Woody From Toy Story Is My Unlikely Autumn/Winter 2018 Muse

Of all of the characters in all the films in all of Hollywood history, I have chosen Woody from Toy Story as my A/W 18 muse. Yes, really. Back in January, whilst browsing my favourite Covent Garden vintage store, I found myself reaching for a decidedly Western-inspired horse-print shirt. Then, a few months later, I nabbed a cow-printed suede coat that would not look out of place in a spaghetti western.

The obsession was officially set in motion and gaining momentum. For example, my next two purchases were a denim shirt and a red neckerchief. Fast forward to summer 2018 and the high street was awash with Woody-inspired pieces—from cowboy boots and fringed jackets to checked shirts and dark denim. The concept that had been creeping into my wardrobe over the previous months had finally crystallized.

Let's look at the facts: Woody loves a cow print, he rocks a red neckerchief and he's never seen without his signature brown cowboy boots. Even his checked shirt has a certain Balenciaga vibe to it. He's so ready for autumn/winter 2018. In response to this revelation, I decided to challenge myself to go full cowboy for three days straight using pieces I already have in my wardrobe. I wanted to capture the flavour of the Wild West without looking like I had just left a costume party, so vintage pieces ended up playing a big part in my chosen outfits (there's something amazing about an authentic, pointed-collar '70s shirts, after all). I also made the most of the high street's bountiful offering of brown corduroy. The result was a sort of hybrid of '70s and Wild West style that I'm definitely going to embrace as my A/W 18 mood. Thanks, Woody! Scroll down to see my outfits and also how the fashion crowd worked the cowboy trend.

My Take on Woody's Style

Style Notes: Double denim is one of the easiest ways to try the Wild West trend. I opted for a vintage lace-detail shirt, a pair of Topshop flared jeans and, to finish off, a Woody-inspired ASOS paisley-print neckerchief.

Style Notes: Cow prints—they might not be the easiest animal print to style, but I like the fact that they feel a little different to the many leopard offerings around at the moment. The key (if you're not a maximalist dresser like me) is to keep the print contained, so I took the belt off my suede coat and paired it with an Arket tee and a vintage, calf-length beige skirt. Note: I'm still looking for the perfect pair of western-style boots, but Office's pointed ankle boots work just as well in the meantime.

Style Notes: This season's corduroy trend has a definite Wild West vibe about it, especially when rendered in a throwback brown colour. I love the high-waisted fit and kick-flare silhouette of these Other Stories pants. Plus, they work nicely with my '70s horse-print shirt.

How Influencers Are Styling The Cowboy Trend

Style Notes: Emili Sindlev dips her toe in the Western trend with a pair of brown cowboy boots—the perfect accompaniment to a floaty summer frock.

Style Notes: If you were wondering what head-to-toe Wild West style looks like, check out these two. Their outfits might tow the line between costume and fashion, but they make it work.

Style Notes: Patterned cowboy boots are the ultimate statement accessories; they'll add character to any autumn ensemble. 

Shop My Wild West Fashion Edit

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