The Perfect Country- & Western-Formal Attire Guide for Wedding Guests

There's been a steady rise in country- and Western-themed weddings, so you're probably not surprised you just got an invitation in the mail asking you to fit the aesthetic. But if you don't know what country or Western-formal attire for weddings looks like, don't worry. Whether the event is taking place outdoors on a private ranch in Arizona, in a restored barn in the South or in the foothills of the Appalachians, we gathered expert advice to help guide which clothes, shoes and accessories are best for the locale. Learn about the dos and don'ts of this unique wedding dress code and where to shop to look effortlessly cool.

In this article:

• What Does Country and Western-Formal Attire Look Like at Weddings?
• Country and Western Attire for Men at Weddings
• Country and Western Attire for Women at Weddings

What Does Country and Western-Formal Attire Look Like at Weddings?

Angela Carter, lead planner at and founder of Carter Group Creative, says that even though the terms "Western" and "country" are used interchangeably for dress codes, there are key variations between the two. "Country wedding attire tends to feel softer, romantic and more relaxed. Western wedding attire leans more into cowboy-inspired details such as denim, suede, leather, boots, bolo ties, fringe and snap-button shirts. The biggest difference is that country attire is usually inspired by the setting and overall feel, while Western attire draws directly from traditional cowboy style," she says.

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There are also certain wedding venues where guests are typically asked to wear Western or country attire. Monica Roma, the founder and creative director of wedding and event company Leoventi, explains what those venues might be: "Western attire feels most authentic in ranches, barns and places with a genuine connection to Western culture. Country attire works beautifully when the landscape is part of the wedding experience: vineyards, countryside estates, restored farmhouses, barns and outdoor venues."

What to Wear to a Western Wedding

According to Roma, Western wear for wedding guests doesn't have to be complicated. "At a wedding, Western references should move from functional to fashionable. The goal isn't to recreate the uniform of a ranch, but to elevate its textures and iconic details for the occasion," she advises. "For female guests and bridesmaids, a beautifully cut dress can be paired with Western boots, a statement belt or a subtle suede or fringed detail. For male guests and groomsmen, Western boots, a beautifully made belt, a Western-inspired shirt or a hat can work depending on the formality and authenticity of the setting. I would generally choose one strong Western reference rather than combining several competing elements," she adds.

Whether you're shopping for Western-elegance attire or something more casual, the colors of your outfit are another important aspect of your look. Lyra Yu, the social media manager for the size-inclusive dress company, Ever-Pretty, offers some color scheme examples: "Western wedding attire can support richer and more grounded colors such as chocolate brown, rust, burnt orange, deep red, forest green, navy and turquoise tones. Warm neutrals such as camel, tan and cream also pair naturally with leather boots, belts and other Western accessories."

What to Wear to a Country Wedding

"Light, airy and flowy silhouettes are perfect for this theme. Think tiered dresses, ruffles or long skirts, which all work beautifully for a country wedding dress code. Elevated wide-leg pants can also fit the brief well, especially when paired with a polished blouse or structured top. Lastly, details like snap-button shirts, textured sport coats or tailored trousers can give a subtle country nod while still feeling wedding appropriate," Carter says.

Yu says that some of the best colors to wear to a country celebration are the following: "Nature-inspired shades work especially well for country weddings, including sage green, dusty blue, blush, terracotta, champagne, taupe, along with muted floral patterns. These colors blend naturally with outdoor scenery and rustic decor, while still feeling appropriate for a special occasion." She adds: "Seasonality can also guide the palette. Spring and summer weddings work beautifully with softer botanical shades and pastels, while burgundy, olive, rust, chocolate brown and other richer earth tones are particularly suited to fall."

Country and Western Attire for Men at Weddings

Country and Western wedding attire for men has quite a wide range, from dark-wash denim and cowboy boots to full tuxedos accessorized accordingly. With different levels of formality in mind, below are options you can wear to a country or Western wedding that'll make you look handsome and on theme.

Classic Snap-Up Shirt

Photo: Wrangler

Forget button-downs—opt for a snap-up for your country-style look. Wrangler makes a handful that are best suited for dress codes denoting country-Western wedding clothes. With eight colors available, such as Red Oxide and Black Forest Green, you're sure to find a country-approved hue for your event.

Custom Bolo Tie

Photo: Leather Laby

A simple accessory can change up a more standard wedding look. Pair a suit with a bolo tie to make your look a perfect fit for Western-semi-formal or Western-formal dress code. This sophisticated one comes with a beautiful turquoise stone, black braided leather cord and silver-tone tips.

Wool Cowboy Hat

Photo: Cavender's

A cowboy hat can take any outfit into Western or country wedding territory. This practical fashion piece is perfect for blocking the sun at an outdoor celebration, is made from a durable wool and comes in a beautiful brown color. There's even a leatherette sweatband in the hat, which keeps sweat from getting in your eyes while you're going hard on the dance floor.

Sturdy Cowboy Boots

Photo: Tecovas

In need of some shoes to go with your Western-formal wedding attire? Then check out this pair of cowboy boots. Customers say the shoes are very comfortable, can be worn straight out the box and that the Midnight color is perfect for a black-tie-and-boots dress code. The handcrafted shoes come in a large range of sizes (7–15), an average or wide width and are available in different materials (goat, calf and cowhide), depending on the color you choose.

Dressy-Causual Sport Coat

Photo: Men's Wearhouse

Often, a sport coat, versus a full suit, will work for country wedding attire. This textured sport coat comes in a cool green color (perfect for spring or summer weddings) and can be worn with dress pants or denim.

Straw Cowboy Hat

Photo: Hat Country

Resistol is known for making quality cowboy hats, so we had to make sure they got a spot on our list. This straw headpiece comes in a tan color and has a vented crown, which adds breathability and makes it ideal for nuptials happening in warm weather.

Loose Denim Jeans

Photo: Levi's

If you're going for a more casual look, shop at Levi's for some comfortable denim jeans that'll last for years to come. These loose jeans have the right amount of structure so that they don't look too baggy, and they can be dressed up with a sport coat or a slim-fit, button-down shirt.

Square-Toe Cowboy Boots

Photo: Ariat

Available in two colors (Distressed Brown is our favorite), these square-toe cowboy boots are built for comfort. They have a contoured, cushioned insole, mesh lining for breathability and an outsole made for flexibility. Choose between a medium or wide fit and your shoe size (7–15).

Country and Western Attire for Women at Weddings

Ladies' country and Western wedding attire offers a little more leeway than men's in that many styles can transition between dress codes. Below are some of our favorite shops and wardrobe items for the country and Western wear. (Psst: Check out these Western dresses for wedding guests for more great looks.)

Denim Trench Coat

Photo: Wrangler

Need a cowboy wedding outfit topper that's great for the fall and winter seasons? Well, Carter has the perfect pick for you: "I'm currently obsessed with this very unexpected denim trench coat from Wrangler. It makes a statement on its own and would be a head turner when paired with boots," she says.

Faux-Suede Cowboy Hat

Photo: REVOLVE

"I love REVOLVE. Not only do they have an extensive wedding attire collection, they also have numerous brands and a section called The Western Shop," Carter says. We love this black cowboy hat that comes with silver-tone metal accents.

Tiered Maxi Dress

Photo: ASTR the Label

The perfect dress for a country wedding, this ASTR the Label number checks all the boxes. The dress comes in five, nature-inspired shades, has three tiers and is finished with a pleated skirt that adds the right kind of fluttery romance to the look.

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Tall Cowboy Boots

Photo: Frye and Co.

Boots will pair well with cowboy cocktail attire because the shorter hemlines means everyone can see the shoes better. Opt for a comfortable pair in head-turning Dark Cherry, a classic Caramel or one of the seven other colors, and be prepared to receive lots of compliments.

Gold-and-Silver Belt

Photo: 12th Tribe

Western and country wedding attire for guests often comes down to the styling. Look for statement buckles or belts like this one from 12th Tribe—a label out of California known for serving up festival fashion. Whether you add this belt to a flowy dress or a denim jumpsuit, you'll be on-theme and in style.

Ruffle High-Low Dress

Photo: Ever Pretty

"The lace fabric, feminine V-neckline and romantic detailing make this a natural fit for a country wedding guest outfit. The floor-length silhouette also makes it a strong option when the countryside setting is paired with a more formal dress code," Yu says.

Cowboy Hat With Adjustable Chin Strap

Photo: Lulus

Need a hat that works for a casual country or Western wedding that can be used again? Then you need to grab this affordable cowboy headpiece from Lulus. Bonus: You can adjust the fit with the chin strap, which blends in perfectly with the hat's dark brown color.

Suede Cowboy Boots

Photo: Nordstrom

Available in neutral tones of Cashew or Olive, these cowboy boots are ideal for completing country or Western semi-formal wedding looks. And you want to know the best part about cowboy boots? They're as practical for outdoor events as they are chic.

Additional reporting by Elle Cashin.