Come December 5, thousands of rodeo fans will flood the streets of Las Vegas, ready to enjoy the most prestigious rodeo event in the US – the National Finals Rodeo, or NFR. One rule stands out when it comes to NFR fashion: either go big or stay home! So it’s no surprise that people are already making preparations to be decked out in their best outfits at this year’s event.
For fashion retailers, the NFR presents an excellent opportunity to stock up on show-stopping outfits for your clients. With the 2023, 10-day event averaging over 17,000 attendees per day, and even more expected this year, NFR 2024 looks to be a great sales event for rodeo-inspired fashion.
To improve your chances of attracting clients and helping them dress to kill, we’ve compiled some of the standout NFR outfits and top styling concepts to help you stock up on the best items ahead of this year’s event.
Table of Contents
Top NFR fashion ideas
Stocking tips for NFR outfits
Conclusion
Top NFR fashion ideas
The NFR represents 10 days of the world’s top cowboys and girls partaking in rodeo events dressed in the full of glitz and glamor of classic Western fashion. But it isn’t just about swanky cowboy hats and boots; here, we’ll outline some of the top NFR fashion ideas to help your customers elevate their look and truly stand out at this year’s event.
Button-up Western shirts and blue jeans
Button-up or snap-button shirts with intricate accent stitching create that authentic Western look. These shirts usually come in striped, paisley, patterned, or plaid designs.
Few things scream “NFR” quite like an American-style shirt with rolled-up sleeves paired with blue jeans. To accommodate different clients’ styles, select several blue denim styles, including embellished and flared varieties.
Western-style dresses
The NFR and other rodeo events are attended by many more women than most people likely realize. For example, RodeoHouston found that women make up 62% of all rodeo attendees annually. So, take advantage of this by stocking up on NFR-ready dresses, targeting ladies who prefer something more flowy than your average shirt and jeans combo.
Colorful floral Western-style and lace mini-dresses are a great accompaniment for any rodeo event. Both are easy to dress up with some shiny jewelry or dress down with a leather or denim jacket. Alternatively, a bold-colored mini dress with loose long sleeves, a flattering wrap fit, and an adjustable tie belt pairs well with pretty much anything.
For those wanting to keep their NFR wardrobe on the more conservative side, maxi rompers or dresses with an empire waist, V-neckline, or tiered sleeves are all excellent choices.
Cowboy hats
No rodeo outfit is complete without a classic cowboy hat. They provide much-needed shade, protecting the face against the sun, but perhaps most importantly, are an emblem of authentic Western style. That’s why felt cowboy hats in various styles, including Biggs, Brick, and Cattleman shapes, should form a part of your inventory.
Western boots
Kicking up your heels at the rodeo is much easier when you’re decked out in cowboy (or cowgirl) boots. Popular varieties include round-toe, square-toe, and snip-toe boots. Make sure you have a variety of colors to cater to different styles and preferences.
Accessories
Statement belts with oversized cowboy buckles are another key element of the NFR look. Decorative jewelry made of coral or silver, or chunky turquoise bracelets and necklaces (thought to bring good luck) are also winners, instantly transforming a simple outfit into a conversation piece.
Bright-colored neck scarfs also make handy accessories in the blazing heat. A long white or red handkerchief tucked into the back pocket offers a practical alternative. Sunglasses complete the look, and further help to battle the scorching sun.
Finally, stylish custom leather handbags can also complement the Western theme, elevating any rodeo look.
Special outfits for rodeo nights
Night at the NFR is when the real glitz comes out. For example, on “Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night,” rodeo attendees incorporate pink-themed elements into their attire for breast cancer awareness. For the occasion, a pink hat, scarf, and sunglasses are the way to go. But a pink plaid dress and shirt or shorts with a pink fringe takes things a notch higher. This is also the best time to showcase bright-colored cowboy boots to pull the whole outfit together.
Meanwhile, “Wrangler National Patriot Night” is dedicated to appreciating and supporting military personnel and first responders. Here, anything with red, white, and blue, as per the American flag, is the thing to wear. It also pays to stock up on American-themed tees, shirts, and dresses. Hats, scarves, and big belts with any combination of these colors help complete the look.
For “Memorial Night,” also known as the Fourth Performance, consider keeping an inventory of black mini dresses and shirts with gold or silver metallic accents, helping attendees to dress appropriately in order to show respect for the fallen. For the Fifth Performance, they’ll want to stock up on fully sequined ensembles and mix bold prints and metallic accents.
Anything that enhances the Western look while reflecting on the spirit of NFR, such as custom cowboy hats and leather outfits, will surely command attention on this eventful night. The secret lies in combining various patterns and textures.
Stocking tips for NFR outfits
When choosing appropriate NFR outfits for your clients, you’ll need to consider various factors to ensure you are able to meet various needs. First, it helps to stay up to date with the NFR fashion trends, helping you to draw inspiration from the latest Western runway styles and rodeo events.
Also, consulting with your clients on how they want to look is also a smart move. Some may require customized outfits, so gather the necessary materials in advance. Additionally, unless your focus is exclusively on high-end customers, it’s essential to retain an inventory of outfits that suit various budgets so as to appeal to a broad audience.
Conclusion
The NFR is rapidly approaching, and rodeo lovers are gearing up for an unforgettable time in Vegas, where the spotlight will be on the best of Western fashion. Cowboy boots, hats, traditional American shirts and dresses, and other classic staples will help to keep your clients looking sharp throughout the event.
To keep the glamor going at night, you’ll also need to stock customized, colorful attire and dazzling jewelry pieces. No matter what styles you’re after, visit Alibaba.com for a wide range of popular and dependable rodeo outfits.
