Go West: Cowgirl Inspired Styles for Fall

Jessica Simpson (source)

Rihanna (source)

Sienna Miller (source)

Whether you are a little bit country (or a little bit rock n' roll), every fashionista will benefit from some Western-inspired pieces this fall. Okay, so cowgirl chic isn't exactly revolutioinary; many will agree that it was Sienna Miller who created a Western/Boho renaissance a few years ago. Those styles, which were typically limited to just summer wear, are now translating into fabulous fall fashions.

Ready to take the reigns? Then saddle up and add these goodies to your must-have list for your fall wardrobe:

Boots

Sam Edelman "Utah" Boots (source)

The easiest and most versatile Western-inspired piece you can buy has to be a pair of boots. The hottest ones of the season are fringy and covered in luxe suede. Pair these with anything from jeans to skirts to add instant cowgirl flair.

Plaid

BDG Mandarin Plaid Button-Up (source)

While J-Simp has been embracing her love for plaid for months now, it's just now catching our attention for fall wear. Look for plaid shirt dresses and button-ups for a casual chic look. I especially love what Rihanna has done with hers, wearing it under a snug vest to give her Western wear an edgier appeal.

Also look for brown suede bags and belts with antique hardware to amplify your look. Denim vests (and any denim in general) married with gauzy white cotton tops are perfect for late summer/early fall transitions. So, whether you are looking for a way to resurrect some of your old summer favorites, or simply love the Western wear look for fall, take some cues from these cowgirl inspired styles to put a little yee-haw into your look.

Hot Looks for Fall: The New Goth

Mary Kate Olsen (source)

Leave your chain wallets and spike-studded go-go boots back in 1997…the new goth is more fabulous fierce than Marilyn Manson couture. For Fall ‘08, instead venture to the dark side with caged high-heels, dark textured tights and vintage inspired lace. Oh yeah, and a latex mini for the truly daring.
Surprised that goth has made a comeback? Don’t be…Mary Kate Olsen has been doing it since last year, and black and navy nail polish were also big back then as well. It was only a matter of time, really. While this look is not ideal for everyone (I’m more into color, thank you very much), brave fashionista’s can really take advantage of this vampy style and go all-out, or just add a few macabre elements to their current look.
If you are ready to add some dark details to your fall wardrobe, check out these must-haves for inspiration:

Caged High-Heels

Giuseppe Zanotti Patent T-Strap Caged Stilletto, $625.00

Steve Madden “Madalynn” $109.95

You can go one of two ways with the “caged” sandal look, a direct spin-off from this summer’s uber popular gladiator sandal. The more hesitant can go the vampy route and look for vintage-inspired styles like this Giuseppe Zanotti sandal. The t-strap gives it a 1940’s vixen feel, and a shoe like this will give you a lot of mileage. Fierce trendanista’s can try the chunkier look like with the Steve Madden “Madalynn.” These are really popular right now with celebs (some are even pairing them with maxi dresses, but I don’t know about that one…).

Textured Tights:

Free People Crochet Tights, $38.00

If you buy one item for your fall wardrobe, I beg you to buy some dark textured tights. Tights are an inexpensive way to add interest to anything you already have in your closet, and look extra fierce when paired with a caged sandal (see above). Go get some right now, I mean it.
Rummage through your wardrobe and pull out your black wrap dresses, billowy white shirts, vintage cardigans, pearls, cameo pendants, chunky black or white rings and leave color out of this look. Top it all off with a handbag that’s heavy on the hardware and you’ve got one smokin’ “new goth” ensemble. Try it out for yourself, unless you’re afraid of the dark, that is.