Coastal cowgirl is over, and 2025’s new style features boots and bubblegum energy, signaling a louder, more playful turn in summer fashion. The soft, neutral palette of the 2023 trend is giving way to hot pink boots, rhinestone belts and playful Western kitsch that embrace boldness. Retail trends already reflect this change, as more playful Western accessories appear on social feeds and influencers trade beachy hats for pearl-studded Stetsons.
What started with linen and sandy neutrals is now being recast in high-gloss finishes and theatrical flair. Bubblegum Western borrows from the same cowgirl roots but updates the look with polished textures and an unapologetic attitude. From shifting retail aesthetics to high-impact styling cues, here’s how cultural cues are pushing the fad away from coastal calm toward bold, street-ready drama.
From coastal cowgirl to bubblegum boots
Remember when coastal cowgirl was everywhere? That mix of crochet tops, breezy linen and sandy neutrals felt like a laid-back road trip up Highway 1. The trend hit its stride mid-2023, worn by Sydney Sweeney, Kendall Jenner and Lana Del Rey, with each channeling Suki Waterhouse’s “Daisy Jones and The Six” from Prime Video.
Almost a year after it exploded on social media and red carpets alike, the coastal cowgirl aesthetic resurfaced with some high-profile momentum behind it. Beyoncé’s country-inspired “Cowboy Carter” album fanned the flames, along with the looming festival season and the return of warm-weather styling.
The evolution keeps the cowboy boot at the center, but its styling has changed. Bubblegum Western builds on the same foundation of boots and fringe but replaces soft neutrals with glossy finishes, vibrant pinks and accessories that lean toward the theatrical. It’s a deliberate departure from the understated aesthetic that defined the coastal cowgirl, replacing beachy ease with a confident, high-impact attitude that stands out in the city as fun and impossible to ignore.
Western kitsch gets bold
Western fashion’s kitschy edge is stepping into the spotlight, with louder styling, brighter colors and unapologetic theatrics redefining the category. In a 2025 feature from Vogue, Bella Hadid is shown pairing vintage cowboy boots with a sharply tailored dress, while runway collections lean into pastel leather, rhinestones and exaggerated fringe. What was once a niche throwback is now dominating both trend reports and social media feeds, signaling a cultural shift in how Western style is perceived.
Building on that momentum, designers are leaning into dramatic shapes, metallic finishes and whimsical accessories like concho belts and pearl-studded hats. It’s a move that prioritizes personality over tradition, focusing more on reimagining Western archetypes through color, texture and contrast. In this new phase, kitsch is celebrated as a form of playful self-expression, with cowboy boots remaining the visual anchor that grounds the entire look while everything else pushes bold new boundaries.
How to wear it
How do you actually wear all this without looking like you’re heading to a themed party? It’s easier than you’d think. These five steps break it down so you can ease into bubblegum Western one piece at a time.
Start with bubblegum boots
This trend starts from the ground up with bubblegum pink cowboy boots as the key piece anchoring the entire look. They might come in glossy finishes, soft vegan leather or tactile suede, but in every case, the texture plays a major role in setting the tone of the outfit.
Brands are also getting creative with details like heart-shaped stitching and contrast piping, turning each boot into a statement piece. Bold boots from vintage shops and indie Western brands alike capture the spirit of the bubblegum Western trend from the very first step.
Tuck in jeans
Tucking jeans into boots isn’t new, but it’s having a strong comeback in summer style, especially with straight or slightly wide-leg denim that works well with chunkier footwear. To make the silhouette feel intentional, high-waisted styles with a bit of structure help balance the boldness of the boots.
That contrast creates a streamlined shape that draws the eye to the footwear, letting it command attention. It’s a nod to early 2000s style but lands squarely in 2025 with more polish, less slouch and a modern edge.
Add a playful top
Balance out those statement boots with something soft or unexpected on top to keep the outfit playful. Cropped knits, ruffled camis or pastel button-downs add a sweet contrast that keeps the boots from overpowering the look. It’s the mix that makes it interesting, as cotton candy meets Western grit, which is a Rodeo Queen look with a hit of mall-girl charm.
Layer bright accessories
Accessories turn this look into a conversation starter by adding layers of charm and individuality. Big pearl hat bands, enamel pins shaped like stars or strawberries and chunky rings in transparent resin inject color and texture into the outfit.
Swap the ocean-inspired touches of the coastal cowgirl trend for playful, nostalgic pieces like butterfly clips or a mini bag in candy pink to bring in a new kind of whimsy. Top it off with a layered bolo tie or a bandana headband, and the look gains personality without slipping into full-on cowboy cosplay.
Finish with bold accents
Bring it all together with details that reflect your personal style and make the outfit feel complete. A wide belt in bubblegum pink or lavender can tie the look together and give it purpose. Add a color-blocked scarf tied to your bag or stitch a vintage Western patch onto a denim jacket for an extra dose of charm.
These finishing touches help sprinkle in personality while keeping things light and playful. The result is a look that reads fashion-forward and fun without being full-on costumey.
Bubblegum boots walk the walk
Coastal cowgirl gave us neutral charm and beachy ease, but fashion doesn’t sit still, and neither do its influences. In 2025, styles are embracing louder colors, stronger silhouettes and a whole lot more sparkle. That evolution gave rise to bubblegum Western, which is a bold reimagining of cowgirl energy that blends retro playfulness with street-style edge. With cowboy boots front and center, this trend isn’t just walking into summer; it’s strutting with purpose.
Zuzana Paar is the creator of Sustainable Life Ideas, a lifestyle blog dedicated to simple, intentional and eco-friendly living. With a global perspective shaped by years abroad, she shares everyday tips, thoughtful routines and creative ways to live more sustainably, without the overwhelm.
The post Is coastal cowgirl already over? 2025’s new style has boots and bubblegum energy appeared first on Food Drink Life.
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