"Cowboy Christmas Party" tonight -- help!

[PastimeSteve]

I'm hoping to get some last minute advice from the good folks here at FL. I have to attend my father-in-law's "Cowboy Christmas Party" tonight and I don't own a stitch of western wear and I'm not a big fan of the traditional yolked Western shirts. They just don't look good on me, and cowboy hats tend to look a bit odd on me as well, considering my height-challenged status (5'6").

Any last-minute advice for this procrastinator?

Steve

 

[carter]

Boots, denim jeans, blue chambray shirt, bandana, wide belt with western buckle, western hat.

 

[M Tatterscratch]

Mr. S.,

If you don't own any Westernwear, you could don a pair of tighty-whiteys and go as the Naked Cowboy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naked_Cowboy

Do you own a guitar?

Heck, I'm 5'6", and I wear a cowboy hat frequently. You just need the right hat - Streamlined fore-and-aft and swept up at the sides. That'll keep you from looking like Marvin the Martian Goes West...

Walk Tall,

T.

 

[CdnDandy]

Since it's last minute, you could look into a rental. Not sure what area of the country you're in, but around these parts, most tux rental shops have a "western tux" option - you provide your own blue jeans. It's a look that's always popular with the ladies!

 

[carter]

Well, just sorta off topic

fftopic:

Mr. S.,
If you don't own any Westernwear, you could don a pair of tighty-whiteys and go as the Naked Cowboy: lol lol lol
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naked_Cowboy
Do you own a guitar?
Heck, I'm 5'6", and I wear a cowboy hat frequently. You just need the right hat - Streamlined fore-and-aft and swept up at the sides. That'll keep you from looking like Marvin the Martian Goes West...

Like This?
Walk Tall,
T.

fftopic:
T., Please post photo of western garb.

 

[M Tatterscratch]

Steve,

In all seriousness, wouldn't your father-in-law let you slide, or will he turn you out into the snow? Holiday theme-parties frequently seem to add stress to an already stress-laden time of year.

Alternatively, you could wear a sharp vintage suit and tell people you're a tenderfoot from "Back East"...

T.

 

[M Tatterscratch]

fftopic:
fftopic:
T., Please post photo of western garb.

Hey! That's my hat! lol

 

[GentlemanFarmer]

Didn't you mention this party in the other thread "western anyone"? If you're in Colorado I'm sure you've got the essentials (jeans, boots and a belt). If you don't have a western hat, but have a fedora, steam the brim, flatten it and give it a bit of an upward roll. You can always get the brim back, just reverse the process. If not, go to your local western store and snag an inexpensive wool western hat. The last option is to go to the local Co-op and see if you can get a "gimme hat " for some kind of feed or fertilizer company.

Personally I like the "Boots and Black Tie" look. Tux from the waist up with highly starched Wranglers, big-ass buckle and your best boots below.

Good luck. Let us know how you make out.

 

[Mike in Seattle]

There's always the option of starting to fake cough and moan and say you think you're coming down with the flu and have to stay home...

 

[Joie DeVive]

I see how it is....lol

The fellows are right. A button down shirt (non-western is fine) tucked into jeans with a belt, preferably with a big buckle will fit the bill. Adding a string tie, or bandana would be nice, but not necessary. Boots and hats are probably not required, though are admired. Some retired cowboys wear running shoes on a regular basis these days.

Good luck!