Southwest Style in the PNW

Confession – I’ve always thought there was a bit of a small southern woman trapped in me. Maybe it’s my affinity to Tex-Mex food, the hypnosis and subsequent elation that comes over me when I come into contact with a cowboy boot, or my lifelong infatuation with sequins and frill. While I have some southwest cowgirl sensibilities, I could never find the right item to channel it… until now. With a little inspiration and patience, I’ve found a few treasures that ooze southwest charm that any old small southern woman would be proud of.

So what exactly is southwest style? To me, southwest style channels the spirit of the American Southwest, mixing Native American, Mexican, Spanish, and Western influences in one seamless vibration. Think earthy, sun-drenched hues - terracotta, rust, sandy beige, and turquoise - paired with bold geometric or tribal patterns that demand attention. Rich, natural materials like leather, suede, wool, and cotton take center stage, often finished with fringe, intricate embroidery, or handwoven touches that add texture and personality. In this post I’m going to start with some natural southwest vibrations and then turn it up a notch and go full southern with a boisterous country star sequined western top.

Southwest Look #1: Jeans + Tee + Electric Boots

This outfit is a modern take on southwest style, blending traditional influences with bold, contemporary touches. The KUT from the Kloth wide-leg jeans evoke the relaxed, earthy spirit of the desert, with their roomy silhouette and pintuck detailing adding subtle texture and dimension. Tucking in a graphic tee introduces a casual, bohemian layer, reflecting the southwest’s free-spirited, individualistic energy. Then the electric blue Ariat cowboy boots elevate the look with a striking pop of color, grounding the outfit in western heritage while making a confident, fashion-forward statement. Together, the pieces balance ruggedness, pattern, and color in a way that feels intentional, expressive, and unmistakably southwest albeit rooted in some elevated tradition.

Southwest Look #2: Denim Jacket + Green Block Dress

This Levi’s® '90s Denim Trucker Jacket is a standout piece that seamlessly integrates into southwest style, offering both authenticity and versatility. Its relaxed fit and dropped shoulders evoke the laid-back, utilitarian spirit of the American Southwest, where comfort and durability are paramount.

Crafted from sturdy, non-stretch denim, this jacket mirrors the timeless appeal of traditional western wear. The medium wash adds a sun-faded, lived-in look, enhancing its rugged charm.

Pairing this oversized jacket with a bodycon adjacent dress like this one creates contrast and visual intrigue, and wrapping it all up with a pair of sequined black and gold boots… I think we’ve made Dolly proud. The denim jacket serves as a grounding piece, harmonizing the boldness of the boots and the casual edge of the dress.

Southwest Look #3: Jeans + Bodysuit + Sequins

This piece is the crown jewel of my wardrobe - it’s Dolly Parton meets Golden Girls with a little bit of Elvis oozing out of every perfectly stitched sequin.

It’s boisterous and shameless - exactly who I want to be this fall. 

Every southwest outfit needs a little drama, and this sequin shirt delivers it in the best way possible. Sequins might feel more Nashville than New Mexico at first glance, but that’s exactly why it works because they bring a jolt of modern, southern-inspired glamour to the rugged textures and earthy tones we usually associate with southwest style. The black base grounds all that shimmer so the sparkle feels intentional rather than over the top, and the western details baked into the design keep it from straying too far into pure partywear. Layer it open over a neutral bodysuit and suddenly the sequins feel even more wearable.

PNW meets SW

So maybe there is a little southern cowgirl in me after all - or at least a version that thrives on denim, sequins, and the occasional pair of boots that could stop traffic. What I’ve realized through pulling these looks together is that southwest style isn’t about following strict rules or sticking to a muted desert palette. It’s about mixing heritage with play, grounding classics like denim with statement-making sparkle, and leaning into pieces that feel both soulful and a little daring. Whether it’s wide-leg jeans with a graphic tee, a sun-faded denim jacket over a sleek dress, or a star-studded sequin shirt that demands its own spotlight, the magic happens in the balance of grit and glam.