Rounding up cowgirl-chic style

The Academy of Country Music Awards are in town this weekend, and Western fashions are sure to be much on display. Of course, regardless of whether you’re heading off to a ACM pre-party or just dressing up to watch the show, year-round, “denim and diamonds”-styled galas and boot-scootin’ outings often require a touch of “cowgirl chic” style.

If you’re not sure anything in your closet is hip enough for a spontaneous skedaddle over to the Arlington’s AT&T Stadium to hang with the ACM crowd — or any other occasion in the company of men wearing boots and Stetsons — we’re here to steer (pun intended) you toward a modern collection of cowgirl fashion finds.

For starters, denim is always part of this scene and never goes out of fashion. Whether you wear the latest jean with lots of distressing, tears and fraying or a denim jacket with cute details and stitching, this old standby is a workhorse. (Just don’t overdo it with a head-to-toe get-up — in the fashion world, that’s called wearing a Texas Tuxedo).

Leather is a classic as well, and this year, suede leather is hot off the runway for spring fashionistas. (Better yet, you can wear it year-round.)

A flirty dress teamed with a pair of cowboy boots is a great way to kick up your heels, Texas-style. If the boots have lots of detail and pizazz, keep the dress simple — and short. Sundresses are a fun choice when teamed with denim jackets and vests, plus a cowgirl hat.

Shorts — or perhaps we should say short-shorts — are a big part of the spring season’s Western fashion scene. Add a fringe leather vest or a long lacy one, add a pair of cool boots, and they’ll be lining up for your autograph.

But don’t forget about accessories. Today’s cowgirl wears it all — silver, turquoise, copper and gold. Leather and wrist bracelets with embellishments and a twist of fringe are all the rage. Fringe is also showing up on bags, vest and even boots.

It’s big in the fashion world, too, which means these two scenes are closer than you think.

This story was originally published April 16, 2015 at 3:20 PM with the headline "Rounding up cowgirl-chic style."