Coastal Cowgirl: Summer 2025’s Ultimate Fashion Mash-Up

Written By Beau Lancaster

Credit: Teen Vogue

This summer, fashion lovers are combining mermaidcore vibes with cowboy cool. The result? Coastal cowgirl, a trend that fuses beach softness with Western edge. It’s breezy, bold, and TikTok-approved.

What Is Coastal Cowgirl?

First, coastal cowgirl blends breezy seaside fashion with cowboy staples. Think airy linen dresses, soft florals, and then classic cowboy boots or a woven hat. It’s the West Coast meeting the Wild West.

Then, instead of logos and neon, this aesthetic leans into earthy neutrals, pastel shades, and sun-bleached denim. It’s feel-good with a dusty-sun twist. Famous faces like Sydney Sweeney, Dua Lipa, and Kendall Jenner have all topped it off with Western hats at festivals or beach trips.

Why It’s Everywhere in Summer 2025

Next, TikTok made coastal cowgirl explode—hashtag hits surpassed 100 million. Platforms turned it into a full-on lifestyle. Spotify even released a themed playlist, and influencers paired beach décor with rustic farmhouse styles under the same name.

Also, nostalgia plays a role. This trend echoes 70s bohemian Western moments like Stevie Nicks, while dialing into calmer, coastal aesthetics. It strikes a balance between rugged and relaxed.

Moreover, it’s easy to adapt. You already have a linen shirt or denim shorts—and with a pair of boots or a straw hat, you’re coast‑cowgirl ready.

Key Elements to Nail the Look

Breezy Fabrics: Choose cotton, linen, crochet, or gauze. Airflow matters. Flowy maxi or midi dresses set the tone.

Western Accessories: Don’t skip the cowboy boots. Tan or sand hues work best. Add fringe vests, wide belts, or bolo ties for texture.

Colors & Patterns: Stick to sunlit neutrals—sand, white, olive, baby blue. Floral, paisley, or nautical stripes blend the beach and ranch aesthetics.

Layering Pieces: Light denim jackets or sleeveless vests work great over dresses. Pair with mini skirts or bleached cut-offs for a relaxed edge.

Accessories: Top the look with a straw or suede hat, seashell necklaces, and turquoise rings. A crochet tote or concho belt adds finishing flair.

How to Style Coastal Cowgirl in Different Looks

Flowy Dresses + Boots

Pair a breezy mini or maxi dress in white or florals with mid-calf or ankle cowboy boots. Let the dress swim as you move—contrast softness with rugged shoes.

Denim on Denim

Mix light-wash jeans or shorts with a matching denim jacket. Finish with boots and a woven cowboy hat for a statement weekend or festival look.

Buttoned-Up & Breezy

Choose a cropped or oversized shirt—perhaps with lace or ruffles. Team it with cut-off shorts and brown boots. Top with a straw hat and natural jewelry.

Slip Dress & Boots

Silky slip dresses paired with two-tone or suede cowboy boots offer a sultry twist. Add a loose blazer or bomber for structure and contrast.

Layered Texture Combo

Combine crochet tops, fringe kimonos, or linen dusters with rustic denim or linen bottoms. Keep it airy, effortless, and elegant.

For Gen Z & Beyond

Gen Z loves coastal cowgirls’ effortless comfort and nostalgia-meets-cool energy. It reflects a desire for simpler, intentional dressing. Social posts teach users how to mix seaside and Western cues with ease.

This aesthetic fits festival fashion and coastal living alike—from beach bonfires to boardwalk brunches.

Why It Works

Because it blends two familiar aesthetics into something fresh. Because cowboy boots under a flowy dress make a statement without overdoing it. Because it decks out summer basics with personality. And because it’s approachable—no designer labels needed.

That combination of rugged and relaxed feels modern, grounded, and endlessly wearable.

What to Shop & Stock in Your Closet

  • Flowy pieces: White tiered dress, cotton midi skirt, ruffled linen top

  • Denim basics: Light-wash cut-offs, relaxed jeans, oversized jacket

  • Iconic boots: Tan suede or embroidered Western boots

  • Essential accessories: Straw cowboy hat, crochet bag, fringe vest or belt

  • Jewelry accents: Turquoise rings, layered seashell necklaces, silver hoops

Coastal Cowgirl for Every Occasion

  • Beach Bonfire: Maxi dress, boots, straw hat, crochet tote

  • Festival Ready: Cut-offs, embroidered denim, fringe vest, playful hat

  • Brunch Day: Button-up linen shirt, skirt, cowboy boots, seashell earrings

  • Night Out: Slip dress, two-tone boots, structural outerwear, bold jewelry

In each case, blend soft fabrics with Western staples to strike the perfect balance.

Critiques & Considerations

Despite its charm, coastal cowgirl has critics. Some see the cowboy-boots-summer-dressing as too stylized or pastiche. Also, faux fringe and faux Western bands can feel costume-like rather than fashion-forward.

Still, for many it’s a fresh, nostalgic hybrid—a way to mix comfort, character, and culture in one look. And when done right, it’s polished, personal, and peaceful.

Final Takeaway

Coastal cowgirl is summer 2025 in visual form. It’s ropa de playa meets rodeo—all styled with sun and soul. It’s airy linens with cowgirl boots. It’s breezy dresses with edge. It’s look-that’s-easy-but-not-basic.

Want outfit inspo, product tips, or color palettes tailored to this trend? Just say the word—I’d love to build you a coastal cowgirl mood board.

Beau Lancaster

Beau is a film critic and entertainment reporter with a deep love for streaming culture, indie cinema, and award-season buzz. His takes are clever, insightful, and always a little cheeky.