Those that know me already won’t deny that I’m a cowgirl at heart. I grew up on an Iowa farm and fell in love with the simple western way of living. That love of country turned into a love of western wear for women. Now that I’m over 50 (shhh), I’m happy to report that trends in western wear for women continue to be stylish and fun to wear whether at home or traveling. Read on for inspiration for your next western wear shopping experience.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and buy, we may receive a commission. Thanks for helping to support TravelingInHeels.
Trends for Western Wear for Women Over 50
Table of Contents
Girls, let’s get real. There’s no denying that women’s wardrobes change as we age. Bodies change, gravity has its way, and wear and tear from a life well lived makes itself known. The end result is finding clothes that offer a comfortable fit, don’t bind in the wrong places, and accommodate shifts in our body styles just ain’t easy!
What it doesn’t mean is giving up wearing stylish clothes, but it does mean making some personal shifts in what’s worn. I wouldn’t dare wear those short midriff tops or shorty shorts, right? And if I did my teen granddaughter would sit me down for a talk — seriously she would!
Yet no matter our age, we want to look and feel good. Enter the Western wear trend for women over 50 with easy-to-wear pieces that are feminine, comfortable, and forgiving — and these styles also offer women’s plus size western wear.
Here’s a look at the most popular pieces of the Western wear trend, perfect for a romantic night out or even to pack in our travel bags when we explore the world.
Leather and Suede Fringe Jackets
playful faux Suede Fringe Jacket from Etsy.
Women in this age group probably remember wearing the fringe jacket in their teenage years in all of its various forms. While there’s an adage in the fashion industry of “everything old is new again,” the jacket re-emerges as something other than the tough girl or hippie look.
Now, it’s paying homage to women like Annie Oakley, the sharpshooting wonder of the 19th century instead of biker chic or peace and love. The movement of fringe draws the eye away from other areas of the body, while the softness of the leather or suede falls comfortably on the body.
Whether you choose a stylish Etsy handmade or Vintage leather or suede fringe jacket or unleash your Amazon shopping, you’re looking good, girl!
Western Booties
While I’m still a fan of the cowboy boots, the Western bootie is a slip-on ankle boot that takes the vamp of a cowboy boot and turns it into feminine footwear. Booties come in a variety of Western-inspired prints and colors to match your mood or need. They’re high enough for a pair of jeans to slip over the top and make it look like a pair of full-sized boots is being worn.
Another advantage of the Western bootie is the fact that it’s a slip-on shoe. No need to struggle with pulling on a boot shaft over your calf on a day when your hips or back aren’t cooperating. Simply slide your foot into the boot and walk forward. And booties tend to feature elastic on the sides, so they don’t bind or pinch when walking.
Western and Southwestern Belts
Belts let the wearer play up their clothing while wearing looser garments that are more comfortable. Southwestern and Western belts are made for showing off, which means they don’t have to be relegated to being held by the belt loops on the jeans.
Look for wide belts with huge buckles that drape comfortably around the waist and are made from leather or leather-like material. The belts can also be worn at waist level and used to cinch a blouse to show off a waistline or emphasize the flow of the blouse.
Show off the belt by wearing a blouse in a solid color that matches or reflects a color found in the buckle, or go with a plain belt over a Southwestern-inspired print.
Today’s trends in Western wear offer women over 50 many options in colors, prints, shapes, and silhouettes. This style offers garments that are comfortable, don’t have to look shapeless, and have no end of combinations. And it never goes out of style.
