My Style Guide on How to Dress for Montana:

As a sixth-generation Montanan, I've shown up to burgers in a sweaty baseball cap and old Wranglers, and I've carried Chanel into Town Pump. Here's my approach to western style, Montana staples, and getting dressed in Big Sky Country.

If there's one question I get asked almost as often as where to stay or where to eat, it's what to wear in Montana. And every time someone asks, I find myself laughing a little before answering. Not because it's a bad question, but because after nearly three decades of living here, I'm still not entirely sure Montana style can be defined. As a sixth-generation Montanan, I've shown up to burgers in a sweaty baseball cap, an old white t-shirt, and riding Wranglers that probably should have been retired years ago. I've also walked into Town Pump carrying a Chanel bag wearing suede fringe pants and cowboy boots. The funny thing is that both outfits feel equally like me.

I think that's why I've always struggled to answer the question of what people wear here. Montana style exists on such a wide spectrum. On any given day in Bozeman, you'll find someone in Chacos and a KÜHL button-down grabbing coffee next to a woman in a Lindsey Thornburg coat and a cowboy hat the size of Texas. You'll see old denim, technical outdoor gear, vintage turquoise, Luccheses, Patagonia fleeces, linen dresses, baseball caps, and enough cowboy boots to outfit a small country. And somehow, it all works. Perhaps that's because western style was never really meant to be one thing. It's not a uniform. It's not a trend. It's certainly not a costume. It's personal. For some people, that looks like old Wranglers that have been worn for years. For others, it's a beautifully tailored blazer paired with cowboy boots. For me, it depends entirely on the day. Sometimes I want to feel polished. Sometimes I want to feel practical. Most days, I end up somewhere in the middle.

The older I get, the less interested I am in dressing western and the more interested I am in dressing like myself. It just so happens that for me, that usually includes a little denim, great boots, something suede, and a nod to the place I've always called home. Perhaps that's why western style continues to endure. It feels timeless, familiar, and deeply American without ever trying too hard.

So whether you're heading to a rodeo, spending the day in downtown Bozeman, exploring Yellowstone, or checking into a ranch in Big Sky, consider this my personal guide to getting dressed in Montana and the pieces I find myself returning to again and again.

For a Day in Downtown Bozeman

This one can really go a number of ways, which is part of what I love about Bozeman. On any given day, you'll see someone in hiking gear grabbing coffee next to someone who looks like they just stepped out of a Ralph Lauren campaign.

You'll usually find me in a Doên blouse, my favorite pair of jeans, and sandals. It's actually a nice break from some of the other Montana activities where boots are practically part of the uniform. Main Street also usually includes shopping, which means changing rooms, trying things on, and inevitably convincing yourself you need something new. Comfortable shoes and pieces that are easy to slip in and out of become your friend. Plus, there's always the possibility you'll leave with a new pair of boots from Lucchese.

For the Rodeo

This depends entirely on which rodeo we're talking about.

How I dress for a small-town rodeo in Wilsall or Choteau is completely different than how I'd dress for PBR in Big Sky or the Tuesday Night Rodeo at Lone Mountain Ranch. And I think that's one of the most important things to understand about Montana style: context matters.

For a smaller local rodeo, you'll usually find me in high-waisted denim, a white tank, old worn boots, and one of my favorite canvas jackets thrown over my shoulder for when the temperature inevitably drops after sunset. It's practical, comfortable, and feels right for the setting.

For places like Lone Mountain Ranch or PBR, I tend to have a little more fun with it. This is where I might pull out a dress, a nicer pair of boots, some jewelry, and even a hat. The atmosphere is slightly more elevated and people generally lean into style a bit more. It's still western, but perhaps a little more polished.

For Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is one of those activities where function really does come first.

You're usually spending an entire day outside in the sun, which means sun protection becomes just as important as style. Thankfully, there are some fantastic brands making technical fishing pieces that don't feel overly technical anymore.

I tend to gravitate toward lightweight button-downs and breathable layers that keep me protected without overheating. Sometimes the classic fishing uniform is genuinely the best option. For shoes, I'll typically wear Tevas or another water sandal during warmer months. If it's colder or we're doing more walking, my Danner boots are always my first choice.

For Yellowstone

Yellowstone is less of a fashion moment and more of a comfort moment.

The reality is that you'll spend a good portion of the day in the car stopping to look at wildlife, pulling over for photos, walking short trails, and hopefully spotting a few bison along the way.

This is where athletic sets really shine. I love a matching set paired with hiking boots, a fleece, or a sweater tied around my shoulders. There are so many outdoor brands making pieces now that feel polished enough for lunch while still being comfortable enough for a full day of exploring.

The goal here is simple: be comfortable enough for the drive, prepared enough for a hike, and still feel put together when you stop for lunch.

For a Ranch Weekend

A ranch weekend is probably the most difficult category because you're often packing for several completely different versions of the day. You might spend the morning horseback riding, the afternoon fly fishing, and the evening sitting down to a beautiful dinner in the lodge.

The key is versatility. I usually pack plenty of denim, simple tanks and t-shirts, a worn pair of everyday boots, a nicer pair of cowboy boots, hiking shoes, and a few dresses or matching sets that can be elevated with a hat and jewelry for dinner. Layers are absolutely essential. Montana evenings cool down quickly, even in the middle of summer. A denim shirt, lightweight sweater, or jacket will go much further than you think.

And don't forget about mornings. One of my favorite parts of staying at a ranch is walking over to the lodge for coffee before the day begins. Having something comfortable but still pulled together for those slower moments is always worth considering.

For Dinner in Big Sky

If you're headed to dinner at the Montage or One&Only, this is your opportunity to dress up a little, just don't overdo it.

Big Sky tends to reward a more relaxed version of luxury. A silk midi dress paired with boots, a turquoise necklace, a great jacket draped over your shoulders, and your favorite hat is always a winning combination. That said, a great pair of denim and a beautiful blouse works just as well. The goal isn't black tie. It's polished Montana.

For the Farmer's Market

Keep this one easy. Loose jeans, a simple blouse, comfortable sandals, and a tote bag you'll inevitably fill with flowers, vegetables, and things you didn't know you needed. The best farmer's market outfits always feel effortless. Nothing too precious. Nothing too complicated. Just comfortable clothes for a slow summer morning.

The Pieces I Reach for Again and Again

The reality is, every season I find myself returning to the same core pieces.

My Lucchese boots are at the top of the list. I have pairs that are worn absolutely to hell and feel perfect for everyday life, and I have nicer pairs that come out for dinners, events, and certain rodeos.

A great belt can completely transform an outfit. I love my concho belts and my Ralph Lauren rodeo belt. Throw one on with a simple white tank and jeans and suddenly the entire outfit feels intentional.

When it comes to jewelry, I tend to keep things relatively simple. I love turquoise and silver, but I usually choose one statement piece rather than layering everything at once. A great cuff, a necklace, or a pair of earrings is often enough.

I'm also a baseball cap queen. More often than not, you'll find me wearing a worn Simms hat or a Wickens Ranch cap. They get better with age.

Suede jackets are another staple. I have several that I rotate through constantly and find myself reaching for multiple times a week.

Linen button-downs are one of the hardest-working pieces in my summer wardrobe. They're easy to pack, easy to layer, and somehow work equally well for horseback riding, lunch, or dinner.

I also love a good canvas jacket. Mine happens to be SLVRLAKE, but I still have a Carhartt jacket from high school that does the job just as well.

And finally, a chunky cardigan. I drag my vintage Ralph Lauren sweater with me almost everywhere. It's perfect around a fire at night, wrapped around your shoulders at dinner, or worn first thing in the morning while walking over to the lodge for coffee.

A Final Word

The truth is, Montana style isn't really about Montana at all. It's about knowing yourself.

I've spent enough years here to know that there will always be someone who thinks you're too dressed up and someone who thinks you're not dressed up enough. Someone who thinks your cowboy boots are too new. Someone who thinks your hat is too big. Someone who thinks carrying Chanel into Town Pump is ridiculous. Someone who thinks showing up in old Wranglers is underwhelming. And honestly? That's kind of the beauty of it and that’s where a spectrum of having true taste lies.

The older I get, the less interested I am in getting it "right" and the more interested I am in wearing what I genuinely love. Some days that's a baseball cap and worn denim. Other days it's a silk dress, turquoise jewelry, and my favorite boots. Most days, it's somewhere in between.

If there's one thing I hope you take away from this guide, it's that western style works best when it feels personal. Not performative. Not overly considered. Not like you're trying to play a character. Just honest.

So pack the boots. Bring the hat if you love the hat. Throw in the dress. Don't forget a sweater for the evening. And most importantly, wear the things that make you feel the most like yourself. After all, that's what the best Montana style has always been.

A Few Other Treats For You

A selection of all of the things I’m finding that I love. You can shop My Montana Summer Collection here.

You can find my Montana Summer Playlist here— full of so many of my favorites. Perfect for windows down, sun going down, backroad drives.

See you out there. xx