So whether you're planning a Western vacation, heading to a local rodeo, or just stepping out to a country music concert or club, you're more likely to enjoy yourself if dressed in authentic Western attire.

Of course, dressing the Western way is a phenomenon all its own. For years, cowboys have adhered to a specific set of fashion rules. If you want to dress like a real cowboy, follow these guidelines:

• Real cowboys want clothes that work as hard as they do -- rugged jeans, durable shirts, and tough boots.

• Most cowboys wear round-toed boots as opposed to those with pointy toes. They tend to be more comfortable, and rodeo cowboys know there's nothing more important if you plan to spend a couple of hours on your feet. Some of the best boots are made of calf, ostrich or European goat skin. Low-heeled ropers and lacers are also very popular for their comfort and functionality.

• Few things define cowboy chic like a properly placed hat. It should never be worn on the back side of the head with the brim facing up. Instead, cowboys slant their hats forward and wear them snug on the forehead. A black felt hat is a must for fall and winter, and a straw hat should be worn for spring and summer.

• Western-style shirts should be all cotton and heavily starched. Men choose from a selection of stripes, plaids, solids and basic denims, usually with a Western yoke and snaps -- but always with long sleeves. Women opt for shirts that match their jeans, with midriff-baring styles for spring and summer. Cotton classics are also popular with women.

• Western wear demands proper accessories. For men, the belt buckle is the ultimate trophy, showcasing a cowboy's biggest win on the rodeo circuit. For women, silver jewelry is most popular, usually accented with coral and turquoise.

• No Western outfit is complete without the proper pair of boot-cut jeans. The brand of jeans you wear and the way you wear them determines if your look is authentic. According to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, over 98 percent of their members wear The Western Originalª -- Wrangler. The famous 13MWZ Cowboy Cut® jean was designed "by cowboys, for cowboys" back in 1947. Today, you can go to just about any rodeo or country music concert to find the familiar Wrangler leather "patch" on the back pocket of genuine cowboys.

• Cowboys wear their jeans heavily starched with a center crease and buy them an extra four inches longer so they '‘stack' on the heels of boots.

• The hottest style of jeans for women is the Wrangler Bareback jean -- with a slim fit and three-pocket styling. It's available in zipper or button-front, and is very popular with the country music crowd.