PHOTO CREDIT: Sheniqua L. Robinson/Facebook - Sheniqua Robinson hosted the sexy Western-themed Class Meets Sass “Saddle Up” Line Dance event on May 29 in St. Croix.

Thanks to Beyonce and her steamy Cowboy Carter tour galloping into sold-out stadiums and hearts this summer, cowboy core represents one of the hottest trends in fashion for 2025.

What the trend looks like: Cowboy hats and boots; ornate, button-down shirts; denim on denim on denim; cow print; flirty fringe; big belts and big fun.

We reached out to St. Croix style expert Jason Gardener to pick his brain on the trend and how well he believes it stands up to life in the V.I.

Dress Better on the Weekend (DBOW): You’re familiar with the Cowboy Carter trend. What is your take on it, from both a personal and professional perspective.

Jason Gardener: The Cowboy Carter trend is true genius. Beyoncé and her team never cease to amaze me. It’s innovative and cutting edge and it gives individuals something new to try and experience different cultures and styles. It’s a complete joy watching the attendees’ personal style attending the concerts.

DBOW: What do you like most/least about it?

JG: What I love most about it is the risk takers and the confidence the guests have wearing the fashions.

DBOW: Do you think this trend works well for people living in the V.I.? Can we pull it off?

JG: I definitely think this trend can work for us V.I. people. I’ve already seen it at industry events or local influencers incorporating it into their personal brands. The one thing V.I. people will do is try something new all in the love for fashion.

DBOW: Are there any parts of the trend that really work for life in the V.I.? Any part that doesn’t work?

JG: This style isn’t for everyone, so not everyone will look good in it. Know your limits and what complements you based on body type, confidence, and knowing the knowledge of cowboy attire.

DBOW: As a stylist, tell us how you would style a Cowboy Carter look, but with a Virgin Islands’ twist.

JG: If I had to style a Cowboy Carter look, I would put him in a white 3/4 shirt, vest, hat, oversized flair jeans, interesting jeans, and I would use the [Virgin Islands] madras material as accent pieces on the jeans, vest, wide belt, and scarf around the hat. I probably would throw in the bird of paradise flower on his hat or shirt.

DBOW: If fashionistas living on St. Croix wanted to try out this trend, what local store(s) would you recommend they check out?

JG: Local stores I would recommend to fashionistas to get Cowboy Carter attire Sweet Magnolia, My Girlfriend’s Closet, Rainbow, Jane’s Boutique, and Envii Boutique.

DBOW: Overall, thumbs up or thumbs down for the Cowboy Carter trend in the USVI?

JG: I don’t think we will see the Cowboy Carter trend in full force here in the V.I. I think if the event calls for it, you will definitely see it. You may also see some of the local fashionistas that take risks in a few pieces walking the streets.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sheniqua L. Robinson/Facebook - St. Croix influencer Sheniqua Robinson embraced the Cowboy Carter trend at her “Saddle Up” event on May 29.

Contributing Style Expert, Jason Gardener: With more than three decades of influence in the global modeling and fashion industries, Jason is CEO of St. Croix, USVI-based JG Management USVI, as well as owner and producer at St. Croix STYLE Fashion Week USVI, Virgin Islands Model of the Year Competition, and kids ROCK fashion weekEND USVI. On his down time, you’ll catch him on Facebook cheering on iconic catwalk moments of legendary supermodel Naomi Campbell. It’s a look!

COWBOY CARTER MEETS CARIBBEAN COOL

BEAUTIFUL BUTTER YELLOW