Millbrook Tack Blog

Let’s be honest: fall fashion in the western world isn’t for the faint of heart—or the faint of fringe. It’s a season where practicality and personality throw on matching cowboy boots and strut straight into the sunset. And this year? She’s dramatic. She’s romantic. She’s unapologetically western.

If you thought women’s western fashion would quietly recycle last year’s flannels and call it a day, think again. This fall, western fashion is bold, tactile, and deliciously layered—like a good chili recipe with just the right kick. From ruffled prairie blouses to paisley overload, we’re seeing a blend of nostalgia and grit that’s tailor-made for saddle queens and sidewalk cowgirls alike.

Here’s your front-row seat to the top western fall fashion trends for 2025.

1. Bootcut Is Back, Baby

The bootcut western jean is no longer hanging out in the clearance section with a sad air of 2003. It’s back with a vengeance—high-rise, dark-washed, and ready to let your boots shine.

Designers are embracing everything from raw hems to button fly fronts, giving this classic silhouette a modern refresh. Paired with a crisp plaid shirt or oversized lace blouse, bootcut denim is the wardrobe workhorse for the western woman this season.

Want to really ride the wave? Look for denim with vintage patchwork, contrast stitching, or even a slight flare below the knee. Fall is about movement, and nothing says “I’ve got somewhere to be” like denim that swishes when you walk.

2. Fringe Benefits: The More, the Merrier

It wouldn’t be a roundup of western fall fashion trends without a mention of fringe. But this year, fringe isn’t limited to jackets and bags—it’s migrating onto skirts, boots, and even denim hemlines.

And not just any fringe: we’re talking floor-dusting, photo-op-ready, rhinestone-bedazzled fringe. The kind that makes you want to spin in a field with your arms out like you’re starring in a western music video no one asked for but everyone needed.

Fringe in earth tones like rust, bone, and walnut feels especially on-trend. If you're hesitant, try a cropped fringe jacket or fringed booties for a toe-dip into drama.

3. Fall Cowboy Boots: Meet Your New Obsession

If you’re still wearing the same dusty pair of boots you’ve had since the Luke Bryan tour of 2018…it’s time. The fall cowboy boots trend is everything this season—and it’s evolved.

Slouchy shafts, distressed finishes, embroidered toes, and—yes—pirate-inspired buckles are giving this staple serious range. We’re seeing a mix of suede cowboy boots in moody neutrals, rich cognacs with tooled overlays, and tall boots with side fringe you can hear coming before you see them.

Want the look without the blisters? Designers are finally leaning into comfort, with padded insoles and soft linings that make your boots walkable and worthy of a full outfit selfie.

Pro tip: Don't underestimate the power of a bold boot paired with a romantic dress—it’s the ultimate high-low western mashup for fall.

4. Prairie Romance: Lace, Ruffles, and Just a Bit of Sass

There’s a whisper of Victorian drama floating through women’s western fashion this fall, and it sounds a lot like: “Yes, I do need this ruffled lace blouse in three colors.”

Prairie-inspired silhouettes are back, but they’ve matured since their cottagecore days. Think less picnic in a daisy field and more saloon owner with a ledger full of secrets. High necklines, puffed sleeves, and tiered skirts all make appearances—but with unexpected twists: eyelet cutouts, asymmetrical hems, and peekaboo back details.

Lace is layered under flannels, peeking out from denim jackets, or standing boldly on its own in creamy whites, dusty mauves, and burnt rose tones. It’s feminine, but not frilly—and paired with the right jeans or boots, it says “ranch royalty” more than “Little House on the Prairie.”

5. Paisley Makes a Comeback (Yes, Really)

Before you roll your eyes at paisley’s reputation as your uncle’s favorite shirt pattern, hear us out. This fall, paisley prints in western fashion are seeing a revival—and it’s unexpectedly chic.

Designers are shrinking the pattern scale, blending it into ombré fabrics, or using it as tonal embroidery on dark denim and blouses. The result? A nod to tradition without feeling stuck in a trunk of 70s leftovers.

Look for paisley-printed midi dresses with button-down fronts, or scarves that layer beautifully with chambray. It’s all about texture and subtle contrast—like a good whiskey with a smoky finish.

6. Plaid to the Bone

No one’s shocked that plaid western shirts for women are back for fall. But this season, plaid is going beyond the standard red flannel. Oversized silhouettes, muted tones, and unexpected color combos (think mustard and moss, or blush and navy) are adding depth and versatility.

These aren’t just your around-the-fire shirts anymore. They're styled off-the-shoulder, layered over prairie dresses, or worn open with high-waisted jeans and a bralette underneath. It’s plaid—but make it fashion.

Don’t sleep on cropped plaid jackets, too. The shacket trend is alive and well in western fashion, offering a warm and wearable outer layer that doesn't scream lumberjack chic.

7. Earth Tones, But Elevated

The color palette this fall is distinctly grounded: ochre, sienna, clay, olive, and rust reign supreme. But it's how these colors are being layered and textured that gives them new life.

Suede jackets over cotton dresses. Corduroy skirts with knit thermals. Silk neckerchiefs with wool felt hats. It’s all about contrast and confidence—wearing heritage tones in unexpected combinations that feel like home without being too on-the-nose.

Bonus points if you incorporate copper or brass hardware into your accessories—belt buckles, buttons, bolo ties. The shine makes the look feel current and intentional.

8. Accessories That Work as Hard as You Do

This season’s accessories aren’t just afterthoughts—they’re the exclamation points at the end of a killer outfit.

• Tooled leather belts: Wide, cinched at the waist, and finished with intricate floral stamping.

• Wool felt hats: Structured and bold, in natural shades like pecan and charcoal.

• Layered jewelry: Stacks of turquoise, mixed metals, and natural stones that say “I’m not afraid to get dirt under my nails, but I’m doing it in style.”

And of course, the return of the statement concho. Wear it on a belt, on a necklace, or as a hatband. Wherever it goes, it’s telling a story—and that’s what fall fashion is all about.

Styling Tips for Fall 2025: Pulling It All Together

If you’re overwhelmed by the layers of lace, fringe, and denim we just threw at you, don’t panic. Here’s how to incorporate these trends into your wardrobe without looking like you got trampled by a sample sale:

1. Pick a Hero Piece: Let one item do the talking. A fringed jacket, a bold boot, or a paisley midi skirt can anchor your outfit while everything else plays a supporting role.

2. Balance Soft with Structured: Pair flowy lace with stiff denim. Match ruffles with leather. Don’t let your outfit fall into one texture family—mix it up.

3. Layer Like a Legend: Don’t underestimate the power of a thermal under a dress or a flannel over a bodysuit. Fall is forgiving when it comes to layers—and the right combo can take you from chore time to bonfire without changing a thing.

4. Keep It Authentic: Trends come and go, but the core of women’s western fashion is authenticity. Choose pieces that make you feel confident, comfortable, and true to who you are. If that means adding a little sparkle to your spur straps—so be it.

Final Thoughts: Fall's Got Grit

Western fashion this fall is anything but subtle. It’s textured, moody, and full of contrast—soft lace and rugged denim, muted tones with bold accessories, tradition with a twist. It’s fashion that can feed the horses in the morning and turn heads by happy hour.

Whether you’re restyling your go-to jeans or ready to invest in a floor-length fringed duster (no judgment), this season is your invitation to have fun with fashion again.

And if nothing else, remember this: When in doubt, add fringe.