Take a Walk on The Wild Side.

Howdy Folks! Its time to dig out your cowboy boots, squeeze in to the old daisy duke shorts and polish that sheriff badge, as western style is making a come back…so much so that you will be reaching for your guns in no time. Worn denim, suede, leather and fringing combine to create a look that Broncho Billy Anderson would be proud of, in this season’s rework of the American dream.

The cowboy influenced trend has appeared on the runway year after year now, for its strong appeal and practicality within both couture and diffusion lines, as well as having been tried and tested by numerous designers. Ralph Lauren without a shadow of a doubt has won the fashion shoot out this year, with his cowgirl couture Spring/Summer 2011 collection.

With white being a major trend of the summer months, I immediately fell in LOVE with this slightly more classy take on the cowboy traditions, with the wash of colour instantly giving this “old favourite” a high fashion revival. Ralph Lauren managed to incorporate traditional elements with futuristic concepts to truly capture the best of the west.

Long, flowing dresses in dainty prairie girl prints took to the catwalk and created a welcome contrast to the tanned leather and fringed suede shorts typical of the cowboy lifestyle, collaborating to create a tasteful yet twee picture of life at the ranch.

Staple items for this hoedown showdown include crochet waistcoats, suede jackets, worn in shorts and leathers, not forgetting the vital belt…the bigger the buckle the better, all in neutral, earthy shades so as to avoid the tacky “Jessie from toy story” look, that should only be saved for fancy dress.

This trend is such an easy one to incorporate in to your own wardrobes and is an excuse to keep the well loved denim jacket out of the dust for another season, as well as the classic checked shirt that we all own ATLEAST one of. The high street is full of rodeo ready garments with a particular favourite of mine being these gorgeous suede high-waisted shorts from Topshop, at only £38.

Fringing has gone to the front of the fashion frontier, hosting a key look for this Wild West season and is without doubt one of my favourites, as it can be worn in many ways to suit all. This cute fringed vest top from ASOS is a simple, yet effective way of updating your wardrobe and proves there really is NO REASON not to squat on your spurs and embrace the revival of the cowboy.

Hold on to your hats folks, it’s time to head west. YEEHA!!!