The Rise of the Contemporary Cowgirl
- Mieke Gadd
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
Out on the wide, sun-soaked plains of the American West, among dusty trails and endless skies, a new kind of legend rides tall in the saddle, the modern cowgirl. But let’s be clear, she’s not just a throwback from a spaghetti Western or someone strumming a guitar on a hay bale. She’s a force to be reckoned with. Today’s cowgirl blends fashion, music and a fearless spirit into her everyday life, and she does it with style.
As summer spills its golden light over the horizon, it feels only right to tip our hats to this iconic woman, who’s not just surviving in the saddle but thriving in it (and far beyond).

Fashion: From Dusty Trails to Catwalk Vibes
The cowgirl wardrobe has always meant business. Sturdy denim, tough boots, and that classic wide-brimmed hat, the look screams independence and strength. But in 2025? It’s not just practical, it’s downright Pinterest-worthy.
The modern-day cowgirl doesn’t just throw on an old check shirt and call it a day. Oh no. She’s pairing fringe jackets with vintage Levi’s, swapping out the basics for bold embroidery, and turning up at the yard in boots that wouldn’t look out of place at Glastonbury. It’s not unusual to see a dash of English tweed thrown in for good measure either, think Downton meets Dallas. She doesn’t just dress for the ride, she dresses for the moment. After all, who said you can’t wrangle cattle and look fabulous?

Music: The Soundtrack to Her Story
Behind every cowgirl is a playlist, one filled with heart, grit and probably a couple of breakup bangers. It’s the crooning drawl of Luke Combs, the swagger of Morgan Wallen, and a throwback to Shania’s greatest hits, music pulses through her life like a heartbeat.
And much like her wardrobe, her taste in tunes is anything but one-note. One minute she’s humming along to old-school country, the next she’s belting out something with a bit more bass on the way to a rodeo or a road trip. Her soundtrack is personal, powerful and always on repeat.

Spirit: Fearless, Fiery and Full of BeansBut here’s what really sets her apart, the spirit. The modern cowgirl doesn’t sit still. She’s off climbing hills, lighting campfires, wild swimming at dawn, or galloping across open fields with the wind in her hair and not a care in sight. She’s the kind of woman who says “yes” to life, even if she’s not entirely sure what she’s saying yes to.
She’s strong, not just in her legs (from all that riding) but in her heart. She knows who she is and she’s not afraid to take up space, speak up, or spur others on. She’s building communities, forming friendships, and living life on her own terms.

So, What Can We Learn from Her?
As the sun shines on another long summer’s day, it feels like the perfect time to take a little inspiration from the modern cowgirl. She reminds us to be bold, to wear what makes us feel good, and to crank the volume up on our favourite songs. Most of all, she reminds us to live a little or a lot.
Whether you’re an experienced equestrian or just a lover of all things Wild West, there’s a lesson in her legacy. Don’t wait for permission. Don’t hold back. And definitely don’t stay stuck in the saddle if the horizon’s calling.
After all, as any good cowgirl knows, life’s too short not to kick up a bit of dust.




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