When a TV show captures attention for both its storyline and its fashion, you know it’s striking the right chord. The Hunting Wives, based on May Cobb’s novel, is doing exactly that—not only for its suspense-filled drama, but also for its wardrobe. The show delivers a refreshing twist on Southern-inspired dressing, steering away from ranch and rodeo clichés and embracing a softer, more bohemian approach to country style.
Instead of fringe-heavy cowboy looks, think prairie dresses, denim staples, and equestrian boots—all pieces that feel rooted in the South but polished enough for everyday wear. With fall around the corner, the timing couldn’t be better: the mix of lightweight layers, statement boots, and versatile denim creates a wardrobe tailor-made for transitional weather. Whether you’re looking to channel the cast directly or simply want to inject a little rustic romance into your closet, here’s how to make The Hunting Wives aesthetic your own.
Denim Done Differently
Denim is always a style cornerstone, but in this wardrobe, it takes on a fresher, more feminine feel. Shirts and dresses replace jeans as the statement pieces, leaning into softer silhouettes and playful details.
- Best Denim Shirt: Scoop Women’s Cotton Denim Shirt with Blouson Sleeves ($24) – Blouson sleeves make this staple feel less rugged and more romantic.
- Best Western-Inspired Shirt: Universal Thread Long Sleeve Star Embroidered Western Shirt ($35) – Subtle embroidery adds personality without going full rodeo.
- Best Denim Jacket: Levi’s 90s Trucker Jacket ($68, originally $98) – A vintage cut that’s endlessly layerable and captures effortless cool.
- Best Denim Dress: The Tommie Cap-Sleeve Smocked Front-Zip Shirt Dress ($158) – A modern twist on prairie dressing that’s perfect for brunch or a casual evening out.
These denim pieces lean into the versatility of the fabric while adding feminine touches—think smocking, embroidery, and softer tailoring. It’s denim, but with refinement.
Dresses With a Prairie Twist
At the heart of The Hunting Wives wardrobe is a collection of dresses that embody Southern charm without veering into costume territory. They’re flowy, floral, and flattering—perfect for transitioning between summer afternoons and crisp autumn evenings.
- Best Floral Dress: Kimchi Blue Sienna Cotton Smocked Milkmaid Maxi Dress ($79) – Romantic puff sleeves and a smocked bodice make it the quintessential prairie-inspired dress.
These styles balance femininity and ease, making them as practical for daily wear as they are chic. Paired with boots or layered under a denim jacket, they create an instantly polished look.
The Elevated Basics
Accessories and layering pieces bring the whole aesthetic together, grounding the more whimsical elements with a touch of practicality.
- Best Belt: Sam Edelman Double E Logo Slim Leather Belt ($60) – Sleek, versatile, and just western enough to nod to the show’s Southern backdrop.
- Best Barn Jacket: Old Navy Canvas Barn Jacket ($60) – A lightweight layer that blends function with fashion.
- Best Baseball Cap: Orvis Vintage Waxed Cotton Ball Cap ($55) – Adds a casual edge and balances out the femininity of floral dresses.
- Best Jewelry: Petit Moments Tri Bolo Necklace ($35) – A playful nod to bolo ties, but reimagined as a dainty necklace.
These pieces give outfits structure and help tie together denim, florals, and boots into one cohesive style story.
Boots That Do the Talking
No Southern-inspired wardrobe is complete without the right pair of boots, and The Hunting Wives nails this element with equestrian flair.
- Best Riding Boots: Dingo 1969 Avalon Equestrian Boots ($200) – Sleek and versatile, they’re perfect for pairing with everything from dresses to denim.
Unlike flashy cowboy boots, equestrian styles lean understated, which makes them endlessly wearable and easy to incorporate into your day-to-day looks.
Why This Style Feels So Right Now
The resurgence of Southern-inspired fashion couldn’t be better timed. Western wear dominated feeds earlier this year, with cowboy boots, bolo ties, and fringe taking over festivals and street style alike. But what makes The Hunting Wives aesthetic stand out is its restraint—it’s softer, subtler, and ultimately more wearable.
By blending country staples with bohemian touches, this trend makes Southern style approachable for anyone, no matter where they live. A denim dress with boots becomes an easy fall outfit. A floral prairie dress layered under a barn jacket feels both practical and pretty. The beauty lies in its versatility—it’s rooted in tradition but reimagined with a modern lens.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a way to embrace the Western-inspired trend without going full cowboy, The Hunting Wives offers the perfect middle ground. It’s bohemian meets country, romantic but grounded, timeless yet fresh.
Start with a floral dress, layer with denim or a barn jacket, cinch with a slim leather belt, and finish with equestrian boots. The result? An outfit that feels effortless, elevated, and perfectly in step with the season ahead.
Just like the show itself, the fashion is layered, intriguing, and impossible to look away from.
