Buck tradition just a bit for Stampede
Classic boots, hat, some fringes and you’re ready
Q I’m a newly elected MLA and though it’s a month away, I’m already stressed out about what to wear to the many Stampede breakfasts and barbecues I’ll be required to attend. Unlike most Calgarians I don’t even own a cowboy hat. Help!
A I don’t know if you’re male or female ( I suspect the latter) but whatever your gender I don’t envy you. Women in politics have to put up with endless scrutiny about their appearance, something men rarely get raked over the barbecue coals for — except during Stampede. Will Stephen Harper ever live down his too short black leather vest and cowboy hat worn backwards? ( FYI, no matter where you sit on the political spectrum, the feather on the hatband always goes on left.) A few years ago Justin Trudeau got chastised for wearing a dress shirt instead of one with snaps.
Still, if you’re a man it’s much easier to get Stampede style correct. All you need is a pair of plain jeans and a few pearl snapped shirts that fit well, a belt with a western buckle, boots and a cowboy hat. This basically describes what Thomas Mulcair wears when he comes to town every July, and for a guy not from around these parts he always stands out. Mulcair once tweeted he consulted with Lammle’s Western Wear and Tack and this is a smart idea — get a professional. Walk into Lammle’s or Riley & McCormick and tell them you don’t want to look like you’re playing dress- up. And if you need a pair of cowboy boots — and you do if you’re going to be in office in Alberta for the next four years — don’t wait until July. Run on down to the Alberta Boot Company and buy a classic pair — no square toes or faux distressed leather please! — and wear them every day until the parade. Otherwise you will have to endure 10 long days and nights with really sore feet.
Unfortunately, it’s not as easy for women to get Stampede style right because there are more options and thus more opportunity to fail. Obviously Daisy Mae’s and a tank top are not professional, nor is anything that shows too much skin. You probably already have some things in your closet that will work with the right accessories. You can Stampedify most dresses and long skirts by adding cowboy boots and a hat.
A denim jacket is always handy but don’t wear it with denim jeans — The Canadian Tuxedo is hard to pull off unless you’re Beyonce or Katie Holmes. Keep it simple and don’t try too hard — you only need one or two pieces. The current trend for all things Boho actually works well with westernwear. There’s a lot of fringe out there, at all price points, on everything from sandals and handbags to jackets and skirts.
Perhaps the most useful thing to have would be a crossbody bag, like the Fringe Mini- Mac by Rebecca Minkoff or this suede messenger bag from Zara. They’ll add a nice touch to any outfit and keep your hands free for holding a plate of pancakes at a Stampede Breakfast.