Beyoncé‘s affinity for Western wear predates her first country album, “Cowgirl Carter,” on Friday. As a Houston native, the superstar songstress has never abandoned her roots, representing Texas and embracing the state’s country culture.
Following the release of her eighth album, WWD celebrates Beyoncé’s catalog of cowgirl core looks.
Party in the Park, 2000
While performing alongside Destiny’s Child in London’s Hyde Park in 2000, Beyoncé wore a red bandana top with embellished low-rise jeans featuring a raw hem waistline.
“Survivor” Album Release, 2001
Beyoncé frequently matched with her bandmates, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, in their Destiny’s Child days. The former’s mother, Tina Knowles, created many of the group’s costumes, including this trio of cobalt suede looks from 2001. Beyoncé’s outfit consisted of a bra top and a low-rise midi skirt featuring an asymmetrical hemline — a frequent Tina Knowles staple. Beyoncé, Rowland and Williams completed their ensembles with blue metallic boots and sequined cowboy hats.
MTV Video Music Awards, 2001
For the 2001 MTV VMAs, Tina Knowles designed three more suede looks lined with fringe, this time in a shade of peachy coral. Each outfit was adorned or accessorized with turquoise stones, adding additional Western flairs. Beyoncé paired her plunging dress with a pair of blue leather ankle booties.
BET’s “106 & Park,” 2001
For a 2001 appearance on BET’s “106 & Park,” Beyoncé represented her hometown in a cropped “Houston Girl” graphic T-shirt featuring an airbrushed horse print. The singer added on low-rise ripped jeans, a snakeskin belt and embellished boots.
KIIS FM Jingle Ball, 2003
Beyoncé performed at KIIS FM’s annual Jingle Ball in 2003 wearing a suede shirtdress with symmetrical rhinestone embellishments, turquoise stones and lace-up details. The singer’s aqua frock evoked a typical Western shirt.
“On The Run Tour”, 2014
When Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s 2014 “On The Run Tour” ventured to the singer’s hometown of Houston, she paid homage to her Texas roots by topping off her Atelier Versace ensemble with a black cowboy hat.
Ivy Park “Rodeo” Campaign, 2021
Beyoncé’s own Ivy Park label debuted their “Rodeo” collection in 2021. The campaign highlighted Black cowboys and cowgirls, as well as their influence on American rodeo. The Western-themed collection included denim variations of Ivy Park’s sporty silhouettes.
The Grammy Awards, 2024
Before announcing her country album at the Super Bowl, Beyoncé dropped a subtle hint at the 2024 Grammys, pairing a checkered leather Louis Vuitton jacket and shorts with a Stetson chapeau.
New York Fashion Week, 2024
Beyoncé made a surprise appearance at New York fashion week in 2024, sitting front row at Luar in an embellished blazer and knee-high boots by Gaurav Gupta. She added on a pale gray cowboy hat and one of Luar’s iridescent Ana handbags.
