Go beyond the typical cowboy and cowgirl getup with these Western Halloween costume ideas.
It’s a tale as old as time. Someone throws on a cowboy hat and some boots and shows up to the Halloween party claiming, “I’m a cowboy!” It’s time to dig a little deeper this year. These Western costumes are perfect for any level of commitment — whether you want to go big or make a costume from stuff already in your closet. Show off your true knowledge of the Wild West with one of these Western-themed costume ideas.
Dress Like Your Favorite Crooner
Many of the world’s most influential country artists are known just as much for their unique style as they are for their music. Pay homage to your favorite music by dressing as one of these country stars.
Johnny Cash
The Man in Black has a variety of iconic looks that are easy to replicate. Just wear … black. Black slacks, a black pearl snap, some black boots (or dress shoes if you don’t have them), a nice big buckle, a guitar, and some slicked back hair ought to do the trick.
[1] The Man In Black [2] Wrangler black jeans [3] Schaefer Outfitter black button-down shirt [4] Clint Orms trophy buckle [5] Tony Lama black boots
Willie Nelson
The Red Headed Stranger is the perfect style icon to replicate with stuff you likely already have in your closet. Get yourself a black t-shirt, some jeans, a red bandana, some sunglasses, and a guitar. And don’t forget the famous braids!
[1] The Red Headed Stranger [2] Willie Nelson shirt [3] Cinch stonewashed jeans [4] Fringe Scarves bandana [5] American Bonfire sunglasses [6] Willie Nelson braided wig
Reba McEntire
This country queen has had a variety of great Western looks over the years that you can pull inspiration from. Just get yourself some nice jeans, a killer Western shirt (think fringe, glitter, or sequins), some red cowgirl boots, and the classic redhead do.
[1] Reba McEntire [2] Lucchese red fringe jacket [3] Wrangler bootcut jeans [4] Ariat red boots [5] Reba wig
Dolly Parton
Another Western fashion icon, Dolly Parton has several different angles for varying degrees of Halloween commitment. Try one of her drop-dead gorgeous gown looks or go classic with her gingham shirt, bell bottoms, and a big updo.
[1] Dolly Parton [2] Ariat gingham button-up shirt [3] Wrangler bell bottom jeans [4] Tecovas caramel boots [5] Dolly Parton wig
Dress Like An Outlaw Or Lawman
The Old West has a colorful cast of characters that would make fun Halloween costumes. Choose your favorite gunslinging legend to dress up as this year.
Billy the Kid
Go classic by replicating the outfit from Billy’s infamous photo or pull from more modern takes such as the MGM+ series. Either way, you’ll need some brown trousers, some beat-up boots, a leather vest, a bandana or neck wrap, a blue jacket, and a worn brown hat.
[1] Billy the Kid [2] Filson pants [3] Twisted X work boots [4] Schaefer Outfitter mens vest [5] Cavenders denim blue bandana [6] Wrangler blue flannel work shirt [7] Catalena Hatters hat
Jesse James
For this outlaw, you’ve got the choice between the infamous image of Jesse James seated next to Robert Ford or Brad Pitt’s charismatic depiction of the outlaw in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. You’ll need a white Henley or button-up, a black vest, black pants, black overcoat or blazer, and belt with gun holster.
[1] Jesse James [2] Schaefer Outfitter cotton henley [3] Cody James vest [4] Ariat jeans [5] Cody James black sport coat [6] Gun holster
Bonnie and Clyde
Looking for a Western couples costume? Dress as infamous outlaw duo Bonnie and Clyde. Since there aren’t too many photos of the criminal lovebirds, you can get creative with this one. For Bonnie, you’ll want either a blouse and pencil skirt or a knee-length dress, a beret or beanie that can be rolled up, and a black bandana. For Clyde, you might want to go for the suit and brown fedora look. Whichever way you go, make it your own.
Bonnie
[1] Shyanne Ranch chocolate Western shirt [2] Midi plaid skirt [3] Pink beret hat [4] Cavender’s black bandana
Clyde
[1] Sheplers Circle S suit coat [2] Catalena Hatters black fedora
Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp
Looking for some Wild West big names to dress up as with your best friend? Give Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp a try. For both, you’ll want a white undershirt, a Western bowtie or cravat, a red or black vest, a black overcoat, black pants, a black cowboy hat, a belt with a gun holster, and a snazzy mustache.
[1] Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday and Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp in Tombstone [2] Steton white button-up [3] Ralph Lauren Western bowtie [4] Cody James black vest [5] Scully canvas duster [6] Wrangler black Western pants [7] Best Hat Store felt hat [8] Gun holster
Dress Up Like Your Western Hero Or Heroine
Got a favorite big screen cowboy or cowgirl? Dress as a character from your favorite western.
The Lone Ranger from The Lone Ranger
The beloved Western TV series that began in 1949, The Lone Ranger is one of the most recognizable figures to come out of the Hollywood western iconography. To become the title character, you’ll need a light blue Western shirt, a red bandana or scarf, some jeans, a black belt with gun holster, a beige or brown cowboy hat, and, of course, a black mask.
[1] Clayton Moore as The Lone Ranger and Jay Silverheels as Tonto in The Lone Ranger [2] Wrangler blue work shirt [3] Red checker silk bandana [4] Ariat straight jeans [5] Gun holster [6] Stetson Marshall 4X Cowboy Hat [7] Black mask
The Man With No Name from the “Dollars Trilogy”
One of Clint Eastwood’s most renowned roles, the Man With No Name hails from Sergio Leone’s “Dollars Trilogy” consisting of A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, and The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. Live your Eastwood dream with a light blue button-up, jeans, a tan vest, a brown flat-brimmed cowboy hat, a belt with a gun holster, and a poncho.
[1] Clint Eastwood as The Man With No Name in the “Dollars Trilogy” [2] Filson Chambray shirt [3] Wrangler stretch jeans [4] Stetson Wild Bunch Cowboy Hat [5] Gun holster [6] Stetson Aztec Print sweater poncho
Annie Oakley from Annie Get Your Gun
The spitfire markswoman is brought to life by leading lady Betty Hutton in the 1950 western Annie Get Your Gun. Dress up as the kick-butt gunslinger with a long dress or petticoat of your choosing, a bandana, a snazzy hat, and a toy rifle if you’ve got one.
[1] Beth Hutton as Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun [2] Cotosen vintage chamois dress [3] Levi’s heritage bandana [4] Stetson Laurel Hill cowboy hat [5] Toy rifle
Calamity Jane in Calamity Jane
Doris Day’s performance as the title role in the 1953 western Calamity Jane is something to behold. Pay homage to the queen with a Calamity Jane costume. Just grab an old large brown jacket or wrap, brown pants, some tan boots, a worn cowgirl or sun hat, and a red bandana.
[1] Doris Day as Calamity Jane in Calamity Jane [2] Powder River Outfitters fringe jacket [3] J. Crew wide-leg corduroy trouser [4] Tecovas Dakota boots [5] Resistol 40X cowboy hat
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of vendors