This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Lindsay Daneen. Find her on Instagram at @_lindsay_daneen. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.

Calling all my sexy Cowboys and Cowgirls! When Beyonce tells us to go country, we go dirty south. I’m talking about cowboy boots, hats, denim, chaps, and fringe. This is not a game by any means. That’s why I started thinking about my outfit for the Cowboy Carter World Tour before I even scored tickets. Yes…it’s that serious. If you were online between May and October of 2023 and beyond, you know how serious the wardrobe was for The Renaissance World Tour. From wearing metallic clothing to glitter, frankly, anything that sparkled, fans showed up ready to be on the album cover. So, if you didn’t take it seriously then, now is your chance to redeem yourself and make “Muva” proud. And I’m here to help! Here is a guide on appropriate Cowboy Carter Tour outfits. I’ll get you rodeo-ready in no time!

Cowboy Carter Album

Let’s start by giving it up for the winner of the Grammy Award for Best Country Album and the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Beyonce curated Cowboy Carter to be the perfect musical bridge between the classic country era of Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, the pioneers of country music including Linda Martell, and modern country including Shaboozey, Miley Cyrus, and Post Malone. That’s only naming a few of the collaborations and features. She broke various records and unapologetically kicked down the door maliciously put up to keep specific demographics out of the genre. Now she has everyone including Northerners like myself running as fast as we can to be the baddest cowgirls you’ve ever seen.

Cowboy Carter Theme

Admittedly the concept of themed attire at concerts isn’t new. But for the BeyHive, this was not attempted on such a large scale until The Renaissance World Tour. Some concertgoers would dress up as her here and there during past concerts. But in 2023 fans showed up and showed out, looking their best, and staying on the modern disco theme. They also mixed in some cowboy aesthetic back then. I’m guilty of that. Little did we know we’d be dusting off our hats again so soon. This time the overall theme is self-explanatory, but I’m thrilled to break down what to expect and just how far you can go with it.

Denim

Denim is a staple in cowboy culture because of its ability to withstand just about anything. I’m not talking about the denim sold by companies today, mixed with elastic, that wares in the thigh area for us thicker gals. I’m talking about the denim our grandparents and great-grandparents wore. A good pair of Wrangler or Levi’s jeans, for example, would last you for years! Speaking of Levi’s…Beyonce’s campaign with Levi’s should not be dismissed. If you want to keep it simple and order your concert outfit from one place, Levi’s is your store. From their Rodeo Hat to denim vests, skirts, and trench coats you’ll be set. Just hurry before the best pieces are sold out.

Materials

Since we’ve covered denim, we must discuss other materials. We can’t ignore staples like leather and suede. Leather, like denim, was utilized because of its durability. Unlike denim, it fared better with elements like rain. Boots, jackets, and chaps, to name a few, were made from it. And suede? Let’s start with what suede is made of. We know that leather is created from the skin of cattle, snakes, alligators, etc. Suede is made from the underside of that same skin. So, when you think about it, it makes perfect sense why these materials are so prominent in the culture.  

Now it’s time to have fun! Full disclosure. I am picturing these fits with faux suede and faux leather for various reasons. If that’s not your thing, I understand. However, we do love a sustainable queen/king! Anyway, want some fringe? I’ve got you covered! A fringe vest or jacket is cute! And why stick with the drab yet traditional black and brown earth tones? Throw in a pop of color! Red, teal, pink, yellow, honestly whatever you want! This is meant to be as fun as possible. Leather pants are always sexy too. You can opt for a slim-straight look or go for flare. Are you into skirts? Well, you’re in luck! Never underestimate the chicness of a suede or leather skirt. My point is the suede and leather options are endless. You can even wear them all at once! Find your personality and go wild!

Footwear

Shoes are paramount for any outfit. They can truly make or break the perfect look. Now is not the time to sleep on that fact. We can expect (faux) suede boots and (faux) leather boots to be heavy in attendance. You can choose from short booties, mid-calf, knee, and thigh-high boots. Make it cute! Practicality isn’t necessary in this case. But if you’re anticipating climbing a lot of stadium stairs to get to your seat, flat boots are super cute too! This is a judge-free zone.

Accessories & Extras

What’s a well-thought-out fit without accessories? Big metal belt buckles are in for this era. So are bandanas and bolo ties. You’ll be spot on with a cowboy hat of any color or fabric. Stars, American flags, longhorns, plaid, even paisley. Think of these designs when assembling your outfit. They are all staples of the American cowboy/girl culture and aesthetic. They each have a history and a story behind them. And they’re all great choices.

Makeup

If you’re like me, you love a glammed-up face. Even if the outfit misses, the face card must never be declined! So, if you’re thinking of going full glam with your makeup I won’t be protesting. If you’d like to be more on theme with a more natural look that’s appreciated as well! You really can’t go wrong either way. But this is a Beyonce concert! So, if you want to be extra, DO IT!

Be Free

What’s fun about this theme is the gender fluidity and ambiguity built into the aesthetic. For the people of the culture, they were not wrapped up in male and female attire. It was about being warm when it was cold outside. They were concerned about being covered when the sun was beating down on their bare skin. Durability was crucial. Their clothing needed to get them through those long and hard days of work outside in the elements. I say all this to say that you don’t have to be super girly with this theme. And guys, you don’t have to be concerned about looking too feminine. Whether your clothes are baggy or tight or you’re going for a chic look, you’re going to fit in and look amazing while doing it.

I can’t emphasize this enough. This concert is meant to be FUN and memorable. We’re showing appreciation for the aesthetic, southern/ western cowboy culture, and the album Beyonce poured her heart, soul, and family roots into. This is near and dear to her and many others who can trace it back to their ancestors. And here’s a reminder from Beyonce herself. “This is not a country album. It’s a Beyonce album.” With that being said, like her album and her outfits throughout this era, yours does not have to fit perfectly into the genre. It can fit your aesthetic, your comfort level, your pain tolerance (for my high-heel wearers), and how you feel that day. Like I said this is a judge-free zone. But for those of you who want some inspiration for Cowboy Carter Tour outfits, I hope this list is helpful.

How do you feel about the Cowboy Carter Tour theme? Will you be dressing on theme? And comment below if you think I missed anything.