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Western Wedding Attire for Men: Do’s and Don’ts

Western-themed weddings are all about blending the rustic charm of the Old West with modern touches. Think Clint Eastwood swagger with a touch of contemporary polish. Here are the distinctive elements to consider and how to nail that perfect look.

Let’s rope in the key elements to ensure your Western wedding attire captures that rustic charm while staying intelligent and sophisticated. Grab your lasso, and let’s wrangle some high-caliber sartorial wisdom.

The Core Elements

A western-themed wedding leans more towards the casual and rugged side of fashion. But don’t confuse “less formal” with sloppy — you can still look dapper while embracing the cowboy spirit.

Less Formal, More Character: Expect a relaxed vibe focusing on individual style. It’s not about stiff formalwear but more about rugged elegance.

Rustic and Earthy: Materials like denim, leather, and natural fabrics dominate. Your go-to palette is earthy tones like browns, tans, and deep blues.

Practical Yet Stylish: Functional pieces that look good – think cowboy boots that can handle a dance floor and a barnyard.

Essential Components of the Look

Shirt Selection

Western Shirt: Start with a crisp, well-fitted Western shirt. Solid colors or subtle plaids work well. Look for distinctive yokes, snap buttons, and maybe even a touch of embroidery for that authentic vibe.

Denim Shirt: A classic! In contrast, pair a darker denim shirt with lighter jeans.

Jacket or Vest

Denim or Leather Jacket: A well-worn denim jacket or sleek leather brings cowboy charm. Ensure it’s fitted to avoid looking too bulky. Also, consider a tailored blazer or sportcoat in earthy tones like brown, tan, or charcoal. Fabrics like tweed or brushed cotton add a rugged yet refined touch.

Vest: A suede or leather vest can add layers of style. It is excellent for keeping you cool while still looking sharp.

Jeans and Trousers

Denim Jeans: Dark wash, slim but not too tight. Cowboy-cut jeans that fit well through the hips and thighs and straight down to the boots. Sharp but not overly dressy!

Chinos: In earthy tones like tan or olive if you want a slightly dressier look.

Footwear

Cowboy Boots are the cornerstone of any Western outfit. They are a must! Opt for polished leather in black or brown. Make sure they’re comfortable for a long day of festivities.

Less Formal Option: Dress boots or rugged leather shoes if boots aren’t your thing.

Hats and Accessories

Cowboy Hat: This is a must-have for a fully authentic look. Just ensure it’s of fine quality and properly fits the theme. It’s an iconic piece that can elevate the whole ensemble. Match the hat color with your boots or belt for cohesiveness.

Belt and Buckle: A leather belt with a distinctive buckle is a small but significant detail. Don’t go too big — aim for tasteful yet eye-catching.

Tie or Bolo: For added Western flair, consider a bolo tie or a bandana neckerchief. They’re stylish while sticking to the theme. If ties are preferred, a slim, leather tie works well.

Pocket Square: A touch of rustic elegance – go for something that ties in with your shirt or overall color scheme.

Boutonniere: Finish it with a simple, rugged boutonniere featuring wildflowers or rustic elements.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do

Embrace Rustic Details: Don’t avoid Western-style yokes, snap buttons, and embroidery. They add authenticity.
Mix Textures: Combine leathers, denim, and wool for a rich, rugged feel. A leather jacket over a crisp Western shirt can work wonders. Aim for pieces that you can mix into your regular wardrobe post-event.

Stay Polished: Even with casual elements, aim to look well-groomed and coordinated. The key is “rugged refinement.”

Coordinate with the Theme: Align your attire with the wedding’s color palette and overall vibe. A consultation with the bride and groom can help nail this.

Break-In Your Boots: New cowboy boots can be stiff. Wear them a few times before the event to ensure comfort.

Don’t

Overdo the Costumes: Avoid looking like you’ve stepped straight out of a Western film set unless that’s explicitly the theme. Think subtle Western accents within an overall classy look. Less is often more. Choose a few key accessories and keep it simple. You don’t need the full sheriff’s badge unless, of course, you’ve been deputized for the night!

Ignore the Fit: Make sure everything fits well. Tailoring is essential – even denim and plaids benefit from a good fit. Just because it’s a relaxed theme doesn’t mean baggy or ill-fitted clothes.
Clash The Colors: With plaids and patterns, ensure the colors harmonize. Stick to a cohesive palette to avoid looking mish-mash.
Forget Practicality: Remember you’ll likely be outdoors or on a ranch – choose rugged and practical elements that can handle a bit of dust and movement.

Harmonizing Western Attire: The Dynamic Duo

Here’s how to ensure you two look like the picture-perfect Western couple, without appearing as if you’re heading to a hoedown costume party:

Color Palette

Start with a harmonious color palette. Opt for hues that complement each other and resonate with the wedding’s theme. Earth tones like browns, tans, creams, and deep blues can craft a naturally stunning duo.

Your Suit: Dark brown blazer, cream shirt, and deep blue jeans.
Her Dress: Cream or soft pastel gown with delicate lace or embroidery.

Matching Accents

Use similar fabrics or patterns to tie your looks together subtly.

Your Outfit: A leather vest or jacket.
Her Outfit: Accents of leather in her accessories, like a belt or shoes.

Complementary Accessories

Coordinate smaller details like accessories.

Bolo Tie and Jewelry: Your bolo tie could have turquoise or silver that matches her jewelry.
Hat and Hair: If you’re donning a cowboy hat, she could have a hatband or a hairpiece with a similar motif or color.

Both of your floral choices should reflect the same style.

His Boutonniere: A mix of wildflowers that match her bouquet.
Her Bouquet: Complementary flowers and greenery.

Coordinate with the florist to ensure your boutonniere and her bouquet are in sync with the overall theme.

Matching Patterns

Incorporate matching patterns in a subtle way.

Your Shirt: A white Western shirt with plaid detailing.
Her Dress: A soft plaid shawl or wrap.

Cowboy Boots

Ensuring both your boots are of complementary styles.

His Boots: Classic polished leather in black or brown.
Her Boots: Stylish cowboy boots with embellishments that match his in color.

Matching Garb Elements

Choose one standout accessory to match flamboyantly.

His Scarf & Her Belt: If you’re wearing a bold bandana or scarf, she could have a matching sash or belt.
Hatbands & Shoe Details: Matching hatbands for you, and shoe accents for her.

Vintage Flare

Reflect on vintage Western styles without mimicry.

Your Attire: A classic vest, maybe even a pocket watch.
Her Attire: Vintage lace gown.

Coordinated Outerwear

Especially if it’s an outdoor setting.

Your Jacket: Ruggedly stylish with a modern cut.
Her Shawl: Delicate with details that match your jacket’s trim.

Together, create a mood board with styles, colors, and textures. It’ll help visualize how to synthesize your outfits. Stay in alignment with your partner’s preferences – compromise and creativity pave the way for perfect pairing. If need be, consult with a stylist to seamlessly bring the whole look together.

Pro Tips for Extra Flair

Swing by “Cry Macho” for some visual pointers from Clint himself. While it’s more about the lifestyle, you can definitely spot some timeless western styles to incorporate.

For more modern takes, look at:

Fashion blogs and Pinterest boards centered around Western-style weddings.
Instagram accounts of bespoke tailors and Western fashion brands.

Check if the wedding party is coordinating certain details and align with that. It makes for great photos and a cohesive look.

Ensure your boots are broken in. Nothing ruins a good time like a blister. And, if it’s an outdoor affair, layer smartly with a jacket or vest to accommodate varying temperatures.

Published By: Aize Perez