Texas style has its own special flavor that mixes cowboy heritage with modern fashion. Getting that authentic Texan look isn’t just about throwing on a cowboy hat and boots. There’s a fine line between looking like a genuine Texan and looking like you’re wearing a costume from a Western movie.
1. Plastic Cowboy Hats Are A No-Go
Real Texans cringe at those shiny plastic cowboy hats sold at tourist shops. They scream “I just got off the tour bus” faster than you can say “howdy.” Authentic cowboys wouldn’t be caught dead in these flimsy imitations that offer zero protection from the Texas sun.
2. Wear A Quality Felt Or Straw Hat Instead
Invest in a genuine felt hat for cooler months or a straw hat for summer. The natural materials breathe better and develop character with age. A quality Stetson or Resistol becomes part of your identity, molding to your head shape over time and telling your personal Texas story.
3. Rhinestone-Covered Everything Looks Tacky
Bedazzled jeans with rhinestone crosses and fleur-de-lis patterns scream “trying too hard.” The excessive sparkle belongs in pageants, not everyday Texan wear. Genuine Texan style embraces subtle details rather than blinding everyone within a ten-foot radius of your pants.
4. Choose Quality Embroidered Details Instead
Tasteful embroidery on pocket flaps or subtle stitching along seams adds authentic Western flair without going overboard. The craftsmanship speaks for itself. Look for traditional Western yoke patterns or simple floral designs that complement rather than dominate your outfit. Quality workmanship trumps quantity every time.
5. Oversized Belt Buckles That Could Double As Dinner Plates
Those massive rodeo champion-style belt buckles that could double as serving trays? Unless you’ve actually won them in competition, they look pretentious and impractical. Walking around with what appears to be a small satellite dish strapped to your waist isn’t the Texas way.
6. Opt For A Tasteful, Everyday Buckle Instead
A modest silver or brass buckle with simple Western motifs makes a more authentic statement. The understated elegance shows confidence in your style choices. Many Texans save their statement buckles for special occasions, preferring practical, quality leather belts with classic designs for everyday wear.
7. Brand New, Never-Worn Cowboy Boots
Fresh-out-of-the-box boots with perfectly pointed toes and not a scuff in sight telegraph “tourist” immediately. The stiff leather and pristine soles show you’ve never actually worked in them. Authentic Texan footwear tells a story of places walked and work done.
8. Broken-In Boots With Character Speak Volumes
Well-worn boots with a few scuffs show you actually live the lifestyle rather than just dressing for it. The comfort of broken-in leather can’t be faked. Texans know good boots are an investment that gets better with age, developing a unique patina that reflects your personal journey.
9. Matching Cowboy Hat And Boot Sets Scream “Tourist Trap”
Those perfectly coordinated hat and boot sets in bright turquoise or red? Pure tourist bait. No self-respecting Texan would be caught dead in these matchy-matchy ensembles. Authentic Western wear develops organically over time, not purchased as a complete set from a gift shop.
10. Mix Complementary Pieces For Authentic Style
True Texan style comes from thoughtfully combining different elements that work together without being identical. Your hat might be chocolate brown while your boots are burnished tan. The subtle coordination shows intentionality while maintaining the natural, lived-in look that defines authentic Western wear.
11. Costume-Like Fringe On Everything
Excessive fringe dangling from jackets, shirts, and purses gives off strong Davy Crockett costume vibes. The swinging tassels catch on everything and collect dust and debris. While fringe has authentic Native American and frontier roots, too much turns functional decoration into costume territory.
12. Strategic Fringe Elements Add Subtle Movement
A single fringe item, like a tasteful leather jacket or handbag, incorporates the Western aesthetic without going overboard. The key is moderation. Quality fringe made from genuine leather or suede moves naturally and ages beautifully, adding dimension to your outfit without defining it entirely.
13. Bolo Ties With Enormous Stones Or Flashy Designs
Oversized bolo ties featuring giant turquoise stones or gaudy designs scream “trying too hard.” The weight alone can cause neck strain! These attention-grabbing accessories often look like costume jewelry rather than authentic Western wear, especially when paired with casual outfits.
14. Classic, Understated Bolo Ties Show True Style
A quality bolo with modest silver work or a small, genuine stone shows appreciation for Western tradition without overdoing it. The craftsmanship speaks for itself. Authentic Texans know when to wear a bolo tie – usually with Western dress shirts for semi-formal occasions, not with T-shirts.
15. Western Shirts With Excessive Piping And Contrast Stitching
Those over-embellished Western shirts with contrast stitching on every seam and multicolored piping look like they belong in a 1970s country music video. The busy details compete for attention. Too many decorative elements create visual chaos rather than cohesive style.
16. Clean-Lined Western Shirts With Subtle Details
A well-cut Western shirt with understated details like pearl snap buttons or modest embroidery looks effortlessly authentic. The quality of the fabric and fit takes center stage. Traditional Western yokes and pockets provide enough character without needing additional embellishments to look genuinely Texan.
17. Wearing Full Western Gear To Every Occasion
Showing up to a casual dinner in full rodeo regalia – hat, boots, big buckle, and starched jeans – might be overkill. Context matters in authentic Texas style. Even born-and-raised Texans don’t dress like they’re headed to a rodeo competition for everyday activities like grocery shopping.
18. Adapt Western Elements To The Setting
True Texan style means knowing when to incorporate Western elements appropriately. Maybe just the boots with jeans and a regular button-down for dinner, saving the full ensemble for suitable events. This selective approach shows you understand the culture rather than just wearing a costume.
19. Ignoring Proper Fit For Western Wear
Western jeans that are too baggy or shirts with sleeves hanging past your knuckles look sloppy, not authentic. Proper fit matters regardless of style. Even traditional Western wear should complement your body shape rather than hiding it completely or restricting movement unnaturally.
20. Tailored Western Wear Shows Attention To Detail
Well-fitted Western clothing respects the traditional silhouette while flattering your body. Properly hemmed jeans break just right over boots without pooling fabric. Shirts should allow comfortable movement while maintaining a clean line across the shoulders and proper sleeve length, showing you care about presentation.
21. Novelty Western Wear With Cartoonish Motifs
Western shirts plastered with cartoon cacti, horseshoes, or Texas flags belong at theme parties, not in authentic Texan wardrobes. The novelty prints look childish and inauthentic. These gimmicky designs reduce rich cultural heritage to tourist-trap stereotypes rather than honoring genuine Western traditions.
22. Quality Fabrics In Traditional Patterns Stand The Test Of Time
Classic plaids, subtle checks, or solid colors in quality fabrics represent authentic Texas style. The patterns have historical roots in ranch work and Western culture. Traditional Western patterns like gingham, chambray, or simple plaids communicate genuine style without resorting to novelty prints or stereotypical imagery.