Dua Lipa and the summer of cowgirl fashion

(Welcome to the Wednesday newsletter! Each week, I’m publishing a new pop culture essay from a freelancer. Remember: Your subscription fee helps me pay these freelancers for their efforts! This week: EnJanae' Taylor looks at how Dua Lipa has helped cement 2021 as the summer of cowboy styles.)

This isn’t Dua Lipa’s first rodeo.

The mega-pop star’s sophomore album, Future Nostalgia, has only caused her popularity and success to skyrocket. After chalking up multiple hits, including "New Rules" and "Levitating" and winning three Grammys, the singer, who earlier in the year was named the top musical act in the U.S. by Billboard, is on a high.

Lipa is no stranger to the world of fashion, either. Vogue named her “Versace’s Gen-Z Muse,” and she frequently rocks that brand. She’s also becoming known for her cute Instagram outfits and fun aesthetic and in the words of Lipa herself, right now she’s “having a cowgirl moment.” In fact, her new music video, “Love Again,” gives a major boost to a new western-inspired fashion trend that has taken over social media.

Colorful hats, gingham, and — of course! — cowboy boots have taken over so many trendy Instagram and Pinterest feeds. Lipa might be taking us to the rodeo, but you don’t have to be a pop star to dress like her. Whether you have a superstar budget or are trying to get the look for less, you can get down with these styles, inspired by the fashion icon’s latest outfits.

Cowboy Boots

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It’s only right we start with the biggest western trend of them all: cowboy boots. You can spot many fashion-forward influencers wearing a pair of these bad boys on Instagram. Whether you want to wear the classic western style or want to grab a slightly more unconventional pair, you can’t go wrong with cowboy boots this summer.

Revolve’s Topaz Boot is the perfect stylish take on the classic cowboy boot. Style these white boots with a cute sundress and sunglasses, and you’ll be ready to go.

I, personally, love the more fun and colorful side of the western trend. If you do, too, you can always look to designer Jeffrey Campbell for shoe inspiration. These light blue metallic leather boots are the perfect pop of color.

But you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars for a good cowboy boot. If you’re looking for more affordable options, these black boots from Pretty Little Thing or these western ankle boots from ASOS can be perfectly paired with a little black dress for a perfect going-out outfit.

Cowhide Print

Cowhide print offers a fun way to add some flare to the western style.

My favorite stylish sister-duo Devon and Sydney Carlson of Wildflower cases recently dropped a cowhide phone case that — in the words of Drag Race star Monique Heart — is “Brown Cow Stunning.”

I love matching my phone case to my outfit. If you do, too, here are some cowhide print items you can rock to complete the look.

The Attico cow-printed leather top is the one Lipa is wearing in the “Love Again” video. It’s the perfect little top that puts a fashionable spin on the western trend.

If you’re still on board with the corset trend, this super cute Miaou Leia corset in cow-print from Revolve is for you.

You can never go wrong with a good trouser. Snag these cow hide trousers from Motel Rocks to fully live your western fantasy.

Cowboy Hat

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The cowboy hat re-entered the scene a few years ago, and it has only gained in popularity in 2020.

Mr Porter credits the “emergence of country rap” for the rapid spread of the western cowboy trend. When Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road took over the charts, the fashion world followed. Other stars like Diplo and Orville Peck have sported western wear on the 2020 Grammy red carpet, and Lizzo made country cute in her music video for her song Tempo.

Just like how the music on the charts have slowly shifted, the cowboy hat trend has become more ubiquitous. Now you see many people wearing them casually with their everyday outfits.

This green tie dye cowboy hat from Pretty Little Thing will help you follow the trend while standing out, and it brings things back to cow-print. I think a full leather look would be fun with this fun hat.

Wearing a pink cowboy hat with a little tiara emblazoned on its front is a popular look, and Lipa has been seen wearing a blue version on her Instagram. You can easily find them on Amazon at a very affordable price.

Target also offers affordable options, like this black cowboy hat with feathers. If you’re just getting a cowboy hat for a one-off outfit, I would follow Lipa and keep the whole look colorful. Maybe wear a bikini (as Lipa does) or a cute colorful mini dress.

Those options are more for playing dress up or just having fun taking pictures with your friends. If you really want to invest in a cowboy hat, Garmentory sells this Clyde cow print cowboy hat that is sure to have you two-stepping the night away. A full head to toe cow-print look would be fabulous with this hat.

Gingham Print

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Lipa posed in this stunning Miu Miu gingham jacket on social media, confirming she’s someone we can count on for western style inspiration.

At over $2,000, that’s a little pricey of course, but this gingham jacket from The Kit is stylish and gives you a polished look for your picnic at a much lower price.

And gingham is on offer at many places these days. Get this cute dress from Zara or these shorts from The Gap. Pair with white cowboy boots and a cute shoulder or saddle bag and you’re good to go.

Why western? Why now?

Trends come and go quickly. One of last year’s biggest trends was platform boots; that has evolved to cowboy boots. Bucket hats have evolved to cowboy hats.

After being stuck inside all year, a lot of people are ready to step out and wear things that make a statement. We miss making fashion fun.

I, personally, would never think to wear metallic cowboy boots with my sundress, but now, I can’t wait to do it. It’s fun, it’s flashy and gives me a break from my quarantine uniform of sweatpants and t-shirts (even though I still love them dearly).

The evolution of trends is always occurring, so staying ahead of the game is a must. Who What Wear has already said that next year, athleisure and statement jackets are here to stay, and styles like mini dresses will be elevated, so people can re-enter the world post pandemic in style.

With Lipa being the pop princess she currently is, there’s no doubt she’ll continue to lead and inspire fashion trends. But the singer goes beyond trendy. She stands out because she adds her personal flare.

Seeing Lipa try funky new styles and experiment with color makes me want to be more adventurous with my wardrobe. I recently even bought something because “it was so something Dua Lipa would wear” in my mind. The most important part is that I take the style and spin it to make it my own. Lipa does that really well, and it makes me want to do the same.

Whether she’s wearing custom Versace or a simple everyday outfit, Lipa is going to own it. Her confidence is contagious, and we’ll be watching as she takes over the world one look at a time.

Episodes is published three times per week and edited by Emily VanDerWerff. Mondays feature her thoughts on assorted topics. Wednesdays offer pop culture thoughts from freelance writers. Fridays are TV recaps written by Emily. The Wednesday and Friday editions are only available to subscribers. Suggest topics for future installments via email or on Twitter. Read more of Emily's work at Vox.