The country catwalk

Whoever said country fashion isn’t stylish never witnessed the chic, bold style of artists such as Shania Twain, the Dixie Chicks and Toby Keith. We see country fashions in our everyday lives, from the sexy leather boots many women love to red-and-black-checkered collared shirts some manly men wear around campus.

Country fashion isn’t just limited to pants that come up to your chest, flannel shirts and cowboy hats. That’s just one type of country style, but there are countless others.
Let’s take a look at Carrie Underwood. She has won numerous Grammy awards for her catchy country hits, and she is one of the most fashionable women out there. Carrie knows how to rock the glamorous look at awards shows and parties, but she’s also been known to show her Oklahoma roots. Just like her music, her fashion is accessible to the mainstream crowd while still exhibiting country style.

Looking country-cute is as much about what you are wearing as it is about your personality. If you’re fun, flirtatious and nice you’ll fit right in. For that “prairie country” look, your best bet is to wear a simple spaghetti-strapped, knee-length spring eyelet dress like the one Underwood once wore with a pair of brown boots.

Keep to one color with the dress, and stay away from floral patterns. You can throw on a pair of brown leather boots with classic-patterned, white stitching, and you are well on your way to looking like the all-American country girl. Keep your makeup to a minimum for this style, especially in the summertime.

Let your hair flow down to your shoulders, just like Carrie often does. Don’t be afraid to add a little product – perhaps some hair spray – to your hair, but keep it light and natural. Now, if you want to look a bit like an urban country girl, put on a few bulky bangles and a couple of necklaces, and you will definitely stand out from the crowd.

Men who dress country exude masculinity and confidence, and if you don’t know what I mean, just take a look at Toby Keith. Keith’s country-boy meets Dolce & Gabbana look is fresh and stylish, even while he sticks to his country roots.

Men, for you I specifically recommend button-up shirts. They don’t have to be flannel or checkered. They can be simple, multicolored or patterned. In other words, they can pretty much be anything. Open up a few buttons towards the top and wear a pair of comfortable jeans that matches your top.

Throw on a pair of cigar-colored, leather boots with western-style stitching. You can top it off with a cowboy hat, if you want, but this is not a requirement.

My main goal with this week’s topic was to encourage you to try out a new fashion that most would not find stylish. Play around with what makes you comfortable.

Remember that if you don’t try something you will never find out if it looks amazing on you. Don’t let stereotypes prevent you from being bold, because fashion is all about being chic and rising above the crowd.