How to Dress for the Rodeo…
Dressing for the rodeo depends on a few things. Where is it ?(inside or out) What time of day? (hot or cold) and what’s your goal? For me dressing is about dressing authentically, practically, and beautifully. That’s different than picking up a cowboy, or trying to look like the Queen.
Weather is everything. At the Sisters rodeo especially, the temperature can go from 73 degrees in the grandstand with the sun beating on you to 50 degrees an hour and 1/2 later. As in many sports and Central Oregon days, layering is key.
The Saturday show at Sisters, calls for a wide brimmed straw hat! Cowboys wear hats to stay cool and protect themselves from sun. Rodeo fans need to do the same thing.
A denim jacket is always a great rodeo staple. Tie it around your waist or sit on it if needed. Comfortable boots that can get you from the way back parking spot with out killing your feet is key! A “wildrag” also comes in handy. Cowboys love them because they can keep you warm, cool you off if needed by dunking them in water, and keep dust from a windy, horse filled arena out of your nose.
A flannel shirt and a wool hat is a great choice for an evening rodeo. Style points for the hat, and it will shade your eyes as the sun sets. Wool will also keep you warm later.
Adding a vest over a flannel shirt or under a denim jacket is another way to add flexible warmth and personal style.
Gorgeous jewelry isn’t necessary, but it sure is fun to adorn yourself with. Wearing jewelry that is a gift from others or to yourself can make an ordinary outing feel like something special. So yes, wear the turquoise and sterling and squash blossoms you have and enjoy the rodeo!
