The Western-Inspired Collection You Didn't Know You Needed

The holidays are usually all about glitter and glam, so it's always refreshing when a brand brings a new twist to the season. Well, AG did just that with its holiday collection, The Sunset Western, which taps into one of fashion's most iconic (and recently revived) aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from the creative teams behind old Hollywood Westerns, this collection features cool, sun-faded pieces with Western touches, luxe fabrics, and of course, the brand's timeless denim.

I've been eager to take this collection for a spin since I returned from a recent trip to Montana—I fully embraced the Western aesthetic out there, but I've been looking for ways to bring this style to the streets of New York City. Lucky for me, I get to try out these pieces with Arizona-born fashion director Michaela Bushkin, whose roots naturally give her an instinct for effortless Western style. We took two very different approaches—my look was centered on polished outerwear, while she curated a party-ready look (because 'tis the season). Both capture what makes AG so special: refined craftsmanship, modern silhouettes, and that effortless cool factor.

I recently moved from Los Angeles to New York, and I'm quickly learning a key East Coast lesson: You need great outerwear. Thank goodness for AG's Marlo Jacket. It's a shearling-lined bundle of warmth that I will not be taking off all season. It has contrasting leather tape, self-patch pockets, and shearling edge seams—it's all very Western and very chic. I styled it with a pair of Kora jeans (a classic AG silhouette, now updated with a cuffed hem), but my favorite piece has to be the Melia shirt. It's that perfect Western-style button-down that somehow goes with everything. I chose the multi-stripe version to break up the solid tones in my outfit, and I love how it adds just the right amount of contrast. I've already worn this look to the office, but I already know I'll be rewearing it everywhere. Each piece stands on its own—you could wear the shirt with tailored trousers or a midi skirt, or throw the jacket over a white tee and baggy jeans. No matter what, they'll always give an easy, polished, and perfectly Western vibe.

As I mentioned, Michaela's roots were perfect for a Western-inspired collection. "As someone who grew up in the Southwest, I felt immediately nostalgic upon seeing AG's latest collection," she told me. But, like me, Michaela lives in New York now, so she wanted her look to feel city-ready. "Just because it has a Western theme doesn't mean it's not fit for a day in New York City, and this outfit is proof. The leather fringe skirt is the clear star of my look, and I opted for all-black styling to keep it really elevated and sleek. I layered a turtleneck under a Western-style button-up, added a black handbag, and finished the outfit with black (and cream!) cowboy boots to stay on theme. This look is perfect if you want to tap into the city cowgirl trend—highly recommend." I love how her outfit balances Western influence and city sophistication. I have a feeling I'll be borrowing this one for a dinner out soon.