Controversial Fashion: Gothic Cowboy/Western fashion.

Spooky Duds.

  Well I'm not posting pictures of what I'm wearing today because quite frankly I feel under dressed. Just a button up work shirt (Red plaid Izod from thrift store) and the Cords I was wearing yesterday with a bolo tie, which is black leather with a gunmetal arrowhead as the clasp.
  Well this brings up something I have always enjoyed, western wear & gothic fashion, which quite frankly sounds like an oxymoron. However, I say nay to that notion! It is quite possible! Hell, the band Fields of the Nephilim! (and even Voltaire's clothing the past several years)
  With SteamPunk and movies like Van Helsing (yes, Europe, not American, but the way he dresses), the Wild Wild West, the Prestige, the Lone Ranger reboot, etc... the Alt. Crowd has plenty of coverage for these kind of things.
  There seems to be plenty of potential for Dark Western, Silver, Black Leather, pointy boots are already readily available because of equine showing, 4-H, etc..  Black Felt or Leather cowboy hats are common, trenchcoats were normal on the frontier 150 years ago, Leather vests have been shown on many characters on "Old Westerns" (not that 1950-1960's television is historically sound... But you know), and studded and metal adorned belts a plenty..
  Thanks to Día de Muertos and Central (& South) America's lack of fear and embrace of death and Catholicism there is much to choose from and pick out. Imagine if you would a Union Cavalierly uniform done up in Black and Silver instead of that Blue and Gold (remember if you will Dr Loveless from "Wild, Wild West" and his spidery themes)..

From: Doctor Arliss Loveless

  Lastly with the amount of recent interest in "hippy" or "Hipster" clothing, Native American clothing, designs, and jewelry are becoming easier to find. (granted pow-wows and DIY are probably the best options)

Here is some music to keep us going,
 some Johnny Cash:

 

Getting on with it.

The Clothing

  For footwear you have options as in: Oxfords, winkle pickers, Cowboy boots (Black Leather obviously, but metal endorsed, skeleton/indian/mayan/spanish embossments, etc..), and even Moccasins are a comfortable option (moccasin and Ghillie Brogues are really fun & comfy to wear!).
  Unfortunately combat boots or platforms won't really cut it here, however thankfully most western boots add an inch or two in the heels.

  Shirts can range from traditional button ups to more period button on collar/cuff shirts in solids of Burgundy, White, Gray, Blacks and patterns like Paisley, plaid, & stripes.
(Buttons from mother of pearl, horn, wood, metal, or tortoise shell would be period)
  Flannel plaid shirts may not be very period but they sure do look it, try to find something in grays, blacks, reds, cyan, or purple.
  If you have a union suit (full body thermal underwear, traditionally in bright red) dying it a darker red or black would be striking then ripping it up, adding patches and then wear with just pants, shoes, and suspenders.
  Don't forget that the US used many a immigrant worker on the railroad so even "Mandarin" collars or oriental themed clothing can be appropriate.
  For the girls blouses ruffled and plain are always appropriate, or just skip one all together and just wear only your bodice or corset! Dresses and jumpers would be just as period though.
(Native American Body paint is always a good substitute for torso coverings for either sex if you're clubbing)

  Pants could be whatever you want really, Jeans, Black (or gray) Jeans, Leather pants, Slacks, matching suit pants, or just chaps (chaps leave certain areas... "exposed") for you fetish wearers.
For the lady folk we have in addition to the above skirts,dresses, Petticoats, just a bustle, tights, w/e!

  Vests, Corsets, or Bodices: There are always leather, lots of leather! So much leather. And Corduroy vests! Yes corduroy! Wonderful corduroy! Not just vests too, overalls, & straightjackets as well! "Yes, a corduroy straightjacket, buckle me up boys and take me back to my cell!"

... Um, yes, getting carried away here aren't I?

Headwear: There are many options, always the classic "cowboy" hat made from traditional felt, straw, or even leather. Bandanas or Sombreros do in a pinch too!
  There are feathered hats & boas for the ladies and showgirls (or drag dressers, woot-woot!). As for those with an Asian flair don't forget that the "Sedge hat" (conical pointed hat) was very commonplace during the Wild West days.
  Thrift stores are always the best place to find hats though (Imnshho), as they will be cheaper and can be already worn out, plus more options to choose from.
(Frankly the thrift store is the best option for your clothes in general, but around here, you see more hats used than new in stores)

 

Look at this nice one from lafuente,
now imagine instead of little pompoms hanging
around it, instead Bats, Skulls, or Pumpkins!
Photo from:
lafuente.com/Mexican-Decor/Mexican-Sombreros

 

Who can say "No" to a black Stetson??
 From:StetsonHat.com

Jackets & OuterWear: There are trench coats, fringed coats, frock coats, tail coats, shawls, overcoats, ponchos (with skull and bat designs no less!), etc..
  Don't forget to adorn them with Union Soldier medals, Silver stars (Kidding!), or trophies from past bounties (you know, locks of hair, pieces of cloths, pulled teeth, etc..).

Fringed Biker Jacket? I'm sure Johnny Cash would approve of this.
Found: Ebay.com/itm/Mens-Black
(Bit pricey for my tastes and I don't know about the brand,

 but I'm just using these pictures as examples)

  Neckware, glasses, misc..: Bandanas are multifunctional here, holds your hair back, looks snappy tied around your neck, keeps sand out of mouth or nose, AND masks identity when robbing trains or wagons!
  Puff ties, ascots, or cravats are all appropriately period choices, along with the more modern Bolo Tie..
  Usually a Leather cord with a metal clasp shaped in geometric designs, framing a stone, shaped into a native design, or even bones and precious metals.
  Woman could have ribbons, chokers (the ones made out of velvet are more what I mean), or rosaries (both sexes).

Gentleman's Emporium is also a good resource with their western line of  clothing.

So let me know your thoughts, if you want me to add something, or have any useful links to share.
--Nathan--