Coveted looks and scene-stealing glamor are often seen on the streets of New York, Paris, and Milan, but in March, stunning outfits are on display for nearly an entire month at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. From bedazzled jackets to luxurious hats and boots, ultra-glamorous outfits take center stage in the Bayou City.
No matter if they are channeling "cowboy couture," "cowboy core," or "cowgirl chic," many Houstonians go all out for their RodeoHouston looks. Houston fashion designer Chloe Dao encourages her customers to double down on Western-inspired fashion, saying there is no excuse not to embrace it.
"There is a sexiness and allure in the symbolism of a cowboy hat and boots, rugged and wild," Dao says. "There is nothing quiet about the Western front. The cowboy hats and boots are a powerful fashion statement that once you put it on any outfit, you are ready for the rodeo."
With that in mind, we turned to Dao and two other Houston fashion experts — jewelry designer Christina Greene and City Boots founder Lizzy Chesnut Bentley — for tips on assembling a stylish rodeo capsule collection. With the Rodeo running until March 17, Houstonians still have plenty of time to gather the essential clothing, accessories, and boots.
Saddle up; we will see you on the rodeo runway.
Chloe Dao's Rodeo Edit
Chloe Dao approached her Rodeo-Ready Collection by using luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren's 2024 western-themed collections, as inspiration. She narrowed down all the looks into three staples for this rodeo season which are available at her M-K-T Heights boutique.
Fringe
Fringe was all over the runways this season, and Dao turned the trend into great looks by including it on dresses, jackets, and skirts. Worn on its own or layered for a more luxe look, fringe makes any outfit come to life.
Denim
The quintessential cowboy look is often paired with denim, but Dao found a way to elevate the traditional jeans and boots ensemble with a stunning floral statement dress, midi shirt dress, and flare pleated skirt. Each can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
Leather
Leather should always be included in the mix when looking for Western-style inspiration. Dao's Rodeo Ready Collection features a slim midi leather skirt that will elongate any silhouette. She also combined two trends into one fantastic pair of pants with the wide-leg pleather pants - which fashionistas can use for RodeoHouston or casual streetwear.
Chloe Dao makes a bold statement with her floral denim dress. Courtesy of Chloe Dao
Christina Greene's Must-Have Rodeo Accessories
Accessorizing is a great way to spice up any outfit by using pieces to complete an outfit, including jewelry, hats, and bags. Houston jewelry designer and accessories queen Christina Greene, who has a pop-up at RodeoHouston this year, shares her top three tips for adding new energy to any outfit with just the right extras.
One large statement piece
Depending on your jewelry preference, Greene recommends a signature turquoise and gold squash blossom necklace, large earrings, or oversized cuff. For those looking for something more subtle, Greene suggests stacking a few smaller bracelets together for a fun and unique look.
Hat bands
According to Greene, hat bands are a must for rodeo because they can quickly take any cowboy hat from cute and straightforward to intricate and chic.
Clutches
"Rodeo clutches are the perfect size for Rodeo," Greene says. "They're lightweight, beautifully beaded, and come in various colors and phrases to jazz up any outfit."
Paring just the right accessories elevates any rodeo look. Courtesy of Christina Greene
Go Big and Bold with City Boots' Lizzy Chesnut Bentley
Lizzy Chesnut Bentley, founder & CEO of City Boots, recently opened her first Houston outpost in Autry Park. Known for her colorful boots and applique designs, City Boots is anything but traditional. Lizzy gives tips on stepping out of conventional boots to embrace a new age of Western wear.
A Great "Starter Boot"
According to Bentley, everyone needs a great pair of boots like the Preston, a closet staple. "We like to call our customers' first purchase of a more classic style their 'starter pair,' which later opens them up to a world of inlays, vibrant colors, and patterns when they're ready to make their second purchase."
Embrace Color
Lizzy encourages her customers to think outside the box regarding boots: "A colorful boot celebrates the traditions of the trade while offering a fashion-forward spin." City Boots has several styles incorporating color and design in new and vibrant ways.
Seasonal Looks
Bentley gravitates toward wearing boots with matching sets as the weather warms up. She suggests a colorful bootie from the Vacation Collection to pair with coordinating knit sets or a 17-inch style for a more business-like approach to an outfit.
Embrace colorful boots this season. Courtesy of City Boots