What to Wear to the Calgary Stampede

Are you planning to visit the Calgary Stampede this year, but aren’t sure what to wear? Lucky for you, the city is full of local shops where you can find Calgary Stampede outfits to suit any style. Vintage shops in the city even pull out all their western wear to help you prepare for the 10 days of the Calgary Stampede, so there’s something for every budget.

Stampede style has evolved over the years, so it’s easier than ever to infuse your personal style with some western inspiration.  And trust me, you’re going to want some western elements infused into your wardrobe. Fashion at the Calgary Stampede is over the top, so if you want to look like a Stampede regular, you’ll want to jump on the Chuckwagon and dress for the occasion.

If you’re new to western fashion or just want to step up your game, here are a few key pieces that you can add to your Calgary Stampede wardrobe, plus what local shops to visit.

If you’re looking for one quintessential item to incorporate into your Stampede style, make it a pair of western-inspired boots. There are three different western-inspired boot styles to choose from depending on the rest of your outfit — over-the-knee, traditional cowboy (a great option for both men and women) and western-inspired ankle boots. Bonus: Each of these styles features a comfortable, wear-all-day low heel!

Where to find cowboy boots

No matter what style of boot you’re looking for, Alberta Boot should be your go-to. They carry everything from traditional cowboy boots to more subtly western-inspired ankle boots. You can even make your own custom pair if you want to go all out.

Lammles has a great range of boots to choose from, and there are a ton of vintage shops like Hello Vintage, Worn Studio, and 17th Ave Thrift that pull out their best western pieces leading up to Stampede. Plus, if you buy a pair of vintage boots, they’ll already be worn in for you!

Denim is a no-brainer when it comes to Stampede style. There are many ways to incorporate this versatile fabric into any western-inspired ensemble, but here are a few fail-safe options.

If you’re a jeans person, a pair of light-to-medium wash denim (distressing optional!) is a great place to start. These can absolutely be jeans you already own, or if you prefer, you can purchase a classic, premium pair of Wranglers or Levis for the ultimate in cowboy-chic.

Denim jackets or shirts also make fantastic, versatile layering pieces and are likely something you already have in your wardrobe. Try layering these pieces on top of a flowy dress or paired with jeans and a denim vest for a Canadian tuxedo meets western wear look. You’ll thank yourself for packing the jacket to keep you warm while you sing along to concerts on the Coke Stage or watch the fireworks from the grandstand show!

Where to find denim

Cody and Sioux in Inglewood is a great spot to shop for a variety of denim as well as any other clothing items you’ll need to create an iconic Calgary Stampede look. 

Like boots, you really can’t go wrong with a classic cowboy hat or iconic white hat. However, if you’re trying to work with what you have, flat brimmed, floppy or even straw hats can also be a great addition to your Stampede outfit. As a bonus, a hat will shield your eyes and face from all the sun we get here in Calgary.

Where to find western hats

If you’re in the market for a quintessentially Calgarian experience, be sure to stop into Smithbilt Hats for the finest, custom-made western hats in all the land — including Calgary’s iconic White Hat .

Originally debuted at the Stampede Parade of 1947, receiving a Smithbilt White Hat is recognized as an international honour and remains a steadfast symbol of Calgary’s hospitality. Fast forward to present day and you can purchase your very own White Hat in a variety of styles, materials and price-points! You can never go wrong with the  7x White Felt version, which you can have measured and fitted in less than 15 minutes.

If a coloured hat is more your style, Smithbilt has a huge range of different colours of hats ready to be custom fitted in your desired crown shape.

A bag is essential when thinking about your Stampede outfit. It’s a great place to incorporate some kind of suede, fringe, or saddle element into your overall look. Depending on how much storage you need, consider any of these 3 options:

• Large suede tote - If you’re the kind of person who always overpacks and has literally everything you could ever need, try a large suede fringed tote to hold all your Stampede essentials. Suede is synonymous with western style, and it adds movement and a sense of playfulness to any look.

• Cross-body bag - A saddle style, cross-body bag is a great option to keep all your essentials safely tucked away while you experience The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.  This style of bag is a must for when you’re playing midway games, sampling all the outrageous hand-held food or making your way to as many pancake breakfasts as possible around the city (they’re usually free by the way!).

• Woven bag - Lastly, you can’t go wrong with woven or natural material bags for a more prairie-inspired take on Stampede style.  The natural tones and textures of these summery bags lend themselves especially well to a more laid-back, effortless Stampede look.

Where to find versatile bags

Check out Field Study in Mission for a range of quality leather bags that you’ll use daily as well as part of your Calgary Stampede outfit. If you’re looking for a bag that’s more budget-friendly, Coutukitsch in Inglewood should be your go-to spot.

Once you have the essentials sorted, it’s time to have some fun with your Stampede look and add unique elements that showcase your personality. Since the Calgary Stampede is a festival, it’s an ideal opportunity to try bold and daring accessories!

• Jewellery - The Calgary Stampede is the perfect excuse to dust off all your vintage silver or turquoise, as well as anything fringed, beaded or western-inspired that doesn’t get enough wear-time in your day-to-day wardrobe. This is a great time to break out that bolo-style necklace or beaded Indigenous earrings that you’ve been holding on to. Local vintage stores are a great option for finding jewellery that you’d like to incorporate into your Stampede style.

• Belts - Belts are a great way to have fun with your Stampede outfit. Go with a classic larger belt buckle over jeans in true cowboy style or layer a few thinner belts over a flowy white dress and top it off with a jean jacket for a more playful western meets boho look.

• Scarves - Scarves are a great option for anyone who wants to infuse their style with just a touch of Western inspiration. Try taking a classic bandana and tying it around your neck or on the handle of your bag, and you’ll instantly feel rodeo-ready. For a softer option, try using a vintage silk scarf as a belt, shawl or head covering if hats aren’t your thing.

• Sunglasses - Listen – we’re the sunniest city in Canada, so you’re going to want to have some sunglasses as part of your Calgary Stampede outfit. Any style works here, but a fun rosy coloured lens or aviator style sunglasses would both be great additions to any outfit. Plus, they offer protection from the sun and conceal tired eyes the morning after, so you can dust off your boots, hit a free pancake breakfast, and get ready to do it all over again!

Where to find festival-friendly accessories

For a large range of belts and buckle options, try Lammles Western Wear or a local Calgary thrift store.

Vintage stores around the city are also great places to check out for Calgary Stampede accessories as they’re full of unique pieces and hidden gems that no one else will have! We love Wild Rabbit Vintage for their expertly curated collection that focuses on western wear.

Are you planning to visit the Calgary Stampede or partake in various Stampede festivities around the city? If you are, hopefully this post gave you some helpful, modern outfit ideas and encouraged you to create a western-inspired look to take you from Stampede breakfasts, through your workday, to the grounds, to the after party in style. Wishing you all a fun (and safe) 10 days of Stampeding!