MAGIC Nashville 0425 Brand Editorial

Jeramiah Irwin, @jerairwin The Jersey City–based designer attended Afropunk for the first time last year, and the festival’s accepting ethos made him come back again this year. “I love festivals in general, but this one to me is so different. Everyone is so friendly. There’s no judgment,” he says. “It’s really true what they say—the no sexism, no homophobia here.” And given the opportunity to fully express himself, Jeremiah chose a denim corset and ripped jeans that were inspired by the pop-country music he’s been listening to. Says Irwin, “I was going to wear a cowboy hat, but I’m saving that for later.”

Remastered Tradition

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Shop "Remastered Tradition" — and more women's wear trends — at MAGIC Nashville April 16-17, 2025.

From left to right: Bailey rose; kinsey designs jewelry; wild as heck

Outfit Extras

“Accessories are where this trend really comes to life,” McAbee says, noting it’s much easier to convert customers into trying something new with the category versus apparel. “Bandanas and hats, which lead the way in western style, can now be statement pieces, rather than add-ons.” Ali Kinsey Keith, founder of jewelry brand Kinsey Designs Jewelry, agrees: “For something so small, accessories carry a lot of weight,” she says, pointing to tinier in size, but not impact, items like a western-inspired charm, a turquoise stone, or a silver bolo, which can “quickly change the motif of a look.” Other items, including patchwork totes, statement kerchiefs, and leather belts and jewelry “provide a subtle, yet impactful, nod to this aesthetic,” says Lauren Brekke, Mud Pie’s Chief Product Officer.

Denim Stories

Denim might be a forever fabric, but its presence within the ‘Remastered Tradition’ trend feels fresh and new. “Creators get inspired by fashion of the past, and we often see a flowy, effortless aesthetic paired with elements of rugged denim,” says Brekke, who highlights wide leg, yet slightly cropped silhouettes as a key component of the look. Beyond the juxtaposition of the utilitarian fabric with daintier ones, John notes the resurgence of the Canadian tuxedo, and its appeal to the masses. “Denim on denim is being favored by more than just the Western niche fashion girls,” she says. “It’s a pairing that’s both effortless and chic.” For a more elevated take on the style, “dark denim plays a huge role,” says Ashlee Kim, Sales Director at THML Clothing, as do pieces with western-inspired embroidery. That includes, per Retro Brand’s Lisa Shivak, “little nods to the lifestyle, from horses and horseshoes to cowboy hats and boots, and sayings in rope-like fonts.”

The biggest change in the evolution of western wear is less about the individual items and more about how they’re worn. “While old-school western wear was practical and tied to a very specific region, the ‘Remastered Tradition’ trend is more casual, creative, and modern,” says Kim, who notes it’s moving away from the cowboy stereotype and neutral tones to now include bold colors and fun prints that lend a subtle Western twist. “When styled today, [these pieces] have a totally different look than they used to,” Brekke adds. “We see more floral components, capes, quilting and block prints incorporated than ever before.” Pairing them with more feminine pieces, like silk scarves, dainty jewelry, or heels, highlights their longevity. “Buyers should look for pieces within the trend that can also go with other trends,” says John. “For example, our boots work with the denim-on-denim trend, but also with the bohemian and pastel trends we're seeing for the spring season. “Buying the same product for two or more trends can increase the opportunity for sales amongst the different types of style that women have.” "Remastered Tradition" is all about a fresh take on the Western influence by updating the aesthetic with unexpected bohemian influences. Take these tips for how buyers might approach this old-meets-new trend with you to upcoming edition of MAGIC Nashville and shop these trending brands, products, and more across apparel, accessories and footwear.

“The 'remastered tradition' trend is more casual, creative, modern.”— Ashlee Kim, THML Clothing

Western wear has gone from the ranch to the runway. Discover this trend's must-haves at MAGIC Nashville.

Styling Prowess

It’s 2025, and western wear is everywhere you look. Cowboy hats have become concert must-haves. A global pop star has made a country album. Runways are channeling the rodeo. Cultural relevance may be the driving force behind its resurgence, but “Horse Girl Style” now goes well beyond its rugged basics. “A casual look is met with new bohemian influence,” according to MMGNET’s Fall 2025 Young Contemporary Buyer’s Guide. ‘Remastered Tradition,’ as it’s being referred to, highlights the ways heritage is being made contemporary by way of “traditional outdoor fabrics, upcycled techniques, and soft fabrics and details,” like frilly chiffon blouses. That feminine touch balances out — and lightens up — the expected prevalence of denim and utility seen with shirts, bottoms, and jackets. “What sets this trend apart from western wear of the past is the shift away from formula-specific cuts, materials, and silhouettes that left little room for interpretation,” says Wild as Heck founder Caitlin McAbee, whose range of cowboy hats features hand embroidery and unique artwork. “This trend sees a fusion of influences previously not embraced in the category. Look for the ‘traditional’ items being done in exciting new ways.” Beyond staples like the country parka, coated jeans, and yoke button-ups, those little details play a big role in bringing this trend to life. “Accessories are the key component,” says Brooke John, owner and designer of Marfa Boots. “They are what make tradition remastered.” That, plus unexpected styling, takes western wear into a new phase. Ahead of MAGIC Nashville on April 16-17, brands shared the ways buyers should embrace one of the year’s biggest trends.

Published April 2025

“Denim on denim is being favored by more than just the Western niche fashion girlies.”— Lauren Brekke, Mud Pie

“Accessories are really where this trend comes to life.”— Caitlin McAbee, Wild as Heck