Western Wear vs. Western Fashion: What’s the Difference and Who Can Wear It Anyway?

Western wear vs. western fashion has been a huge debate amongst many in the western/rodeo industry. What is the difference? What are the standards? Who can wear these threads?

In the western world, there are many beautiful ladies who share their passion for western fashion. These influencers put together their best outfits and share their creativity for their followers to see.

One of the most influential content creators Gabrielle Sage, or @western.sage on social

media platforms, has taken the western fashion industry by storm. Sage started brand repping two years ago and it has slowly grown into a larger platform. She has worked with brands such as: Wrangler, Idyllwind and Lane. Sage expressed she loves working with small businesses because it really shows how the community can grow together.

From sharing outfit inspiration, photography tips, editing tricks, and inspirational posts, Sage has earned a spot in Cowgirl Magazine’s Cowgirl 30 Under 30 for the year of 2021, and Western Runway’s Best of the West for 2020.

To help answer some of these questions about the western fashion world, I asked Sage for her insight on the debate of western wear vs. western fashion.

When asked “What inspires your style”? Sage says “Anything. I absolutely love western vintage pieces mixed with modern trendy looks”.

“What’s the difference between western wear and western fashion”? Sage answered “I think western wear is stuff that you can work in (boots, jeans) and western fashion is more fun. I think one is function and one is fashion”.

Furthermore, “Do you feel that the western wear/fashion world has standards? If so, what are they”? Sage expressed that “I wouldn’t say standards, I would say they’re used to be requirements. The western industry has become a lot more inclusive over the past year and a lot more accepting of people who want to just express themselves through what they wear”.

“Can anyone wear western clothing, or does this style belong to a certain group”?

Sage says “ANYONE!!! I really want the western industry to become more inclusive because it could bring more awareness to the support the agriculture industry needs”.

Lastly, when asked “Define what it means to dress to express yourself”, Sage answered “Freedom. Absolute expressive freedom. How I dress has truly become such a liberating experience and accepting my own style and owning it is a superpower”.

Western style has evolved tremendously over the years, and the industry as a whole has grown so much itself. There are no rules to what you wear. There are no standards to who can wear it. The way you dress does not define your knowledge of the western or agriculture industry, it defines who YOU are.