Getting Ready to Rodeo :: A Non-Cowgirl’s Guide to Rodeo Fashion

The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is right around the corner.  You know that one time of year when it’s socially acceptable to eat meat on a stick and stay up way past your bedtime on a “school night” jamming out to your favorite country tunes.  Trust me, I am no cowgirl, and although I worked in country radio in college, met country stars left and right, briefly dated a now famous country singer, and even met my husband at the Houston Rodeo Cook-off, I’m a long way from riding horses and listening to Reba, Carrie, or Miranda.  But I do know how to fake it and dress the part to honor one of our city’s best traditions.  So whether you are a first time roper or a veteran trail rider, below are a few rodeo fashion tips to get you and your family ready to rodeo!
Getting Ready to Rodeo. A non cowgirl's guide to rodeo fashion. A photograph of two people from the waist down standing outside. The woman is wearing a dress and cowboy boots.  Logo: Houston moms blog.

A child's t-shirt with an embroidered M and a cowboy hat. For the Little Cowboys & Cowgirls

There is nothing cuter than seeing your little ones sporting some teeny tiny cowboy boots.  For infants, I’ve had luck at department stores like Dillards and Nordstrom.  For the bigger kids, you can shop at a traditional boot store like Cavender’s.  Grab some jeans you already own, and just add a western themed shirt like a denim button-up or a personalized rodeo tee from Two Magnolia Lane.

Bonus :: You can get them excited about the upcoming rodeo fun with some cute cowboy and cowgirl crafts and themed dinners like Weeknight Rodeo BBQ Bowls!

For the Ladies

Trade your Jimmy Choos for boots and your finest blues!  When trying to get your wardrobe “rodeo ready,” I say pick an item or two that says “western” and keep the rest basic.  You don’t want to look like you are trying too hard if cowgirl just isn’t your real style.  Trust me, as one year I decided to sport a straw cowboy hat and looked ridiculous. Start with a pair of jeans and cute top, and then, as my mom would say – “ACCESSORIZE.”  Add a glitzy belt, turquoise jewelry, and a pair of boots.  Denim is also so easy to do, so grab your favorite chambray shirt or dress, add a pair of boots, and you are done!

You can easily look to your own closet for most of what you need, but if you do want to buy something special, I recommend trying More Than You Can Imagine which carries clothing for both women and men and has a great mix of designer resale and new items.  They will certainly be able to get you ready to rodeo!

Buying a pair of boots can be an investment, but let me tell you that it is money well spent, especially living in Texas.  I bought myself a pair of boots {similar here} 11 years ago when I worked for a country radio station and needed to look the part at Rodeo Cook-off, and they are still in great shape and ready to rodeo each year.

Another option for boots is Texas Junk Company in the Montrose area with racks and racks of pre-owned boots at great prices!  If higher end is more your thing, check out Pinto Ranch in the Galleria area for your clothing and boot needs.

Finally, if you don’t want to worry about boots this year, try a fun piece of jewelry.  Turquoise will give your outfit a great pop of color and that western feel.  Kendra Scott has a ton of great turquoise options, and with stores at City Centre, Rice Village, and Friendswood, you will not have any trouble finding the perfect piece just in time.

A button down shirt displayed in a store selling cowboy apparel. For the Gents

Jeans, boots, button-up!  Guys have it so easy.  As mentioned earlier, More Than You Can Imagine has a great selection of men’s shirts and Lucchese boots that would be perfect for the rodeo season.  Nordstrom is another fave that can get your guy ready with jeans, boots, and shirts all in one, quick and painless trip!

Don’t Forget

The most important thing when getting your family ready to rodeo is to be comfortable and to have fun!  Between the traffic, park & rides, carnival, and crowds, you will be doing your fair share of walking at the rodeo, so make sure whatever you choose to wear is comfortable and most importantly, something you feel great in. You can honestly wear anything you want to all of these events – these are just a few ideas to get you in the Rodeo spirit. Crossbody bags should be your best friend too!

Have fun, be safe, and don’t forget to read our 2016 Family Guide to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo for more tips and tricks too!

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