Stampede Style
Contributed by Emma Callin
The signs are up on the streetlights - have you seen them? The red Calgary Stampede flags are already hung and western wear boutiques are gearing up for their big seasonal summer sales push.
I actually really enjoy Stampede but have never owned cowboy boots or a cowboy hat since I try to avoid buying clothes, shoes and/or accessories to wear for basically one week out of every year. I do like to get into the spirit but stick to an easy formula of black/white + denim/chambray + accessories. This way I can wear what I already have in my closet and rely on my accessories to set the tone without looking too costume-y.
If you're going to be on the Stampede grounds then comfort and practicality in your outfit are also important. The leather holster's pockets are perfect for carrying your phone, keys and a small wallet and the whole thing is adjustable so both my husband and I can wear it despite our size difference (he's a foot taller than me). The necklaces are layered so the longer chain can be removed and stowed if you're going on a ride.
Offices also have a more relaxed dress code, and while there are really no guidelines other than "western wear allowed" it's easier to still look and feel professional in work outfits you already own with a few minor tweaks. Wearing dark denim instead of dress trousers or brightly-coloured jewellery instead of simple chains. After all, if you've got to video-call someone not working in Calgary it can be difficult to explain why you're wearing a plaid shirt, jeans and a cowboy hat!
As for all the partying happening at Stampede time, pretty much anything goes (clothes and everything else) - just remember that July in Calgary can bring rain, hail, lightning storms and even snow so make sure to check the daily forecast! There's no bad weather, just poorly-planned outfits. ^_~*
I actually really enjoy Stampede but have never owned cowboy boots or a cowboy hat since I try to avoid buying clothes, shoes and/or accessories to wear for basically one week out of every year. I do like to get into the spirit but stick to an easy formula of black/white + denim/chambray + accessories. This way I can wear what I already have in my closet and rely on my accessories to set the tone without looking too costume-y.
Tee: Gap (old) / Jeans: Second Yoga Jeans (boyfriend) / Holster: Lennard Taylor / Shoes: John Fluevog
If you're going to be on the Stampede grounds then comfort and practicality in your outfit are also important. The leather holster's pockets are perfect for carrying your phone, keys and a small wallet and the whole thing is adjustable so both my husband and I can wear it despite our size difference (he's a foot taller than me). The necklaces are layered so the longer chain can be removed and stowed if you're going on a ride.
Top: We Are Stories (sample) / Jeans: Second Yoga Jeans (skinny)
Offices also have a more relaxed dress code, and while there are really no guidelines other than "western wear allowed" it's easier to still look and feel professional in work outfits you already own with a few minor tweaks. Wearing dark denim instead of dress trousers or brightly-coloured jewellery instead of simple chains. After all, if you've got to video-call someone not working in Calgary it can be difficult to explain why you're wearing a plaid shirt, jeans and a cowboy hat!
Dress: Miss Sixty (old) / Shoes: Browns (old)
As for all the partying happening at Stampede time, pretty much anything goes (clothes and everything else) - just remember that July in Calgary can bring rain, hail, lightning storms and even snow so make sure to check the daily forecast! There's no bad weather, just poorly-planned outfits. ^_~*
Photos courtesy of Steve Speer
All jewellery courtesy of Natural Icon Designs
Makeup courtesy of:
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