Rockin’ the Colorado rodeo

It’s time to saddle up for the Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo, an event of the Colorado Gay Rodeo Association, which is coming to Golden Friday, July 8 through July 10. Whether you’re attending the kick-off party at Charlie’s July 7, or you’re planning to catch all of the events of the weekend, we want to be sure you look the part. So, we’ve corralled a few ideas from some local shops on how to bling up your Western wear while you’re out there struttin’ your stuff.

For starters, it’s important that you wear what’s comfortable for you. “If you have to dress up for a Western event and it’s not necessarily your style, then get something that you could incorporate into your everyday wardrobe,” said Courtney Tobb, long-time employee at Cry Baby Ranch. “If you stick with a nice Stetson shirt maybe with a little plaid and want to be comfortable with yourself that day, then that’s perfect. Other people love hats, and they have no problem at all buying a cowboy hat or rocking some boots. Get something you’ll wear again so you don’t feel like you’re in a costume.”

Steve Weil, president of Rockmount Ranch Wear, agrees that you should start with items that you feel comfortable wearing. “We have more than 200 styles of shirts, and we have new fabrics, colors, styles and embroideries coming out every month,” he said. “Go for a look that you’re comfortable wearing both to the rodeo or on the street. I collect the vintage shirts, but I mostly wear the Sawtooth pocket shirts.”

While Western attire ranges in styles from conservative to flamboyant, the current trends are a bit more understated than in the past. “Western wear is being embraced on a larger scale than it has been before,” Tobb said. “You see Western shirts more commonly on rock stars, and even the snow and skate industry has been pulling a lot from Western wear. It’s not as whimsical as it used to be, but it’s more tailored and well put together. There’s still lot of plaid and pearl snaps, which have been around since Rockmount Ranch Wear invented them. The yolk in the back used to be heavily embroidered. Shirts still have those Western elements, but it’s not so in your face. A lot more men are interested and excited to wear it because it can fit into their lifestyle.”

If you want to go all out, then Tobb suggests starting with the right pair of jeans. “Personally, I like tailored jeans,” she said. “Not necessarily skinny jeans, but the straight-leg, well fitting dark-wash. Any guy that walks in with long legs and dark, tailored jeans, I absolutely love. If you pair them with a nice white Western shirt and a straw hat, it’s just plain hot. Then, you can really go crazy with your boots. You mostly only see the foot and toe of the boot though, so guys can be subtle on that part and then go crazy with the shaft. Even though nobody sees it, you know it’s there and it’s a fun little secret.”

Once you have the jeans, be sure to add a cool trophy buckle. They’re classic and they really finish off a nice pair of jeans. With subtle black or brown boots and an understated bolo tie, you’ll have a well-rounded look. Once you have that perfect outfit, then just practice your best “Yeehaw!” and come out to enjoy the fun.