SHIFT INTO STAMPEDE STYLE
Subtle twists can turn your wardrobe western
Want to look good for the Calgary Stampede this year? Perhaps it’s time to go shopping.
“Find new pieces that you can wear all year long, and turn them into Stampede style with a pair of boots and a scarf,” says Calgary stylist and personal shopper Crystal Mckenzie (crystalmckenzie.com).
“If you’re paying $200 for a dress, you want to know you can wear it all year, not just during Stampede.”
Here are the top seven westernthemed trends to watch for, as the city gets ready for the 2017 Calgary Stampede.
Denim, of course. Look for lots of frayed edges, raw-cut denim and different washes. And, think beyond the jeans .“We’ re seeing off the shoulder blouses, denim shorts, denim skirts,” Mckenzie says. Simons, for instance, has pale denim boyfriend-style oversized jean jackets, frayed wide-leg cropped jeans and fitted denim sheath dresses. Add a bandana and beaded jewelry and you’re set. Or, if you prefer a modern edge to your style, try the vintage denim joggers from Twik, also at Simons. At Gap, you’ll find fun denim jumpsuits, long trouser-style denim, as well as shorts that have been strategically bleached, creating modern batiklike patterns. Pair with boots or casual leather wedges for hot days.
Patterns and florals. A major trend the past few years, the boho look works well during Stampede, too. Think casual floral tops and dresses, paired with the right boots or sandals with cork or wood heels. Look for Aztec-inspired tees at Simons, tone-on-tone florals from Gap and all kinds of paisley, floral and embroidered pieces at Old Navy. Even Joe Fresh is in on the trend this year, with paisley bandanas, tasselled scarves and casual lightweight faded denim dresses.
Beads, chokers and turquoise jewelry. “At Nordstrom, I’m seeing beaded clutches that are gorgeous, suede clutches and beaded earrings,” says Mckenzie, who has been rounding up Stampede outfits for clients. “Chokers are really big this year, too.” On a budget? Check out the accessories at Claire’s, where you’ll find a vast array of western-influenced pieces, featuring feathers, faux turquoise and coral. And head to the city’s consignment and second-hand stores for vintage and current western pieces, Mckenzie says. “A lot of consignment stores in Calgary have a great selection of western stuff this time of year.”
Dresses. Nothing says summer and Stampede quite like bare legs and a great dress. Think flowy floral cropped dresses, long and lean maxi dresses or off-the-shoulder peasant-style ruffled chambray styles. Accessorize with a bandana tied at the waist or a great cowboy hat to keep the sun off your face.
Kimono-style cover-ups. This wide-sleeve style is an alternative to the traditional denim or fringed jackets and provides warmth for chilly mornings or late evenings, Mckenzie notes. Definitely not typical western wear, they become Stampede-worthy when worn with cute jean shorts or a denim or chambray jumpsuit. Look for paisley or floral patterns.
Boots. Ditch those scuffed old ropers you’ve had for the past decade, and update your outfit with a bright, comfortable new pair that you can wear year-round. Look for stacked wood heels, pointy or slightly rounded toes, suede and fringe from a variety of labels, “anything from Frye to Jimmy Choo,” Mckenzie says. Open-heel or open-toed booties give a western feel, but are more comfortable on warm days. “I have a pair from Topshop with the open back and strap, a kind of western buckle on them,” Mckenzie says. “They’re incredible and they’re not as hot to wear as a regular boot.”
The hat. A cowboy hat is practical because it keeps the sun off your face and out of your eyes. Head to Lammle’s Western Wear and Tack (lammles. com) for a selection of both trendy and traditional toppers. Plus, if you’re one of those people who doesn’t love dressing up, a hat is an easy way to show your Stampede spirit without going overboard, Mckenzie notes.
“Not everyone wants to wear a costume,” she says. “Some of us just want to look cool.”