Texas Fashion Through the Decades: A Style History Deep in the Heart of the Lone Star State
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Texas fashion has always had a flair all its own—where rugged practicality meets unapologetic style. From rodeo arenas to college campuses, each decade has left its mark on how Texans dress. Here’s a quick tour through the trends that shaped Texas wardrobes, decade by decade.
1920s: Western Glamour Meets Jazz Age
The rise of the oil boom brought prosperity, and with it, flapper-inspired dresses blended with cowboy boots and wide-brim hats. Western wear shops popped up across towns, cementing boots as everyday essentials.
1930s: Dust Bowl Practicality
With the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, fashion leaned functional—sturdy denim, overalls, and cotton dresses. Western workwear became iconic, setting the stage for Levi’s and Wrangler to take hold in Texas culture.
1940s: Utility Meets Uniform
During WWII, Texas women embraced utility dresses, shoulder pads, and simple silhouettes. Men often paired military-inspired jackets with cowboy hats, mixing patriotism with ranch practicality.
1950s: Rockabilly Rodeo
Post-war optimism meant poodle skirts, pearl-snap shirts, and swingy dresses. This was also the golden age of rodeo fashion—glittery embroidery, rhinestones, and Nudie suits became Texas staples.
1960s: Psychedelic Cowboy
As Austin emerged as a cultural hub, the hippie movement mixed with classic Western style. Think suede fringe, tie-dye, bell bottoms, and the first wave of “cowgirl chic.”
1970s: Urban Cowboy Era
The release of Urban Cowboy in 1980 was foreshadowed by the disco-meets-Western looks of the ’70s. Flared jeans, oversized belt buckles, Stetsons, and pearl snaps became Texas nightlife essentials.
1980s: Big Hair, Bold Boots
Dallas oil money and power dressing ruled the decade. Women wore shoulder-padded suits with cowboy boots, while men sported bolo ties and starched Wrangler jeans. Everything was bigger—including the hair.
1990s: Country Cool
George Strait and Garth Brooks made plaid button-ups, high-waisted Wranglers, and starched denim the uniform of choice. Texans also embraced grunge’s flannels—but worn with boots instead of Doc Martens.
2000s: Bedazzled & Bootcut
The early 2000s were all about rhinestone jeans, big belt buckles, and embroidered denim jackets. Brands like Miss Me and Rock & Republic dominated the Texas country concert scene.
2010s: Boho Cowgirl
Festival culture blended with Texas staples. Flowing maxi dresses, turquoise jewelry, wide-brim felt hats, and ankle boots ruled at Austin City Limits and beyond.
2020s: Quiet Luxury with Cowboy Roots
Today, Texas fashion is all about capsule dressing with a Western edge. From tailored denim dresses to statement boots, Texans are leaning into sustainability, subtle school spirit, and “quiet luxury” takes on their classic Western heritage.
Why It Matters
Texas style has never been about chasing trends—it’s about making them, decade after decade. From the rodeo grounds to the runways, Texans continue to prove that fashion is bigger in the Lone Star State.