Johnetta Boone tells Yellowstone fans to “look closely” at the costuming this season.
With the epic return of the Yellowstone storyline also comes the style the show has become known for — popularizing both traditional and contemporary takes on Western fashion on a national stage. Behind the incredibly intentional wardrobe choices is Johnetta Boone, who has served as the show’s costume designer since Season 2. Her approach begins with a commitment to Western authenticity, specifically in the category of ranchwear. “It’s a soft and sure balance merging the world of true Western apparel with contemporary trends,” Boone tells C&I. “I don’t give myself too much liberty so I’m careful not to reduce our authenticity.” When asked how she manages to hit this delicate balance, Johnetta gives insight on how the smallest details can change the narrative of a costume: “In some areas it would be the introduction of a stylized stitch, and in others, a play on colors and fit,” Boone says.
When making costuming decisions for each individual character, the conversation goes beyond the basics. There is a clear, detailed commitment to aligning the wardrobe with the character’s backstory, personality, and the broader Western aesthetic of the show. “There are several deliberate color references and textures which play to the mood of the characters and the scenes,” Boone says. It’s clear Boone aims to keep an air of mystery about some costuming details this season, urging the audience to look closely at both finishing touches seen throughout the season as well as overarching themes such as color and fit. “There is always an opportunity for the selection of some costume pieces,” Boone says. “Their relevance is specific to the dynamic writing and actor action. I may then increase the visual stimulation with the angle of a shoulder or lapel, height of a heel, or handle on a purse.”
It’s clear no detail is overshadowed in Boone’s world, connecting the dots between the mood of a scene and the most minute details of a character’s wardrobe choice. “There [are] details which may not necessarily be hidden to some, and [are] of great relevance to others,” Boone says. “It’s a talking piece that brings awareness to an otherwise under-recognized situation.”
In the season premiere, there were several wardrobe details we noticed as the intensity of the scenes played out on-screen. The Texas cowboys noticeably wore matching 6666 red button-downs and straw hats, Rip stood on his own in a felt hat. “Rip remains the same,” Boone explains. “There is a line in the script which references him wearing a felt hat. The hats are [specifically] from American, Ariat, and Resistol. [As for] the 6666 cowboys uniform look, which is the red shirts for all, it was created while we were filming [season] 5A. My primary focus is to remain authentic and true to the brands. Having the 6666 cowboys in red maintained a synergy that would most certainly have otherwise been missed. The viewer was able to separate the worlds between the Montana cowboys and the Texas cowboys.”
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The subconscious separation of the cowboys’ affiliation is just one example of how intentional wardrobe choices make a notable difference in the flow of scenes and storylines. Boone knows this well as she encourages the audience to take note of specific elements, as new references become discernible. “There are a few new elements which are introduced to the characters’ costumes,” Boone says. “I’d recommend the viewing audience pay close attention. The hints are in the details and their relevance to the scenes.”
While we all seek to put the pieces together in the dynamic Dutton family plot, Boone confirms there are also steady wardrobe elements in the form of staple brands seen on the show season-after-season, who are highlighted in fresh, relevant ways. “There are of course staple brands which I always include in the actors’ closets, and there are a few new brands which have been introduced mostly due to climate and performance,” Boone explains. “Ariat is one. We actually launched an Ariat x Yellowstone by Johnetta Boone collection. A few of the pieces were perfect for this season.”
Now that the scene has been set, Boone’s outlook is clear: the answers lie in the details, and we’re all paying attention as we move into the next episode.
You haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of C&I’s deep archive of Yellowstone fashion content. Brew up your favorite cast member’s coffee and let the time slip away.
