Beyoncé Is In Her Country Era & So Are We - How To Get In On The Trend
From surprise drops (we're still crying to "16 Carriages") to unexpected genre twists, Beyoncé is the queen of expectation-defying albums. Even knowing this, fans were shocked and delighted when the icon announced during the 2024 Super Bowl that her next record was heading in a country direction. This turn toward Western themes has also been reflected in Beyoncé's genre-bending fashion. In the run-up to her new album, the star has been spotted rocking the country aesthetic everywhere from the Super Bowl to New York Fashion Week.
Of course, Queen Bey is never one to follow the crowd, and her recent foray into Western style is far from typical. She's making the look her own by pairing country staples like cowboy boots, bolo ties, and cowboy hats with high fashion. Think chic suits and minidresses, luxurious materials, and designer labels that make it clear that country can coexist with fierce boss vibes.
Want to enter your own country era? There's no need to go all in with chaps and leather fringe — instead, there are easy ways to mimic Beyoncé's fashion-forward take on cowboy glam without falling into stereotypes. By simply adding some country accents to your modern wardrobe, you can keep the look authentic instead of costumey and balance out that yeehaw sensibility with contemporary style.
Must-have cowboy boots
Looking for an on-trend way to rep country style and say goodbye to outdated footwear fads like lug-sole boots? Cowboy boots are the replacement you need for 2024 — and you don't have to limit yourself to obvious styles. From ankle-high to thigh-high, classic to reimagined, there are Western boots to suit every preference. To keep the look fresh, skip the bootcut jeans and long, flowy prairie dresses. Instead, follow Queen Bey's lead and add sass with a cheeky romper or minidress. You can also don a long coat or kimono to contrast the outfit's thigh-baring proportions.
Bold Western-inspired belts
From intricate chain belts to thick bands of brown leather, Western-style belts are easy, eye-catching ways to add a country vibe to your outfit. These belts tend to incorporate some signature elements like chunky silhouettes, tooled leather designs, large oval buckles, and silver or copper detailing, which you can play with to embody the aesthetic without getting too literal. Pair a statement belt with a bodycon dress or monochromatic separates, and consider going light on other jewelry and accessories to streamline the look and let the belt shine.
An iconic cowboy hat
Recently, Beyoncé has been flaunting cowboy hats left, right, and center. But how can you take such a recognizable symbol of Western culture and make it fashion? It's all about the styling. Because a cowboy hat is such a statement already, you can pull back on other country-inspired elements in your ensemble. Instead, try complementing the hat with pieces that ooze a counterpoint of fashion and luxury, whether that means opting for premium materials and designer staples or embracing an artsy, avant-garde point of view.
Effortlessly cool bolo ties
Bolo ties are typically relegated to menswear, but that didn't stop Beyoncé — and it doesn't have to stop you, either. Quickly turn a bolo tie into something daring and provocative by dropping the collared shirt and wearing it against your bare skin like a necklace. The long tails of a bolo tie create gorgeous length that accentuates your collarbones and décolletage, while its simple cording provides an instant cool factor — whether it's worn with a sharp waistcoat, a casual V-neck tee, or a sexy party dress with a plunging neckline.
Big, bouncy curls
With mega-stars like Beyoncé rocking the look, statement-making "Texas Hair" is a big 2024 hair trend in many ways. It's a style you probably recognize from decades of country music starlets: bouncy, vivacious curls that instill unmissable femininity into any ensemble. They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and it holds true with this trend, which loves dramatic volume. Wear your huge curls down and loose to give free-spirited cowgirl vibes, or try a half-up style that shows you're ready to get down to business in the barn and boardroom alike.
Silver and turquoise jewelry
Nothing evokes the Southwest like jewelry made from turquoise and silver. If you want to lean boldly into this aesthetic, you can go classic with bulky bangles, strings of organically shaped turquoise beads, or chunky silver rings set with polished turquoise stones. But you can also incorporate these materials in more modern, understated accessories. Consider a pair of petite turquoise studs or a single, brightly colored piece of turquoise on a silver chain. These options offer a hint of country style while keeping things sleek and subtle.