Recreating Sue Ellen Ewing's Rodeo Cowgirl Outfit
Aktie
So if you’re like us, you’ve probably idolized Sue Ellen’s butterfly (Linda’s signature) cowgirl outfit from the episode entitled “Rodeo” (Season 3, Episode 8) since the moment you saw it. Well, we were inspired to recreate it as accurately as possible and write out the details for anyone interested in assembling their own!
DISCLAIMER: In no way do we guarantee that these efforts will result in even looking remotely similar to Linda. Like at all. Not even a distant relative. We are also not responsible for any damages (physical, mental or monetary) you may incur in the process.
Let’s start with the most important part - the boots!
Linda’s REAL boots are by vintage designer Larry Mahan, model “Vida” in color Walnut.
There are a few of these authentic beauties still lurking around if you can get your hands on a pair (and in your size!). We have the unique problem of needing two identical pairs so this wasn’t an option for us, but we’ve placed a link below to an active listing on eBay.
We used as similar build of boot that we could as a base (by brand ASOS, model “Claudette” in color Buttermilk). We then designed stencils based on photos of the real butterfly inlays on the computer, cut them out, applied and painted them using Angelus Leather paint in color ‘Saddle’ for the brown. The color ‘Champagne’ is a dead ringer for these boots and helped with touchups and the center of the flowers.
Next is the belt - we thankfully tracked down a few sellers on the internet with vintage cast belt buckles in the same butterfly mold as Linda’s. We then took an H&M dark brown suede belt, seam ripped the real stitching, chiseled holes and buckstitched white Kangaroo lace to match hers. We followed a helpful Youtube tutorial on how to accomplish this that we will link to in case you do not end up buying a completed one.
The jeans - You’ll probably recognize these as they were most notably worn by Brooke Shields in her “Nothing comes between me and my Calvin’s” ads from the 80’s. Linda too is wearing the high waisted, straight leg model with white stitching (the white label). Luckily it’s pretty easy to locate some vintage pairs of these on the World Wide Web.
We opted for Express jeans in “Horsebit” to make sure we had two pairs on time for the event.
The vest - Though Linda wears this vest in multiple episodes, the tag is never visible enough to decipher the brand. There are a few of the vintage brand Continental Leather Fashions that look relatively similar but it’s only an approximate guess. Most notably hers has a tie closure, large lapels and a cinch belt in back.
We opted for vintage Wilson’s Leather vests in color Camel.
The shirt - Sue Ellen’s double pocket, blue button-down shirt actually has snap closures rather than buttons.
We picked the closest thing we could find and that ended up being Express brand’s “Portofino” shirt in color Glacier Blue.
And don’t forget the accessories! Finish off Sue Ellen’s look with silver hoop earrings, a large silver cuff bracelet, plain gold chain necklace and of course, that Ewing rock on your left hand ;D
We will be making downloadable files of the boot stencils available for anyone who wants them and do not mind answering any questions!
Oh and if you can fill in any missing pieces of this puzzle please, let us know!
Happy styling!
LINKS:
Vintage Larry Mahan “Vida” Western Boots with Butterfly Inlays in color Walnut
ASOS DESIGN “Claudette” Western Knee Boots in color Buttermilk
Express Clothing “Portofino” Double Pocket Shirt in color Glacier Blue
H&M Wide Suede Belt in color Dark Brown
Vintage Solid Brass Cast Butterfly Belt Buckle
Vintage Wilson’s Leather Vest in color Camel