HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Freedom. Adventure. Untamed Spirit. Rugged Beauty.
These words epitomize the character of the “Old West”, and this aesthetic has appealed to everyone from farmers to fashionistas for over a century. Originally worn as functional clothing by working cowboys and ranchers in the Wild West over a hundred years ago, this style has endured and continues to inspire people not just in North America but all over the world. It’s iconic and distinctly “American”.
What is “Western” Style?
Western style is also known as “Cowboy Core” – think denim, cowboy boots, leather, fringing, plaid, bolo ties, big belt buckles, “horse culture”, and wide-brimmed cowboy hats.
Delve a little deeper, and “Southwestern” style incorporates the Native American designs and artisanship of the local tribes, including the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, Santo-Domingo, and Apache, as well as south-of-the-border Mexican and Aztec influences. This adds jewelry, Native American blanket designs, and sacred semi-precious stones like turquoise to the look to enhance the abovementioned apparel with a more specific style aesthetic that is instantly recognizable and uniquely of the Southwest.
Native American jewelry and design motifs blend beautifully with the Western aesthetic, and while there’s nothing like genuine Navajo-, Zuni-, and Hopi-crafted bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings, and belt buckles, other Western or “Southwestern” jewelry is often crafted by non-native artisans to beautifully pay homage to the designs and unrivalled craftsmanship of the Southwest’s native people. Shared elements include the use of sterling silver, turquoise, animal and feather motifs, conchos, and an overall rustic, bohemian look.
Western Style Essentials
ü Cowboy boots
ü Denim (blue jeans, shirts, skirts, jackets)
ü Plaid shirts
ü Prairie skirts/dresses
ü Fringing
ü Leather – clothing and accessories
ü Western belts with distinctive buckles
ü Silver jewelry
ü Turquoise
ü Horse and feather motifs
ü Cowboy hats
ü Earthy tones
ü Native-American-inspired patterns
Western Style at Indian Traders
Love Western style? We have you covered at Indian Traders!
Western Jewelry
Our Western jewelry comes to us from Laura Ingalls, Mik French, and Cowboy Collectibles. Think Navajo-inspired silver and turquoise or lapis lazuli bracelets; woven horsehair bracelets with silver, turquoise, metal accents, and conchos; Aztec leather/silver/turquoise bracelets; silver feather pendants; and turquoise and silver waterfall earrings featuring bolos or conchos.
Western Handbags
Western handbags are an essential part of any Western-inspired wardrobe, with leather featuring heavily. We have almost everything you can imagine: STS purses, backpacks, totes, phone holders, duffles, backpacks, pistol holsters, wallets, guitar straps, carry-ons, satchels, and much more. Our vast collection comes from brands including but not limited to STS Ranchwear, American West, Viking Leather, Myra Bags, and Jen & Co. We also have a selection of vibrant south-of-the-border styles from Que Chula.
Cowboy Boots
Over the last year or so, we’ve introduced an impressive collection of cowboy boots for women (as well as some for toddlers and infants). From full-length boots to bootie mules, from simple rustic browns to embellished and colorful statement pieces, our premium-quality footwear comes from brands including Corral, Lane, and Old Gringo.
Native American Jewelry
Indian Traders is incredibly proud to be the distributor of a huge collection of the finest Native American jewelry available on- or offline. We work with talented Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni silversmiths in Arizona and New Mexico and also bring you pieces from Running Bear and other similar providers. All pieces are authentically Native-American-made, and each piece we sell helps support the artisan and their community. Many of these pieces are individually hallmarked by the silversmith, and we have jewelry made by some of the most renowned Native American silversmiths working today. We also have some vintage estate jewelry. Necklaces, pendants, rings, bracelets, pins, earrings, hair clips, money clips, keyrings, belt buckles, bolo ties, and more: you really need to take a look to appreciate how special this collection is.
L7 Designs Apparel
Exclusive to Indian Traders, L7 Designs brings a unique range of coats, jackets, ponchos, and bags made using Pendleton blankets in Native-American and western-inspired designs. We also offer denim jackets embellished with Pendleton wool designs or embroidered in colorful Western-inspired motifs (including dreamcatchers, animal skulls, and wildflowers) and boot bags.
Western style is timeless and embodies a charm that’s very specific to the USA. From dusty trails to big cities, it’s a look that can be anything from subtle to overt. From choosing a western handbag to adding a Native American bracelet or earrings to your ensemble or jumping all-in with an L7 Designs poncho made with a Native-American blanket and wearing blue jeans with cowboy boots, your options are endless!
How do you like to adapt Western style into your wardrobe?