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Following hot on the success of last season’s structured masculine looks, the prairie trend has come back swinging with chambray shirts, floral-print clothing and leather accessories.
Designers are also looking to the wild wild West for inspiration, with lots of denim on denim and Western-inspired pieces for day and night. But it’s the combination of the rugged Western-inspired trend and the prairie vibe that has the fashion world talking. Instead of a brazenly rugged look, cowboy-inspired pieces are tempered with farm-girl-inspired ruffles and soft florals to create a look that’s effortlessly on trend. We show you how to get the look.

How to get the look
1. Start building your look with one statement piece such as a pair of faded denims or a floral dress, and jazz it up with accessories.

2. This look is about striking a fine balance between feminine florals and the masculinity of the cowboy look. So toughen up sheer shirts and florals with a leather waistcoat or denim jacket and boots. Or refine a masculine denim-and-leather combo with a floral shirt and pretty accessories.

3. Instead of trying to pile on all the ‘Lucky Luke’-inspired items you can find, keep your look well structured and chic.

4. When wearing denim on denim, opt for two different washes to avoid a grungy fashion faux pas.

5. When shopping, go for versatile items you can wear long after this trend rides off into the sunset. Avoid items that are too over the top like embroidered denim, floral babydoll dresses and multi-coloured cowboy boots.

The accessories
This spring’s must-have accessories, such as tan leather belts, messenger bags and ethnic jewellery work really well with Western-inspired pieces. Jazz up this look with tribal bangle stacks and chunky beaded necklaces, tan leather bags and belts with fringe detail, prairie-printed canvas accessories and lots of turquoise accents.

The chambray shirt
Another ‘90s trend is back on the block – the chambray shirt. This versatile garment can be worn on its own, cinched in at the waist, or over a great pair of skinnies.

Plaid
Despite the renewed popularity of chambray, the plaid trend is being carried over this season. To avoid looking like a construction worker, make sure your shirt is well tailored. It needs to hug your body and if the hem falls below your waistline (which can only pulled off with skinny jeans) cinch it in with a skinny belt for a well-defined look.

Florals
Small-print or so-called ‘ditsy’ florals form a huge part of this look. Invest in an ultra-flattering floral A-line dress or experiment with floral accessories. 

Denim, denim, denim
Denim is once again at the forefront is this season’s fashion trends. Invest in a denim vest, lots of versatile chambray and a great pair of ripped denims, and you’re good to go.

The shoes
Cowboy boots are an obvious option to complete this look. But make sure the rest of your look consists of soft, floral pieces to balance your outfit. Gladiator sandals look gorgeous with a chambray dress. All in all, you can’t go wrong with boots, wedge sandals and an embellished pair of gladiators, especially if it sports fringe-detail, studs or embroidery.

Photograph: Richard Keppel-Smith
Styling: Cathi Trevor/Gloss
Hair & Make-up: Vanessa Bavin/Gloss