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I keep telling myself to stop letting Beyoncé take my money, but here I am, brainstorming outfits for her upcoming Cowboy Carter tour. Since securing my tickets, I’ve been thinking nonstop about what I want to wear. Obviously, the theme is western, and I’m beyond ready to channel my southern roots. (I’m from Louisiana, by the way.) When I began creating vision boards *in my head*, I came up with the idea to create a physical guide for myself—and you too! That way, when you start browsing and shopping, you’re armed with inspiration. After all, I am a Fashion Editor, so this is my job.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour comes on the heels of her Renaissance world tour, which undoubtedly changed the concert-going outfit game. Fans, including myself, flocked to venues around the world in metallic ensembles to emulate the vibes of the house-inspired album. It’s safe to say, Cowboy Cater will be no different—except we’re ditching sequins for cowboy boots and hats. Namely hats. Members of the Beyhive just knew a country album was on the horizon when Beyoncé donned platinum hair and a white cowboy hat at the 2024 Grammys. With that being said, a western fascinator may be a good place to start when building your Cowboy Carter tour outfit.
Luckily, you can find a cowboy hat at a number of different retailers with budget friendly prices. After a quick search on Revolve, I found a plethora of different styles. Some featured sparkles, others came in leather, and a few were denim. You can also go the small business route, supporting budding brands on Etsy or elsewhere. My fellow Howard University alumna Mercedes Matz recently launched a hat brand called Maya James and the pieces are to die for.
From there, it’s time to focus on tops, pants, and shoes. If you’re stumped, fret not. I’ve rounded up a number of reference photos of Beyoncé from now and then. Keep scrolling below for in-depth inspiration:
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Patriotic & Ready to Party
Image Credit: Beyoncé Concert outfits are more like costumes these days, so don’t be afraid to be on the nose with your outfit. The album serves as a statement of reclamation, specifically for Black people in country music. The contributions of Black artist to the genre are often overlooked, and Beyoncé worked hard to make their voices heard while also affirming that Black American culture is American culture. So, pull out your reds, your blues, and your stars as seen on the queen herself above.
Lack of Color The Ridge Cowboy HatAmid a time of overconsumption, I try to practice sustainability whenever I can. This hat is great for the tour, but can also be worn on numerous occasions due to its black color and timeless silhouette. Rock it on the beach with a black bikini or next winter with a plush sweater and wool coat.The Laundry Room No One’s Dolly Baby Rib TeeUse Beyoncé’s photo above as inspo. She rocked a graphic tee, so you can too! This one is great because it’s a direct ode to the one and only Dolly Parton, who is featured on the album.Never Fully Dressed Sequin Hot PantThis is the fun part. If you’re not usually someone who wears hot pants, the tour serves as a great excuse to try them out. In the photo Beyoncé is wearing blue, but these red pair are to die for, and the price tag won’t hurt your pockets.Jeffrey Campbell Finn Tall Western BootsYes, Beyoncé is wearing heels in the above photo, but you’re going to want to think about your feet—especially when standing and dancing all night long. I made the mistake of wearing heels to Renaissance, and I wanted to cry. Plus, these are so cute for that winter-to-spring-to-summer weather. After the concert, pair these with a white linen dress or distressed shorts.Mango Leather-Effect Fringed OvershirtOn Sale 54% offThere’s a lot going on with the outfit, so reel it in with this leather fringe jacket. It complements the hat and adds some balance. -
Levi’s Jeans
Image Credit: Beyoncé/Instagram An outfit roundup for the Cowboy Carter tour wouldn’t complete without a pair of Levi’s. I overplayed the track, featuring Post Malone, when the album came out, and I almost lost it when she starred in a new campaign for the brand, which saw her at a laundry mat and then a pool hall. While it’s called the Canadian tuxedo, denim on denim outfits are so country, so American.
Levi’s Slim Tailored Trucker JacketThe structure of this shirt is so good! Sometimes, denim button-up shirts can be a bit boxy, so I love that this gives the wearer shape.Levi’s Ribcage Wide-Leg JeansI will never say no to wide-leg jeans. To me, the perfect wide-leg denim formula is with a pointed-toe. I just love the way the shoe looks peeking out from underneath the hem of the pant.Levi’s Western JumpsuitDenim jumpsuits are so surprisingly sexy. They give you shape and structure. They’re also great when you’re feeling lazy about fashion because the look is complete in just one step. All you have to worry about is shoes.DV Dolce Vita Kit Knee-High Cowboy BootsThis is a great cowboy boot because it’s not too fussy. It’s really just a black leather boot with a pointed toe. I love how subtle the embroidery is. You will get a lot of use out of this. -
Country & Curvy
Image Credit: Photo by George De Sota/Newsmakers To the haters, Beyoncé has always been country. During her Destiny’s Child days, alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, Beyoncé proudly repped Texas with the help of sparkly cowboy hats and fringe two pieces as seen above. At the 2016 CFDA Awards, she opened up about her early 2000s wardrobe, sharing, “When we were starting out in Destiny’s Child, high-end labels, they didn’t really want to dress four black, country, curvy, girls. We couldn’t afford designer dresses and couture. My mother was rejected from every showroom in New York but like my grandmother, she used her talent and her creatiity to give her children their dreams.” Beyoncé’s mom, Tina Knowles, and her Uncle Johnny were responsible for the group’s most memorable costumes. So, you can pay tribute to Bey’s roots by taking inspiration from some of her early stage looks. The girls used to wear a lot of tassels, suede, animal print, and matching sets.
Zara Strappy Rib TopThe photo above of Destiny’s Child serves as inspiration, and remember, inspiration is just something to get the gears turning. So, let’s start this outfit idea off with a simple base like a tank from Zara. If you’re like me, you have tons of white camis and T-shirts, which are great for building an outfit around.Jaded London Faux Fur Whipstitch Mini SkirtNothing seems country and western like cow hide. This skirt feels festive, but also really chic and sexy. Keep it simple with the above tank and you’re good to go. Plus, you can wear this during the winter with a black turtleneck, tights, and over-the-knee boots.Lovers and Friends Andi Fringe SkortLike I said, Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle lived in fringe. Again, this would pair well with a simple white tank and black boots.Norma Kamali x Revolve Fringe ShortWhy not try western elements in one outfit? With this short, you have leather and fringe. This pair just makes me want to sway my hips!Steve Madden Hawkins Black Leather BootOn Sale 30% offNot every western outfit has to be paired with a cowboy boot. This leather pair from Steve Madden feel very country to me because of the buckle detail at the ankle. -
Bandana Baddie
Image Credit: Photo by Scott Harrison/Liaison Bandanas are synonymous with country music and western culture because they were a common accessory for cowboys and motorcyclists. In the above picture, Beyoncé is seen performing in Las Vegas in 1999, wearing a bandana-inspired top with a denim cowboy hat. So Texas! Luckily for you, there are tons of paisley-adorned tops and accessories you can snag for the tour that feel fresh and funky. Whether you want to wear in the form of a scarf, handbag, or pant, you’ll be channeling an aesthetic that is dear and true to the queen’s heart.
Urban Outfitters Heraldic Patterned Cotton BandanaYou don’t have to break the bank on your outfit for the concert. Wear this $10 bandana around your neck or in your hair with a white T-shirt and a denim skirt with boots, and voilà!Brandon Blackwood Leather Top Handle BagOn Sale 40% offYou can incorporate country elements into your look more subtly with this Brandon Blackwood beauty. This would look so cute with a little black dress and chunky black boots.Commense Paisley Printed Tie Front VestCommense is one of the newer retailers on my radar, offering modern and timeless styles with budget-friendly price tags. I love this vest because you can wear as a top and show a little skin or over a top.Elliatt Rythem DressHow cute and dainty is this dress from Elliatt. It’s covered in paisleys and features a figure-flattering belt at the waist. -
A Little Leather Never Killed Nobody
Image Credit: Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for iHeartRadio I am still not over this look of Beyoncé from the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards. That strut was something serious when she took the stage to accept the Innovator Award. She donned head-to-toe Versace, including a fringe jacket, multiple belts, and high-waisted pants adorned with sparkles and studs. It was a maximalist dream. She packed on the accessories with the hat, sunglasses, earrings, and rings. This is also pretty easy to recreate, all you need is a lot of leather.
Abercrombie Oversized Vegan Leather Shirt JacketOn Sale 50% offI live for a leather shirt, and you can get a lot of use out of this one. They’ll pair nicely with the below pants for the concert, and with blue jeans and ballet flats for work.H:ours Annalise PantThese scream Cowboy Cater. The lace-up front detail, the low rise construction, and the wide-leg hem create a sexy, flirty, and fun pant. You can wear these on another day with a white T-shirt to give them new life.AFRM Heston Faux Leather PantsIf the H:ours pants were a bit too risqué, these feel a bit more tame.Madewell Studded Western BeltLike Beyoncé, use Cowboy Carter as an opportunity to over accessorize. Belt the pants or place the belt over the shirt for a waist-cinching effect.Anthropologie Metal Keeper BeltWhat’s better than one belt? Two!Versace Medusa Cat-Eye SunglassesComplete the look with these super flattering sunnies. These shades will be great for photos. -
Disco Cowgirl
Image Credit: Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images We all leaned heavily into metallics in 2024 thanks to Renaissance, and instead of never wearing some of that stuff again, we can repurpose for Cowboy Carter. Beyoncé look from Laur’s fall/winter show during New York Fashion Week in February 2024 is great way to tie her two most recent eras into one.
Urban Outfitters Disco Cowgirl HatI mean, how cool is this hat? It features glass tiles and a star at the center. This can be repurposed for Halloween or home decor!Abercrombie Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed JeanOn Sale 54% offI love these pants. They’re fun and festive, but still calm enough to wear to work or to dinner with friends. For the tour, I’d pair with a fitted white baby T-shirt.Superdown Emilia Hot ShortOn Sale 56% offSince most of the Cowboy Cater tour is set to take place during the warmer months, shorts are ideal. Pair these with sneakers or the below metallic boots.Sam Edelman James Wide Calf Western BootFor those that think metallic cowboy boots aren’t practical, think again. I have a pair that I wear all the time. With jeans, leather pants, sweater dresses. The list goes on. -
Western Y2K
Image Credit: Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images During the early days of Beyoncé’s career, she leaned heavily into the aesthetic of the time, mixing her country roots with what the pop girlies were wearing. So that’s everything from crop tops, velour pants, and low-rise pants. I love how in the snap above, which shows Beyoncé rehearsing for the 2001 Grammys, she paired a pink baby tee with checkered pants. The chain belt and rimless sunglasses perfectly completed the look.
Los Angeles Apparel Classic Crewneck Baby TeeBaby tees are the perfect T-shirt. The fit is ideal. Why, you ask? Well, it stops right above the pant (or whatever bottoms you’re wearing), giving your outfit shape and balance because of the tiny amount of skin you’re showing.Frame High N Tight Patchwork High-Rise Straight-Leg JeansOn Sale 55% offWhen Beyoncé first came onto the scene, jeans were fun and experimental. That meant a lot of designs, patchwork, or texture. To me, Cowboy Carter is not only a celebration of country but Beyoncé’s evolution as an artist.Gap High-Rise Patchwork Barrel JeansWith Y2K fashion still trending, it’s not hard to find different jeans that fit the vibe. This style from Gap features a retro colorway and a modern barrel design.Steve Madden Shayne White Leather BootOn Sale 60% offI have these and they’re so cute! They pair well with a lot of different outfits and as you may know (if you read my articles), I love a sharp, pointed toe. However, these aren’t the best for long hours on your feet, so keep that in mind. -
On the Run Vibes
Image Credit: Photo by Larry Busacca/PW/WireImage for Parkwood Entertainment I may have already said this, but I’ll say it again. Beyoncé has been country. Throughout her career, she’s sprinkled elements of her Texas roots in her wardrobe. During the On the Run tour, she donned a black cowboy hat with a sexy mesh catsuit. This doesn’t scream western, but it’s country enough.
Norma Kamali Long Sleeve Turtleneck CatsuitSince concert fashion has become a moment, I suggest going all out. If you’ve been looking for a reason to try out the naked trend, the time is now. You could also wear this for a sexy date night under a wool coat.PrettyLittleThing Black Mesh Asymmetric Cap Sleeve JumpsuitSame note here. Give us body in the name of Beyoncé! This pieces comes from PrettyLittleThing, who just launched a major rebrand.Zara Studded Heeled PumpsI love the studs on this shoe. It feels edgy, but a little western due to the design.Wyeth Cash Cowboy HatThe texture on this hat is a statement all on its own. -
Rhinestone Cowgirl
Image Credit: Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc Working on this outfit guide has been especially fun because it’s given me a reason to dive into the archives. I hope that when you’re getting ready for the big show, you consider nostalgia. Like I’ve mentioned, Beyoncé’s wardrobe during the early days of her career was filled with color and texture. Something I feel is missing today in the fashion industry.
Ofuure Liza Sequin Bra TopIf you don’t want to expose too much skin like Bey, Kelly, and Michelle, you can rock this top under a blazer or denim jacket.Zara High-Waisted Eyelet JeansBecause we’re trying to be sustainable or not buy things we may never wear again, these jeans are great. While the eyelet detail is memorable, it’s subtle enough where you can rock these jeans a number of times.Steve Madden Riveting SandalThere’s a Steve Madden heel for any and every occasion. These mules offer a slip-on peep-toe construction with a mid heel.