How To Incorporate Stylish Western Wear Into Your Office Attire

Over the last couple of decades, the boundary between casual wear and professional wear is becoming increasingly thin, allowing ample opportunities for some creative and attractive western wear to places of work. This has led fashion-forward career professionals to develop a personal signature while still upholding a polished office look. Intentionally bring in western style into your working wardrobe for a unique fashion sense that sets you apart from all the rest.

The secret to pulling off western wear at the office lies in finding a balance between traditional professional attire and modern western wear. This article will explore various ways to incorporate stylish western wear into your office wardrobe, providing tips and inspiration for both men and women.

Whether you wish to add subtle flair to or make a bold western fashion statement, we will guide you through this process to have an appropriate look fitting the workplace setting.

Understand the Basics of Western Wear

Before getting into specific outfit ideas, let's go through some of the basics about western wear. Western wear originates from the American Old West and is defined by its tough, practical clothing to keep people going on the frontier. Today, western wear has grown into a genre of its own that incorporates elements of traditional clothing into modern fashion trends.

Key Elements of Western Wear

Western wear typically includes items such as cowboy boots, denim jeans, plaid shirts, leather belts with large buckles, and cowboy hats. These pieces are often adorned with western-inspired details like fringe, embroidery, and tooled leather. The color palette of western wear tends to favor earthy tones, such as browns, tans, and deep reds, although modern interpretations may incorporate a wider range of colors.

Adapting Western Wear for the Office

When incorporating western wear into your office attire, it's crucial to choose pieces that maintain a professional appearance while subtly nodding to the western aesthetic. This often means opting for more refined versions of classic western items and pairing them with traditional office wear. The goal is to create a look that is both stylish and appropriate for your work environment.

Western-Inspired Footwear for the Office

One of the easiest ways to incorporate western style into your office attire is through your choice of footwear. Cowboy boots are the quintessential western shoe, but not all styles are suitable for the workplace. When selecting boots for the office, look for more refined options that maintain a professional appearance.

Choosing the Right Boots

For men, consider sleek, polished leather cowboy boots in neutral colors like black or brown. Avoid overly ornate designs or distressed finishes, which can appear too casual for the office. Women have more options, including ankle boots with subtle western details or low-heeled cowgirl boots in sophisticated colors and materials.

Pairing Boots with Office Attire

For men, western-inspired boots can be worn with dress slacks or khakis for a polished look. Women can pair ankle boots with tailored trousers, skirts, or dresses for a chic, western-inspired outfit. In both cases, ensure that the boots are well-maintained and appropriate for your specific workplace dress code.

Incorporating Western-Inspired Tops

Western-style shirts and blouses can add a touch of frontier flair to your office wardrobe without sacrificing professionalism. The key is selecting refined versions of classic western styles and combining them with more traditional office wear.

Men's Western Shirt Options

For men, consider dress shirts with subtle western details such as pearl snap buttons or yoke designs. Opt for solid colors or subtle patterns in high-quality fabrics like cotton or linen. These can be worn with dress slacks or under a blazer for a more formal look.

Women's Western-Inspired Blouses

Women have a wide range of options when it comes to western-inspired tops. Look for blouses with delicate embroidery, ruffles, or subtle fringe details. Choose refined fabrics like silk or chiffon in solid colors or small, tasteful prints. These can be paired with tailored trousers, skirts, or worn under a blazer for a polished office look.

Western-Inspired Accessories for the Office

Accessories are an excellent way to add western flair to your office attire without going overboard. Carefully chosen accessories can elevate your look and showcase your personal style while maintaining a professional appearance.

Belts and Buckles

A classic leather belt with a tasteful western-inspired buckle can add a subtle touch of western style to both men's and women's outfits. Choose a belt in a neutral color like brown or black, and opt for a buckle that is stylish but not overly large or ornate.

Jewelry and Other Accessories

For women, delicate turquoise or silver jewelry can add a western touch to an outfit without being too bold. Consider small stud earrings, a simple pendant necklace, or a tasteful bracelet. Men can incorporate western style through accessories like bolo ties for more casual office environments or subtle cowboy-inspired cufflinks for a formal touch.

Incorporating Western-Inspired Outerwear

Outerwear presents another opportunity to incorporate western style into your office attire. The right jacket or coat can add a layer of sophistication to your look while nodding to western fashion.

Blazers and Sport Coats

For both men and women, a well-fitted blazer or sport coat in a western-inspired fabric like suede or leather can be a versatile addition to your work wardrobe. Look for pieces in neutral colors that can be easily paired with various outfits.

Vests and Waistcoats

A tailored vest or waistcoat can add a touch of western flair to your office attire. Choose a piece in a classic material like wool or leather, and pair it with a crisp dress shirt and slacks for a polished look.

Denim in the Workplace

While denim is a staple of western wear, it can be tricky to incorporate into office attire. However, with the right approach, denim can be a stylish and appropriate choice for many work environments.

Choosing the Right Denim

When selecting denim for the office, opt for dark washes without distressing or excessive fading. Look for well-fitted pieces in a straight or slim cut, avoiding overly tight or baggy styles.

Styling Denim for the Office

For a polished look, pair dark denim jeans with a blazer and dress shirt. Women can also consider denim skirts or dresses in more refined styles. Always ensure that your denim choices align with your workplace dress code and err on the side of caution in more formal environments.

Western-Inspired Suiting

For those working in more formal office settings, western-inspired suiting can be an excellent way to incorporate frontier style into your professional wardrobe.

Men's Western-Inspired Suits

Look for suits with subtle western details such as peaked lapels, yoke designs, or unique button placements. Choose fabrics like wool or tweed in colors that nod to the western palette, such as deep browns or rich earth tones.

Women's Western-Inspired Suiting

Women can opt for tailored suits with western-inspired details like fringe trim, embroidery, or unique closures. Consider suit separates in coordinating colors and fabrics to create a cohesive, western-inspired look that remains office-appropriate.

Balancing Western Style with Professionalism

When incorporating western wear into your office attire, it's crucial to maintain a balance between personal style and professional appearance. A recent survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 71% of employers believe that an employee's appearance can influence their perception of that individual's professionalism. This statistic underscores the importance of thoughtfully integrating western elements into your work wardrobe.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating stylish western wear into your office attire can be a fun and creative way to express your personal style while maintaining a professional appearance. By carefully selecting refined western-inspired pieces and thoughtfully pairing them with traditional office wear, you can create a unique and polished look that sets you apart in the workplace.