A First Time Festival-Goer’s Guide To Cowgirl-Inspired Style

I’ve never been much of a festival girlie. It’s not because I don’t love live music (I do); Between big crowds (I’m barely 5’2 and main stage GA is not the most short-girl-friendly situation), prolonged time in the sun, and expensive food and drinks (in this economy?!), I always resolved to a life of catching the action on social media from the safety of my couch. However, when T-Mobile invited me to experience Austin City Limits the magenta way, I jumped at the chance. It felt like kismet: I’ve been a T-Mobile girlie for years, and as a newly-minted Texan (I moved to Dallas during the summer), what could be more fun that getting to channel my inner cowgirl at the state’s biggest music festival?

Ahead, join me as I document three days of discovering my festival style, and how to try the look out for yourself.

Day One: Floral Frontier

The first thing I kept in mind when packing for ACL was that it was going to be hot. As in, 90-degrees-in-direct-sunlight hot. In general, I love to “shop” my closet — I’m a proud outfit repeater — and found an old Reformation dress I bought at a sample sale ages ago but never worn. (Here‘s a similar one in linen.) Paired with my favorite Tecovas cowboy boots (also from my closet, a gift from when I moved to Dallas), I decided to lean into the yee-haw vibes with a chocolate bandana I got at Free People.

Day Two: Lace & Leather

For day two, I decided to go for an off-duty cowgirl look featuring a romantic lace tank and faux suede fringe micro shorts, both from Free People. (This is not an #ad, I just genuinely love the brand!) I recently found the cutest cowboy hat ever at Anthropologie — it works as a neutral but has teeny-tiny sequins sewn throughout for a hint of sparkle. It was a total compliment magnet, and also helped keep me cool during a day of truly incredible sets seen from the T-Mobile stage. (Also keeping me cool: The AC, fans, and drink stations at Club Magenta — in the club, we’re all fam!)

Day Three: Midnight Rodeo

My last festival outfit was a bit of a departure from my usual jeans-and-a-tee everyday style, but when at ACL right? This look was vaguely inspired by Lainey Wilson’s 2023 CMA outfit, a black Carolina Herrera strapless jumpsuit with dramatic bell-bottom flares. I found (or rather, they found me via Instagram ad) these lace wide-leg pants on Amazon, which ended up being a perfect choice since they were airy and breathable. I styled it with a DKNY corset top in black satin — another old closet find, but Abercrombie & Fitch has a similar style I love. I wore the same Anthropologie cowboy hat from the previous day, plus a black silk bandana tied around my wrist to tie (heh) everything together.

Final Thoughts

All in all, I left my first Austin City Limits feeling more confident in incorporating Western and Americana elements in my outfits, and can’t wait to continue experimenting with my personal style in my new city. And as much as I enjoy shopping for an upcoming trip/date/event, I also loved repurposing what I already had, and figuring out new ways to style existing pieces in my closet. Same time next year?

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Gap x Sandy Liang Is Bringing Girlhood Nostalgia To Our Closets

Get whisked away from mundane days and adult responsibilities, even if just for a moment, with the upcoming Gap x Sandy Liang collaboration.

Announced via an animated short film created by Annie Choi, Liang’s childhood in New York is reimagined through a nostalgic lens. We see her sketching before her own “dream closet” comes to life with new clothes that empower her before she captures a shooting star. The aesthetic and playfulness perfectly captures Liang’s signature whimsical designs. 

“‘Sandy’s Dream Closet’ illustrates how wearing Gap made me feel growing up as I imagined being an adult one day and who I could be,” Liang said in a press release. “I wanted to take the pieces that meant something to me as a kid and reimagine them through my lens today — celebrating girlhood in all its forms, while honoring the iconic styles that make Gap so timeless.”

And with Gap’s portfolio of collaborations, like with Béis (and GapStudio’s recent partnership with Gweneth Paltrow and Apple Martin), we know that this on-point designer collab will be another sought-after and successful one.

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Known for her feminine aesthetic via pastels, ruffles, and bows, Liang is bringing her style to Gap via a trench coat with an oversized bow, a Mary Jane ballet flat-printed sweater, and a denim baseball cap with “star” written in Gap’s logo font. You’ll also find Gap essentials, like fleece hoodies and wide-leg jeans with the Liang treatment (AKA bow stitching and the designer’s first name). And don’t forget about the children (not just your inner child) — there will be online-exclusive baby and toddler styles, like a onesie, sweatsuit, and spotted fur jacket (which matches the womenswear style lower down). 

“Sandy Liang has cultivated both an engaged community and an iconic design perspective, which has allowed her to reimagine our heritage pieces into something entirely new, yet familiar,” said President and CEO of Gap, Mark Breitbard, in the release.

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The apparel collection will range between $15 and $268, available in select stores and online on October 10 and 9 a.m. EST. But Gap cardholders can get exclusive early access to shop online or in the Gap app on October 9 at 12 p.m. EST. So be sure to have your credit card ready, because this collab is bound to sell out immediately!

Shop the full Gap x Sandy Liang collaboration on October 10

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The Best Haircut Trends From Paris Fashion Week Street Style

Paris Fashion Week street style was off the charts this year, with fashion boundaries pushed left, right, and center. Along with some bold accessories, waves of stylish attendees were seen embracing some gorgeous hairstyles that will send you running straight to the salon.

From inspired colors, headscarves, and trends like the butterfly cut, there's plenty to feast your eyes on and bookmark for later. With summer just around the corner, it's a great time to try out a shorter and lighter style. Here are the best haircut trends from PFW for you to bring to your stylist.

The classic slicked-back hairstyle is a staple for any big event. The accessory-free hairstyle keeps the focus on your outfit and makeup, without feeling boring.Photographed by Liana Hardy.

Y2K is back in a big way, and braids are a big staple. You can use hair clips and accessories to jazz up your plaits. Photographed by Liana Hardy.

The butterfly cut is all the rage right now, and this face-framing, soft style look is stunning on this Paris Fashion Week attendee. This type of cut gives you extra volume and exudes elegance.Photographed by Liana Hardy.

A slicked-back ponytail is a classic smart-casual look, but to mix things up, why not try a side part? Photographed by Liana Hardy.

This red hair color is to die for, but it's made even better by the intricate hood placed on top. A headscarf or hooded clothing is an easy way to elevate your look.Photographed by Liana Hardy.

This half-up, half-down hairstyle is gorgeous. With a few messy thin tendrils framing the face, it's very Y2K, and not too hard to replicate. Photographed by Liana Hardy.

This blunt bob with bangs is sleek, symmetrical, and clean. It's reminiscent of Taylor Swift's signature look from her 1989 era.Photographed by Liana Hardy.

A giant bow accessory is youthful, fun, and playful. It's also a great addition to an updo, especially if you're in a hurry.Photographed by Liana Hardy.

Sailor hats have been spotted on several fashion week attendees, and the accessory looks great perched on a loose hairstyle. It helps draw attention to this short and sweet cut.Photographed by Liana Hardy.

This sleek, dramatic hairstyle works perfectly with this textured outfit. Stemming from the middle part, the hair has been meticulously gelled down in waves to create a stunning shape. To recreate this at home, you could try R+Co's Grasp Intense Hold Shaping Balm.Photographed by Liana Hardy.

This rounded pixie cut is an excellent option for summer if you're looking for a lighter, more carefree style. The fresh cut helps big accessories stand out.Photographed by Liana Hardy.

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I’m Embracing The Western Trend With These Tecovas Cowboy Boots & Accessories

It’s officially boot season (thank goodness) so it’s time to upgrade your shoe game with classic knee-highs and suede booties, trendy moto and slouchy styles, and especially cowboy boots. I never personally embraced the Western aesthetic… that is until I tested my first pair of Tecovas boots almost a year ago.

The Jolene boots (with their horseshoe pattern) have become a cross-seasonal staple in my wardrobe. Whether I dress them up with a leather blazer or down with flare jeans, these boots are surprisingly versatile (although it’s probably not surprising to all those in the West and South who regularly wear them).

So when Tecovas recently opened its first New York storefront, I knew I had to visit. And, wow, did I get a taste of Texas’ Southern hospitality. From the complimentary (!) customization bar (I got the limited-edition Statue of Liberty design branded onto my new boots) to an actual 21+ bar (I recommend the Bourbon & Birch cocktail), the warm, saloon-like space is like a Western escape in the middle of Manhattan.

After exploring additional in-store amenities (including hat shaping and boot cleaning), I tried new styles across the brand’s boots, hats, and bags. But Tecovas isn’t just in the accessories game; Tecovas’ new fall styles include everything from cozy cardigans and kitschy graphic tees to vintage-inspired jeans.

Read on for my honest reviews of some of the newest Tecovas styles, and to shop your own pair of boots or accessories for the upcoming seasons (especially since there’s no sign of the cowgirl aesthetic going out of style).

New Tecovas Leather Cowboy Boots

Unsurprising to myself, I was immediately drawn to one of the brand’s most expensive boot styles. The Annie boot is a bestseller that typically ranges between $345 and $365, but the limited-edition, color-blocked eel leather costs a pretty $595. The shiny leather and rich colors are very luxurious, and pair perfectly with the brand’s new eel Concho Clutch for special occasions.

Another special option (with a lower price tag) is the bestselling Sadie boot, which has a shorter profile and now comes in metallic goldish-greenish cowhide leather. These are the perfect pair for nights out — like going line dancing with your besties, which is surging in popularity — or to channel an anticipated Act III album from Beyoncé.

New Tecovas Suede Cowboy Boots

I’m a sucker for suede boots, so I was excited to try new styles. The Annie in suede is very classic, but the new distressed charcoal color is a bit more fresh. The Sadie is also available in suede, and this pair features intricate braiding that I found really beautiful.

Now, onto the boot I couldn’t wear: The Abigail. I generally have to order wide-calf boots for myself, so I was skeptical about trying the brand’s knee-high and over-the-knee styles. While The Annie is offered in wide-calf options, others are not, so I couldn’t quite slip The Abigail all the way up. But pro tip: every Tecovas store offers free boot stretching. I witnessed this service in person when a worker stretched the shaft of a boot up to an extra inch wider. This is a huge perk if you’re able to make it into a store so that your boots fit perfectly.

New Tecovas Cowboy Hats

I don’t typically wear hats because of my stingy bangs, but I was eager to try my first cowboy hat. The brand has a range of styles — from “cowboy hats” with curved brims to “cowgirl hats” with flat wide brims — that are available in several sizes. The unisex Cattleman Straw Cowboy Hat and The Belle Wool Cowgirl Hat were my favorite.

Tecovas also offers tons of trucker caps, including new styles you can shop below. I finally left the store with the new Mechanic Denim Hat, which seems more feasible to wear around NYC for weekend walks, to baseball games, or at festivals than a wide-brim hat. I think it’ll also pair great with my go-to denim-on-denim outfits and cowboy boots for fall outings.

More Tecovas New Arrivals:

Shop all Tecovas new arrivals

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