Frugal Fashion: William and Kate go cowboy chic on their overseas tour

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, might have finished their overseas tour of parts of Canada and California, but we’re still buzzing. We just can’t get enough of the duchess and her confident, elegant style.

The newlyweds are now old pros at dressing for public appearances. While in the U.S., Catherine wore a flowy Alexander McQueen gown to the BAFTA ‘Brits to Watch’ gala, a hand-painted silver dress by Jenny Packham to a charity polo match in Santa Barbara and a white and navy ensemble to paint with kids at an art center in L.A.’s skid row. But who knew the royal couple would look so good when they went country in jeans and cowboy hats?

These outfits came out when Kate and William made an appearance at the BMO Centre in Calgary, Canada. The look was a far cry from something the duke and duchess would wear to tea with the queen, but it’s difficult to watch a lively herd of livestock in heels.

William kicked off the Calgary Stampede in a blue and green tartan plaid shirt, a pair of blue jeans and boots, while Kate wore a pair of dark denim jeans, Temperley London rodeo shirt, boots and a silver buckled-belt. The couple stayed clear of the sun in matching crisp white cowboy hats.

To get Kate’s look try a white blouse with a prairie feel like the French Connection vintage grace shirt (below, left) for $39.99 at Frenchconnection.com. For some country ruffles try the silk georgette blouse from Forever21.com for $24.80.

For a rodeo, a nightclub or even a leisurely Sunday afternoon, there’s no need to throw down a couple of hundred dollars for jeans. For a great pair of jeans under $100 try the Frances 18 low-rise boot cut jeans by Silver Jeans Co. for $75, Meltin Pot jeans from Yoox.com for $45 or the 1969 perfect boot cut jeans by Gap for $69.50.

For her accessories, Kate went the traditional western route with a bold silver-buckled belt and cowboy boots. Lasso the look with the Relic two-tone etched buckle belt from Kohls.com for $24 and the American Eagle Outfitters suede desert boot for $59.50.

The prince, looking more like a stylish Texas ranger in his rodeo gear, perfected the look of a modern cowboy. For a similar shirt, get the Polo Ralph Lauren slim custom-fit plaid sport shirt for $39.99 from LordandTaylor.com, American Eagle Outfitters plaid button down for $39.50, Cockpit navy blue plaid shirt for $44.99 from bluefly.com or the eco-conscious Swell the Josh Organic flannel shirt for $39.50. from Swell.com. Just remember to roll up the sleeves!

I believe in the same jean philosophy for men’s denim as I do for women’s: Save money and go for what fits. For a cowboy (or anytime) look, get the Men’s Authentics by Levi Strauss Motley bootcut jean from Target.com for $17.48 or the Vintage denim boot cut jeans from EddieBauer.com for $59.50.
Real cowboy boots are great for herding cattle in the mud, but for a look that’s a little more city life-friendly get the Sugalski boot from Aldo.com for $49.98.

To complete the royal country look you’ll need a functional, stylish hat like the Mossimo Supply Co. seagrass cowboy hat with cord trim for $12.99 from Target.com.

The best part about these pieces is that if you ditch the cowboy hat, you can easily transition to a look that’s great for any casual occasion.

Happy shopping!

Have an outfit you’re dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? Email us a picture. We’re up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris
Twitter.com/Jenn_Harris_

RELATED:

Frugal Fashion: Alicia Keys gets an A-plus at BET Awards

Frugal Fashion: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is sheerly beautiful

Frugal Fashion: ‘Bad Teacher’ Cameron Diaz rocks a summer romper

Frugal Fashion: Who says Selena Gomez needs Bieber fever to attract attention?