Rodeo fashion is always fun, especially at the biggest rodeo of the year. As exciting as NFR style is, it can be a bit intimidating to try to find the best outfit you can.

We’ve pulled together our top five NFR style tips to help you rock the rodeo this December. Whatever your NFR style, start planning with these thoughts in mind.

1. Shop vintage

thrift store nfr fashion cowgirl magazine

You always want to be the only one wearing your clothes, right? If you run into someone with the same shirt as you at NFR, it’s almost like seeing someone in the same dress at prom. Not ideal.

To get really unique pieces that no one else will have, shop vintage! You can find really special pieces at thrift stores like Savers and Goodwill if you’re willing to look. It can be time-consuming, but when you find something you love for an amazing price, it’s so worth it.

2. Don’t be afraid of contemporary brands

contemporary fashion brands cowgirl magazine

We love our go-to Western brands as much as the next gal, but because NFR is a Western event, it’ll be full of people wearing the same brands. Branching out and shopping at a more contemporary store can help you stand out from the crowd, and modern clothes can be easily Westernized with accessories. Even if you find just a skirt you like from a contemporary retailer, you can cowgirl that up big time with some major turquoise, funky boots, and a hat.

3. Bring along some killer statement pieces

statement piece nfr fashion cowgirl magazine
Photo by Ken Amorosano.

One of the principles of design is emphasis, placing value on something to draw attention to it. In styling, emphasis (brought in with statement pieces) can be a very useful tool.

Statement pieces are often loud or unique in style or color. If you have an all-black outfit with a red hat, your hat is your statement piece. If you’re wearing a plain dress with a large squash blossom necklace, the necklace is your statement piece.

Statement pieces can make outfits more dynamic, and the best part? Adding a statement piece to your outfit can make you look like you styled for hours, when really, you just threw on an eye-catching pair of boots.

Multiple statement pieces can work, for sure, as long as you don’t have too many. Trial and error is helpful here, and you can always ask your fellow NFR-bound cowgirls for their thoughts on your looks!

4. Dress fashionably, but comfortably (duh)

This one might sound obvious, but it has to be said. Comfort pretty much beats fashion when you’re wearing boots that make your feet bleed. Spend extra time looking for styles that are not only fashionable, but comfortable. Remember, you’ll be walking up stairs, trekking on dirt, wandering Vegas blocks, and two-stepping the night away.

And take note that if it’s uncomfortable in the store, it will be uncomfortable in Vegas, too — even more so after hours of wear.

5. Plan your outfits in advance

clothes on clothes rack with hat cowgirl magazine

Traveling is so much easier when you’ve already worked out each outfit for your trip. It’s a good idea to bring a few versatile extras in case of wardrobe malfunctions, but choosing your outfits beforehand keeps your suitcase streamlined and organized. (I fold my shirt and my pants for one outfit together and pack them that way so everything is in one place.)

BONUS: NFR fashion advice from 8-time NFR attendee, COWGIRL Digital Content Manager Jenna Link.

jenna link cowgirl magazine

“Vegas is the one time of year where anything goes! Show off your unique style and be boldly you while lifting up the other ladies around you! But as for my list of essentials, I’d have to say comfortable shoes because you’re going to be walking a lot, a little black dress because you never know where your night could take you, and a pair of denim trousers, because every cowgirl looks good in a pair of blue jeans. Oh, and a little turquoise and fringe never hurt anybody!”