Amen! Beyoncé has finally announced she will be hitting the road on her “Cowboy Carter” tour, the first since releasing the album of the same name last March.
The multihyphenated entrepreneur has been keeping busy since her 2023 “Renaissance” tour, releasing her last Ivy Park collaboration with Adidas on Oct. 12, 2023; two fragrances, Cé Noir in November 2023 and Cé Lumière in November 2024; a concert documentary film, which was available only in theaters, released on Dec. 1, 2023; her hair care line, Cécred, on Feb. 20; an award-winning whiskey brand SirDavis on Sept. 4, and a campaign with denim brand Levi’s, which launched on Sept. 29.
The ”Alien Superstar” singer looked to designs from Balmain, David Koma, Brandon Blackwood, Telfar, Mugler and more during her “Renaissance” tour, often switching up looks from city to city and country to country.
So just for fun — see what we did there? — here’s a few looks from collections shown in 2024 after “Cowboy Carter”’s release that could pair well with the overall theme of each full-length track. (Writer’s note: Yes, I know the chance of an outfit change for each song is highly unlikely, but just saddle up and enjoy the ride.)
“Blackbiird”
Starting off with “Blackbiird” — we’re skipping “Ameriican Requiem” for reasons that will become discussed later — we envision a literal take on the title in the form of feathers and wings or a figurative showing of a planted seed that’s developing into grass and florals. Beyoncé’s recent dive into country has had a growing effect on current Black country artists, many of whom are featured on “Cowboy Carter.” In the event the song’s featured artists — Tanner Adell, Tiera Kennedy, Reyna Roberts and Brittney Spencer — pop up in one or more of the cities, we’ve selected some threads for them as well.
Reyna Roberts, Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer and Tiera Kennedy are featured on “Blackbiird” on Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album.
“16 Carriages”
Since “16 Carriages” reflects on the singer’s career, why not take a trip down memory lane with reworked designs from the singer’s Destiny’s Child days? She can also strut the stage in these resort and spring 2025 looks, customizing them in American flag blue to nod to the album’s theme.
“Protector”
Continuing from the “Renaissance” era’s metallic silver theme, this song gives itself to represent strength, defense and reflection — and so do these looks.
“Texas Hold ‘Em”
One of the first singles released from “Cowboy Carter” — and the first up-tempo song on the album — went viral on social media as users created several line dances to the chorus. Pair these denim shorts with a cowboy hat, boots and vintage T-shirts — possibly switching between ones baring faces of Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Black country artists from years past — for a performance that could easily transition into a country take on “Crazy in Love.” Pair any of the shorts with Mains’ patriotic jacket with a customized “B” for effect.
“Bodyguard”
A little bit of a protector with a whole lot of sex appeal, the fashion for this song lends to an easy, chill silhouette. Perhaps an oversize, sleeveless blazer dress or a strapless suit will give the crooner the ability to seduce while also keeping you on your toes because at any moment she can — and will (remember the Atlanta “On the Run 2” tour stop) — “turn around and John Wayne that ass.” Then there’s one standout that pays homage to the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston, can you guess which?
“Jolene”
Parton said it herself: Beyoncé isn’t “gonna beg some other woman…don’t steal my man.” For the iconic country song’s remake, a grown-up version of a “Freak ‘Em Dress” will tell any woman — Jolene, Becky, Karen or the such — without words that you don’t want these problems, ma’am. And customizing some of the looks in a shade of auburn could give nod to the original songstress’ version.
“Daughter”
One of — if not — the most dramatic tracks on the album must tell as much of a sartorial story as the song does. Envision her belting out “Caro Mio Ben” with the infamous Beyoncé fans blaring 360 degrees around whatever shaped stage her creative team has concocted with a 5-foot-or-longer train. Drah-ma!
“Spaghettii”
Be ready to put on your thinking caps. Each of these will need some customization to fit a denim-heavy, chap-wearing, cowboy-approved look — save for Fiorucci’s floor-sweeping denim jacket.
Shaboozey at iHeartRadio Z100’s Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 13 in New York.
Kristina Bumphrey
Featured artist: Shaboozey
Featured artist and CMA nominee Shaboozey’s potential wardrobe should lean toward simple yet stylish: a long denim jacket and jeans styled either shirtless or with a mesh shirt. Edgy simplicity fits the bill for the country musician’s features on “Spaghettii” and “Sweet Honey Buckiin.”
“Alliigator Tears”
Give her a goal? Met. Move the goalpost after? Typical. Say she’s too country in one breath and not country enough in another? Fine. Cry those alligator — or crocodile — tears and Beyoncé will “adore” them all. Why not play into the nonchalant, unbothered tone of the song with luxe fur or faux fur coats? Pair them with her signature leotard or denim and cowboy boots, but don’t forget the opera-length cigarette holder for added effect.
“Just for Fun”
Here’s to hoping Beyoncé goes full-on, all-white menswear for this track. Gender-fluid suits walked many of the runways, giving the singer ample to choose from — or a feminine spin seen from JordanLuca.
Willie Jones at the 2024 CMT Music Awards held at the Moody Center on April 7 in Austin.
Gilbert Flores for Billboard
Featured Artist: Willie Jones
Like Shaboozey, simplicity is key for “X Factor” alum Willie Jones. The country singer could easily pull off these looks to blend in with Queen Bey or — possibly — a choir for the track’s ending.
“II Most Wanted”
“II Most Wanted” is a reminder that sometimes our soulmates come in the form of friendship and, for that reason, the bridal realm is the only way to go. This fan favorite has Beyoncé fan, dress blowing through the wind, top down, “flying down the 405” — literally — written all over it.
Miley Cyrus at the 66th annual Grammy Awards held at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 4, 2024, in Los Angeles.
Gilbert Flores for Billboard
Featured Artist: Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus revealed to W Magazine she wrote the song prior to being asked to work on “Cowboy Carter,” later comparing it to her budding relationship with Beyoncé. And when the genre-experimenting singer — Cyrus has tapped into everything from country and pop to hip-hop and rock — hits the stage, it only makes sense for the duo to complement one another.
“Levii’s Jeans”
It’s right there in front of you, but maybe a little too on the nose? Custom Levi’s shorts and jumpsuits or the entrepreneur can go into the vault and bring out vintage House of Deréon. “Denim on denim, on denim, on denim” went down the runways, offering ample choices for the tour.
Post Malone performs at the T-Mobile Mane Stage during the 2024 Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 27 in Indio, Calif. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Stagecoach)
Getty Images for Stagecoach
Featured Artist: Post Malone
Post Malone might be the easiest featured artist on this album to style. The rapper turned country artist’s go-with-the-flow nature gives way to streetwear.
“Ya Ya”
“Ya Ya” celebrates the Chitlin’ Circuit and the Black artists — Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, The Jackson 5 to name a few — who performed at venues in a segregated America. This genre-bending track is reminiscent of Turner, Beyoncé’s well-documented musical idol, and no one could get the job done quite like Turner’s costumer Bob Mackie. (But for the sake of keeping on the recent collection bandwagon, here’s a few that have a Mackie feel.)
“Riiverdance”
Goodbye, country album. Hello, Beyoncé album. The next four tracks on “Cowboy Carter” blend a little bit of country with a lot of culture. First, with “Riiverdance” utilizing banjo and bass. This section of the album tosses out those beautiful gowns and dives into dance-worthy looks. With some customization, even Ahluwalia’s and D’iyanu’s floor-length dresses would make ideal jumpsuits for this track.
“II Hands II Heaven”
Continuing on the culture train, “II Hands II Heaven” brings together bass with R&B and a light drum snare. These picks give the queen the freedom to move while “dancin’ in the moonlight” for each tour stop.
“Tyrant”
As Parton brings in this track, Beyoncé uses her fingernails as percussion made popular by the country crooner. (The technique can also be heard in the background of “Riiverdance” and throughout “II Hands II Heaven.”) The song combines that with violin and 808s. The student becomes the teacher in these “Tyrant”-esque looks.
“Sweet Honey Buckiin”
The Texas diva opens up the last full track of the album sampling country turned pop star Patsy Cline’s “I Fall to Pieces.” The crooner’s effortless blending of country, rap and R&B over a Jersey club beat lends itself to outfits fit for a dance break. We’ve come a long way on this rough ride, thanks for saddling up!
“Ameriican Requiem” and “Amen”
We’ve come full circle. For the album’s first track, “Ameriican Requiem,” an old, tattered dress that has clearly seen better days with rips, tears and some mud stains to boot. And by the end of the show, that dress — as well as the notions of what country music sounds like and who can represent the genre — has been course-corrected or as Beyoncé sings “them old ideas are buried here” and the dress is anew. Beautiful and flowing in all its glory. And there we have it. “Amen!”
