Fashion, meet Music.

If you can listen to music & read at the same time, tap here for my Spotify playlist that goes along with this post. 

Fashion holds up a mirror to our culture. It’s a reflection of our society’s goals, values, interests, and standards. Style– as in personal style which is not solely influenced by the industry’s trends– is a reflection of that person’s values and interests— and that includes music.

That being said, my outfit here says: “I wish I was a Highwayman,” and well, I do.

The Highwaymen have been described as “The Mount Rushmore of Country Music.” Comprised of solo artists Mr. Johnny Cash, Mr. Waylon Jennings, Mr. Willie Nelson, and Mr. Kris Kristofferson, the Highwaymen was a joining of forces in 1985. This grouping is comparable to Marvel’s “The Defenders” or when the “Suite Life of Zach and Cody” and “Hannah Montana” did an episode together.

I’m a big fan of old country music. If you were to ask me if could have dinner with anybody dead or alive, I’d say Johnny Cash. And if you were to look at my Spotify history you’d see I’ve been on a Waylon Jennings kick for three weeks (and counting). However, I’ve never worn anything country-inspired (after all, I do live in the Northeast). I first saw this “Waylon on Tour” belt buckle on Johnny Knoxville, another self-proclaimed country music fan and personal hero of mine. The Chloé boots are a new addition to my wardrobe and I believe I was so drawn to them because of my new appreciation for country & western themes. (Not to mention: These boots look incredible on bare legs, which has always been a huge struggle of mine while boot shopping.) So even though I’ve never considered myself a country girl, my music taste has undoubtedly affected my wardrobe, and this isn’t the first time.

When I’m in deep with a band or musician, I become so enamored with their style that I find ways to incorporate it into my daily looks. Whether it’s a band T that I style with trousers and a blazer, or something more subtle like western-inspired ankle boots, the music I listen to has helped me shape my wardrobe.

Here’s the outfit breakdown:

The button-down is an old piece from Madewell. The shorts are my mother’s Gap shorts from 25 years ago (gotta love vintage). The bamboo handle purse is thrifted. The belt buckle is Waylon Jennings tour merchandise (available online still). The sunnies are Ray Ban and the boots are Chloé (both still available for purchase).