These Easy DIY Cowgirl Costumes Will Have You Saying "Giddyup" This Halloween
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There's something iconic about the West, and those who ride it. Maybe it's those beautiful, ultra-dramatic wide-open spaces, or the sense of freedom that comes with them. No matter the reason, Americans are super-proud of our western traditions, which makes cowgirl Halloween costumes an on-point choice every single October 31. Sure, this year you could dress up as a Disney villain in honor of the new Cruella de Vil movie, or maybe get a bunch of your buddies together and craft a timely Friends ensemble, but might we suggest classic cowgirl attire instead? After all, these are looks that you can rock Halloween after Halloween with just minor adjustments to freshen them up.
And these no-sew costumes are easy to put together, too. What necessary pieces you don't have in your closet you can order from Amazon while you're watching your favorite scary movie, or even decorating your pumpkin. Best of all, there are variations on the theme you can choose, depending on your own style—for example cowgirl "wrangler" or cowgirl "gunslinger." Want to dress up with your little in coordinated costumes this year? We've included adorbs rodeo queen duds for the wee one in your life! Then all you need to do is get the hubs in western togs—maybe inspired by the John Dutton character in the smash television hit, Yellowstone—and you've got family regalia for Halloween that will win every costume contest!
DIY Wrangler Cowgirl Costume
Want to "wrangle" a cowgirl costume so authentic you could lasso all the little dogies if you wanted? Here's how to do it easily and affordably.
Start with the basics, which you should have in your closet: a white, long-sleeved shirt (even better if it has snaps) and an old pair of jeans. Want to gussy up the denim? Get a yard of brown suede and cut it into thin strips about 6 inches long. Using a hot glue gun, carefully attach the suede by one of the short ends up the sides of the jeans, along the seams, in a single layer. You'll have the look of fringed pants without the high cost.
Tie a red bandana around your neck. For the best cowgirl look, fold the bandana in half, so it makes a triangle. Drape the bandana over your shoulders, leaving the point formed by the two corners pointing down your chest. Using a square knot, tie the ends of the bandana that are hanging over your shoulders. Adjust as necessary, so the bandana hangs as loosely as possible.
Tie your hair either in traditional pigtails, or braided pigtails. Top with a cowboy hat. (Amazon has a wide selection that are less expensive than you might think.) And if you don't have a pair of cowboy boots to wear, simple brown shoes will do in a pinch.
DIY Kids' Rodeo Queen Cowgirl Costume
Sure, we know blue is a totally valid clothing color choice for little girls nowadays, but we still can't get enough of this darling all-pink outfit. It's a snap to turn your daughter into a rodeo queen by following these simple steps.
The hat's the key here, and luckily Amazon sells a beautiful, blinged-out pink one that lights up. Now that's a ten-gallon topper that would make any little lady proud.
Depending on which way you want to go with your little's costume, you can get a pink faux suede vest to pair with blue jeans, which she probably already has, or a matching pink cow print vest and skirt. Add a pink bandana around her neck, following the tying tutorial above. Of course, rodeo queens always require extra razzle-dazzle, so you may want to add rhinestones and other sparkly bits to any of the fabric pieces, adhering them with hot glue.
Last, but not least, consider getting a hobby horse. High-end, realistic ones can go for more than $100, but cutesy, little kids' versions are a lot less.
DIY Gunslinger Cowgirl Costume
In all the Wild West, there was no one as feared as the rootin' tootin' shootin' gunslinger. The great thing about dressing up as one for Halloween is you can decide to go as the bad girl in all black, or slap a star on your chest and make like a sheriff.
There's only one accessory gunslingers absolutely have to have, but at least for Halloween purposes it doesn't need to be real. Purchase this snazzy belt and holster, and then get the faux weapon to fill it. If you want to be one of the good guys, buy a costume badge, or, if you're feeling crafty, get an unfinished wood version you can paint gold and hand letter.
As anyone who's ever watched a western knows, any good gunslinger needs a sharp-looking pair of cowboy boots to wear during those dusty showdowns at high noon. If you don't have 'em in your closet, think about buying an inexpensive pair and outfitting them with spurs for real authenticity.
Sure, at almost $50, this is a splurge item, but if you really want to top off your costume in style, pick up a pair of fringed black leather gloves. They'll keep your hands toasty—and ready to quick draw that pistol.
Tip: If you're shooting for the gunslinger look, you might want to make friends with smoky eye makeup. Go for black eyeliner and dark, dramatic shadow blended together on both the upper and lower lids.
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