Be sure to bring on the bling
Calgary Stampede style
The Calgary Stampede, officially kicking off today, is called the biggest rodeo in North America. With 2012 marking the event's 100th anniversary it may also be the biggest party of the summer.
"With the 100th anniversary there'll be more people, bigger parties and White Suede Boulima 160mm plenty of great Stampede style," says Kim Flanagan, Brown Suede Boulima 160mm a Calgary based fashion stylist.
"The Calgary Stampede means cowboys, cowgirls, casinos, live music and sex appeal. Wear denim cutoffs, a little tie dyed tank top, a cute pair of cowboy boots and a fringed bag.
"A cute young cowboy on my arm is my favourite accessory," says western designer Lexi Soukoreff of Daub + Design.
"If you plan on riding the swings or the zipper or taking the gondola from one end of the fairgrounds to the other, don't wear flip flops as they'll fall right off. This year there'll be an indoor surfing simulator in the exhibition hall so come prepared wearing a bikini. When else will you get to go surfing in Calgary?" adds Soukoreff.
If you're a Westerner you already know what to wear, however if you're from the east and can't make it out to the party, you can still join in from Black Suede Boulima 160mm a ringside seat at home and look the part.
Denim, bandannas, jean vests and fancy Western themed belts, hats, scarves and footwear all help blaze the trend trail
"I've been attending the Calgary Stampede since I was 9. The traditional western style of long square dance skirts, frilly blouses and cowboy boots has transformed into short skirts, slinky slip dresses and halter tops with western accents of bandannas and shortie cowboy boots," says Wendy Van Riesen, a Calgary native and the designer behind Vancouver's Dahlia Drive collection.
According to another Calgary born designer, Jill Zdunich of Mortar Pestle Apparel, you can't go wrong wearing straight legged jeans with a tank and cardigan. Swap the cowboy boots for cork or wooden heels shoes if you like, but don't forget your cowboy hat.
If you're travelling in from the east where humidity rules, it's helpful to know that hot, dry weather is the norm in Calgary.
Wearing brightly coloured jeans and ethnic western themed patterns will render you stylish in a Boho chic way, as will a long skirt and tank with a denim vest and cowboy boots.
Be sure to bring on the bling with a fancy belt buckle and bold jewelry.
According to Ginny Donahue, a bona fide Albertan cowgirl and rancher who has been riding for as long as she can remember, Suede Boulima 160mm dressing up for Stampede isn't limited to those who live in the city.
"For parties like those around Stampede time, I clean up after a long day working on the ranch and often wear a shirt and belt decorated with bling, along with a dress hat, dress boots and some jewelry," says Donahue, of Sierra West Cabins.