the central part of your outfit, but a suede fringed crossbody or cute brown leather tote will match almost anything. Smaller bags are best if you’re planning to hit the dance floor when night falls, but virtually anything goes.
If you want to take your outfit up a notch, throw a kitsch poncho over your outfit. Fringed ponchos look effortlessly chic with jeans and shorts, and you can choose vibrant colors or heavily patterned options for contrast.
Cowboy Outfit Ideas For Men
If you want to measure up to your lady, these popular cowboy outfit ideas for men will help you achieve the classic Western look with the right texture, colors and authentic silhouette.
Cowboys are never afraid to showcase their hard work at the stables with tight-fitting jeans and shirts. Double denim is always a stylish option, but you can also choose lightweight cotton or linen shirts in neutral and earthy shades for a relaxed and rugged feel. If you’re not feeling subtle, bold gingham shirts or sleek button-downs in vibrant colors will instantly elevate your outfit.
Jeans will always be the bottoms of choice for guys, with dark or medium-wash styles being the most appropriate picks. Skinny jeans look attractive on slim guys with decent muscle mass, but bootcut or straight-leg styles are equally flattering and give you far more stretch if you’re planning to do any wrangling. To avoid looking too clean-cut in the rodeo setting, remember to leave your jeans uncuffed.
When it comes to accessories for men, it’s all about leather belts, brass buckles and neck scarves. Belts are key for holding up looser jean styles, but there’s nothing sexier than hooking your thumbs into your pockets and showcasing your daring belt buckle. Throw in a classy silk or cotton neck scarf and a dark felt cowboy hat and you’ll have a rodeo look for the books.
