When I was maybe a freshman in high school, my parents took me to a fantastic art exhibit spotlighting the American West, and I still remember this one painting of storm clouds collecting over a wide plain. The artist had deftly captured a sudden change in tenor, an imminence, the pressure drop before storm: there was no rain on the canvas, but it was shot-through with foreboding. I wish I could remember who painted it, but the visual has lingered, along with its context alongside other landscapes of the rough and beautiful terrain of the West. I’ve always had a strong attachment to that wide open feeling of the West terrain — the way it makes us feel exposed to the elements, in awe of its enormity. Nowhere to hide! I looked forward to it all year long as a kid, and I deeply connected The Chicks’ song “Wide Open Spaces” to a specific wildflower-dotted lea nestled amidst the Rockies near Aspen, CO. (I loved that entire album so much, and what a delight to sing some of it at karaoke with my sister last week!) Meanwhile, Ralph Lauren has been a mainstay in my wardrobe since I was little, and I love the way he has always introduced elements of the American West into his clothing: turquoise, suede, fringe, complex patterned knits, cowboy hats! So to say that I am delighted by the heavy Western influences we’re finding in fall fashion this year is an understatement.

A few random cowboy moments I’ve loved from this past year: Bella Hadid and her cowboy boyfriend, Riley Green saying, “Everyone wants to be a cowboy” in an interview, Riley Green in general, the Colter Wall album below (and the title track, “Little Songs”) — this cover imagery is so, so good!, all the cowboy-themed romances (Lyla Sage, Elsie Silver!)

West-Inspired Fall Fashion.

GUEST IN RESIDENCE JACKET // AURATE BOLO NECKLACE // SUEDE FRINGE SKIRT // ISABEL MARANT DUERTO BOOTS // RL SHAWL COLLAR SWEATER // RL BOOK // ANTLERS // MADEWELL BELT // RODEO SCARF // WESTERN BUCKLE BELT // DENIM BUTTON DOWN // FRAME LEATHER PANTS // MADEWELL BAG

If you love the shawl collar knit sweater from RL, a few looks for less: this Tuckernuck and this Splendid (30% off), seen below. I wore this in Charlottesville two weeks ago and I was just skimming through all the outfits from that week and realizing that almost every outfit featured something Western-inspired, from this bandana-print dress to this cashmere fringe overshirt.

Styling Western-Inspired Fashion.

The key to not looking costumey is mixing one Western-inspired piece with contemporary and on-trend pieces as well as classic shapes.

In the outfit below, I absolutely love the simplicity of the knit dress as a foil. A few great looks for less: this OPT, this Quince, this Boden, this Banana Republic. Not brown, but I did pick up this similar Tuckernuck. I’m looking forward to styling with a dramatic belt and suede boots.

BTW, this belt is $69 and a dead ringer for the much more expensive styles from Ralph Lauren.

And, how delicious is this cropped suede jacket from VB?! Geez do they know how to cut a chic coat or what?! Looks for less: Favorite Daughter, Madewell, BlankNYC (under $200). Not suede, but this contrast-collar jacket has a really similar shape to the VB and the contrasting collar detail is on point — plus, under $40. And this denim with a contrasting collar would also work brilliantly here (I have this coat in my closet!)

VERONICA BEARD JACKET (BUDGET BUY VERSION HERE) // RALPH LAUREN DRESS // AMAZON BOOTS // WESTERN-STYLE BELT // LIP LINER STAIN // LIZZIE FORTUNATO EARRINGS // LIFFNER CLUTCH

I can’t stop thinking about this gorgeous $125 suede fringe skirt. Temper its drama with a crisp button-down (<<this is my absolute favorite) and sleek leather booties. I also think the denim swing jacket lends an element of contemporary cool / she-doesn’t-care energy. It’s a big spurge (Loewe) but looks for less abound: Ulla Johnson, Anthro, Zara!

RAG AND BONE MAXINE BUTTON-DOWN // AURATE BOLO NECKLACE // DORSEY DROP EARRINGS // SUEDE FRINGE SKIRT // LOEWE DENIM SWING JACKET // SCHUTZ BOOTIES // MADEWELL BAG

The outfit below is a great twist on our everyday uniform. The sweater feels fresh and different but very easy to wear.

TUCKERNUCK WRAP SWEATER // TOTEME BAG (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // ELECTRIC PICKS EARRINGS // JANE WIN COIN NECKLACE (20% OFF) // LESET TEE // MADEWELL BELT // WHITE JEANS // MARGAUX X ALEX MILL BOOTS

This suede overshirt is magical. Throw on with jeans and a simple flat and you’re done. Looks for less here, here, here. I love the idea of wearing it as a jacket with an airy white skirt — so unexpected!

MADEWELL OVERSHIRT // DENIM BUTTON DOWN // DORSEY RIVIERE NECKLACE // DOEN SKIRT (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // BANANA BELT // HUNTING SEASON CLUTCH // BOOTS // MAISON D’ETTO PERFUME*

*All the scents from this gorgeous perfume brand are inspired by horses!

Finally, a great athleisure look — this makes me excited for school drop off!

THE UPSIDE FLEECE // DORSEY EARRINGS // RHODE POCKET BLUSH // VARLEY SPORTS BRA // VARLEY LEGGINGS // CALL IT BY YOUR NAME TOTE // SET ACTIVE SOCKS // INUIKI BOOTS

Finally, a few Western-themed dresses to consider: my Tulsa dress from The Great, this Doen plaid, this garland print, this Carolina K, this plaid RL.

P.S. On becoming an expert in yourself.

P.P.S. How do you get your kids to eat?

P.P.P.S. Fragile bells.

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