You don’t have to dig very deep for festival outfit inspo this year.
The likes of Dua Lipa, Kendall Jenner and, of course, Beyonce, set the pace earlier this year when they stormed up best-dressed charts everywhere wearing looks with a distinctly Western vibe. Even Succession star Brian Cox (who played the patriarch Logan Roy) worked a coastal cowboy aesthetic for a US chat show appearance earlier in 2023.
Yes, the cowboy trend is firmly back on the global fashion agenda, and if you’re only brave enough to wear prairie dresses and the odd cowboy boot to work, festivals are the time when you can let your inner (clothes) horse run wild.
The easiest way to pull off the look is with accessories. But while boots are a bit more of an investment, a cowboy hat can be a fun, low-cost way to channel modern Rawhide. Plus, hats are more likely to be seen (and admired), unlike boots which will be lost way down below in the dust or mud, depending on the weather.
As much as we would like to claim the trend as an ES Best first, major retailers and brands have already been stocking cowboy hats with various degrees of fanciness on their digital shelves. Which is to say, there are plenty to choose from.
From pearl bordered beauties to dazzling mirrorball versions and classic rugged styles, we’ve found the best cowboy hats to provide the cherry on top of your festival look.
Shop now
Best festival tents for 2023: Get your camping setup sorted with two man tents and larger options
Best water bottle holders for when you’re on the go: Bags, bum bags and more
Best clothes to wear to prevent chafing tried and tested
Best bum bags to keep the essentials handy that are ideal for festivals or travelling
Best silver cowboy boots for festival season: sky-high and over-the-knee options
Nasty Gal Mirror Embellished Cowboy Hat
This is the return of the disco cowgirl, sang Jamiroquai (almost). Jumping on one of this year’s brightest, brightest festival trends, Nasty Gal has recreated Queen Bey’s famous mirrored cowboy hat to excellent effect. Complete with a silver trim, this hat is destined to shine on the festival field - no matter the weather.
As it’s made with real glass mirror squares, it is on the slightly heavier side; and that’s not necessarily a bad thing - at least it won’t blow off in the wind.
Buy now £41.25, Nasty Gal
Boohoo Black Star Studded Trim Western Cowboy Hat
Sales of cowboy accessories have shot through the roof over at Boohoo as style-focused festival goers find the finishing touches to their outfits. Keep it classic with this all-black design, lifted with star and stud embellishments all along the trim. Good enough to wear all year long.
Buy now £14.40, Boohoo
My Illusions 2 Pack Cowgirl Hats
What’s a cowgirl without her ride-or-die? This set of two iridescent cowboy hats are perfect festival clobber to split with a friend, and with care, will be the star of your fancy dress box (what do you mean you don’t have one?). The adjustable cord is a handy extra to ensure it doesn’t whip off in the wind.
Buy now £18.99, Amazon
Nasty Gal Pearl Embellished Cowboy Hat
For the ‘butter-wouldn’t-melt’ look, head to Nasty Gal where this purdy pearl-trimmed hat is waiting to jump into your online basket. Wear with a prairie frock to dial up the Nashville princess vibes.
Buy now £31.50, Nasty Gal
& Other Stories Straw Western Hat
Keep the sun off your face and look good while you’re at it in this straw version of a Western hat. It’s available in two sizes, and unlike trad versions, can be rolled and stuffed into your festival backpack without suffering any dents.
Buy now £29.00, & Other Stories
Sequin Souls Personalised Rodeo Queen Beaded Fringe Cowboy Hat
Whether you’re channelling a certain Ms Parton or you’re ready to take centre-stage, this fabulous cowboy hat fires on all cylinders.
As well as a dangling pink bead trim, the word ‘Queen’ is scrawled across the top in flowing script (although you can personalise this if you wish).
The sort of accessory that takes you from drab to dressed up in an instant.
Buy now £65.00, NOTHS
ASYOU cowboy hat in spliced animal print
There’s no losing you in a crowd thanks to this brightly coloured cowboy - handy when WiFi signal all but stalls WhatsApp and you can’t get through to your mates. Be the beacon in the field with this pink and animal print cowboy hat from ASYOU. The one-size design won’t fail to turn heads.
Buy now £17.50, ASOS
BRANDSLOCK Leather Cowboy Hat
For the authentic look, this angle peaked and narrow-brimmed design from Australia ticks the boxes. A unisex cowhide leather design, a simple braid gives it some decoration, while a cord keeps it secure around the neck when you’re not wearing it.
Buy now £27.99, Amazon
Heather Kelly Rhinestone fringe Cowboy Hat "Lucky”
Sure, it costs a pretty penny, but you only need to read a few of the reviews from ecstatic customers to know that the Lucky cowboy hat is worth the splurge. Trimmed with rhinestone strands cut in a waterfall pattern, the hat is available in black, white or pink colour options, and it can be customised with letters or words for an extra fee too.
With this on, every shot is your next country album cover.
Buy now £208.59, Etsy
