Hello Think Country! I’m thrilled to have been invited back for my second fashion feature here on this blog.

Just a quick reminder, for those that didn’t catch last month’s debut feature: my name is Melanie (Mel) Fielden and I’m the founder of the new fashion brand Melbelle Western x Boho. Melbelle is an online women’s fashion boutique specialising in modern western and romantic bohemian styles, but you can also find us in our pop-up stall at UK music festivals and country shows throughout the summer including The Long Road (many of you will have also seen us at the recent Black Deer Festival).

Each month I’ll be giving you the low-down on what’s trending in the western fashion scene and sharing ideas on how you can take inspiration and incorporate these trends into your outfits.  We’ll also find the best places to shop!

In June’s feature (a little later than anticipated due to the Black Deer Festival planning), we’ll explore three ideas for festival outfits – with a western/boho twist, of course. 

Festival Outfit #1: Western Boho

A little western, a little boho, a little hippie! There are many elements here that can be used either on their own for a subtle take on a boho western style, or all together for a statement festival outfit:

• Cowboy boots: a must-have for achieving a western style. The model pictured is wearing the Fremont Cowboy Boots.
• Crochet dress: a classic summer piece, usually associated with holidays and beaches, but these work equally well for a festival vibe. Our model wears a crochet dress from Next.
• Layered jewellery adds a bohemian touch. We’ve chosen two Melbelle necklaces in a bronze and antique gold colouring for this outfit.
• Fringe! A classic western feature and a must-have for festival styling. Our model is pictured with our fringe vest, but a fringe jacket will also work for cooler weather.
• A beaded coin purse. These beaded purses are currently trending in the USA western scene and are so fun! Our model carries the Melbelle “Yee Haw” Beaded Coin Purse which has a keyring clip so you can clip it inside your bag for extra security, or to your keys.
• Finally, we’ve gone all out with the festival spirit and added a feather headpiece from Vera Black; the perfect finishing touch

Caption: The Western Boho Festival Outfit modelled by Rohiny Belani and photographed by Natalia Kacar Photography

Festival Outfit #2: The T-Shirt Dress

The ultimate for comfort and flexibility. The T-shirt dress looks great dressed up with a pair of statement cowboy boots, but is equally at home with sandals or Converse.  On a hot day, wear on its own (although depending on the length of the tee, you may wish to add shorts under), or add a pair of leggings for cooler temperatures.  How we’ve styled this outfit:

• Ankle boot cowboy boots: depending on the length of the t-shirt, you can choose between ankle, mid-shin and tall cowboy boots; all look great! Our model is wearing the Ariat Darlin’ Cowboy Boots.
• The Melbelle “Long Live Western” T-Shirt Dress
• Turquoise lightning bolt necklace (turquoise being the stone of choice for both southwestern and Native American jewellery)
• Melbelle Faux Suede Fringe Jacket; the signature festival piece
• And of course, a festival essential: a western-themed can cooler

Caption: The T-Shirt Dress Outfit, modelled by Rohiny Belani and photographed by Natalia Kacar Photography

Festival Outfit #3: Keeping It Simple

Everyone’s favourite go-to summer outfit: shorts and a graphic tee; but make it country! A western-themed or country music graphic tee, cowboy boots and bandana are simple ways to ‘cowgirl-up’ this summer staple. How we’ve styled this outfit:

• Go as crazy as you like with a statement pair of cowboy boots! Our model is wearing the white Madison Cowboy Boots
• Model’s own brown shorts (denim being another obvious choice; even Daisy Duke hotpants for the brave!)
• Turquoise lightning bolt necklace
• Aztec pattern bandana (a paisley print or western graphic also work well). There are many different ways you can style a bandana; our model shows one worn as a head scarf but they can also be tied around the neck, as a hair tie for a top knot or ponytail, braided into a plait, tied to a handbag, worn as a belt or even folded into a strapless top…let your imagination run wild!
• And again, my festival favourite: a fringe jacket, such as the Melbelle Faux Suede Fringe Jacket pictured on our model.

I’ll be back next month for the next Melbelle Fashion Roundup; meanwhile be sure to come and say hello over on Instagram – I’d love to hear your thoughts about this blog feature and of course, for you to share your festival outfits with me!

Mel x