If you’re simultaneously obsessed with the latest micro-trends and too intimidated to test them out, you’ve come to the right place. This is Ways to Wear, a monthly series where editor Eliza Huber offers a dose of outfit inspiration centered around current trends that feel intriguing yet overwhelming at the same time. Consider it your guide to actually wearing the coolest items of the moment, no matter how puzzling they might appear at first.

From fringe and suede to double denim and unironic cowboy hats, there’s no denying that in 2023, Western fashion is everywhere. Sometimes its appearance is subtle, like when a sweater features whipstitched edges or a pair of black boots has an angled, thick heel. At others, there’s no denying the influence the wild, wild West had on an article of clothing or accessory, such as when an oversize belt buckle acts as the only thing breaking up a Canadian tuxedo or a pair of jeans feature chap-like details in the front and back (yes, I am talking about the just-launched Still Here line). There’s really no right or wrong way to do Westerncore this year as long as you’re doing it. 

Personally, I’m on board with both routes of conquering the trend, a statement you’ll see proof of in the three Western-inspired ensembles I took for a test-drive during my recent weekend trip to Austin, Texas for the Formula One U.S. Grand Prix. Just like half of the drivers, I chose to lean into the Americana theme of the three-day event, and of course, I documented the entire thing. Scroll down to see how exactly I styled the Westerncore trend that’s downright taken over TikTok and the fashion industry while in the land of cowboy culture and its associated style.