It's rodeo time in Tucson, the best time to spot the latest Western attire.
You know, all the fashions commonly thought to be "rodeo wear."
The truth of the matter is, however, that most "cowboys" — those part of the ranching/farming/Western community — don't choose their clothing for style. Men and women choose it for function, durability and, especially, comfort and ease.
But there's another group of Western wear — aimed mostly at women — that is really high fashion with a Southwestern flair. You won't find these styles — clothing and jewelry — at the rodeo, but you will find them out on the town and in the most fashionable of places.
This "Southwestern chic couture" can be pricey, especially if you opt for one-of-a-kind pieces. But there's nothing that says you can't use the ideas as a template to build your own Western wardrobe at prices more affordable to the average person.
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Did you know . . .
• More than 1,000 horses participate in the annual Fiesta de los Vaqueros, compared with 646 human competitors.
• It's expected that more than 2,000 cowboy hats will be sold during the fiesta at the rodeo grounds.
• Elvis Presley attended the Tucson rodeo in 1956.
