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Go West

Since the frontier days, the American fashion psyche has never relinquished its fascination with Western attire. Cowboy style has consistently morphed throughout the decades. Although occasionally berated as gaudy and grandiose (sometimes it can be), Western chic's blend of ruggedness and dazzle holds decades, if not a century, of influence that extends past those obsequious Levi's.

A 1930s navy blue gabardine embroidered women's shirt (Vaquero label, $150) paired with 1970s two-tone high-waisted cowgirl slacks, with flared legs for a true boot cut ($95), is collectible and glamorous. Western Barbie would positively turn green.

A red cotton bandanna print top ($30) and Wrangler denim pencil skirt ($20) duo from the 1960s exudes girl-next-door innocence and roll-in-the-hay sauciness.

Every now and then, Western boys would stop playing with the ponies and cows to go to a party. Even the dustiest cowboy cleaned up to show off his brown gabardine embroidered shirt (1940s, $150) or a red patterned shirt from the '50s ($65).

Nocona lizard (iguana to be precise) boots from Texas ($300) are requisite accouterments for today's urban cowboy or cowgirl. Whether paired with Levi's or Diesel jeans and a new or vintage Western shirt, these cowboys are both classic and modern.

Clothing from Ballyhoo, 160 N. Third St., 627-1700. Cowboy boots from Gilly Jeans, 320 South St., 592-9926.

- Elva Ramirez