Kacey Musgraves is one of a kind in many ways. She has the voice of an angel, is a style icon, speaks her mind, and isn’t afraid to tease her hair to Heaven. All qualities we love and admire most about her. Never one to shy away from offering her unsolicited opinion, she encourages all of us to be who we are and say what we feel. As a model for young women everywhere, she earned her spot as Nashville’s brightest new female renegade by following her arrow. We’re always trying to learn more about how she does it so unapologetically. Her music and records, well, they are country music gold. There’s one song in particular that culminates her raison d'etre—“Dime Store Cowgirl” is an ode to remembering where you came from, how you got there, and why it’s so important to keep those things close to the chest. We’ll all wander and drift, but the most important thing is knowing you can find your way home again, whatever that means to you.
Blending lyrics and observations, we’ve drawn inspiration from her song and put together a how-to on being a “dime store cowgirl”, just like Kacey. Note, if you don’t believe in hair teasing and glitter with a side of whiskey, this list need not apply to you.
10. Have your picture made with Willie Nelson.
Because legends inspire legends. A photo with one of country music’s most iconic voices, Willie Nelson (and a major mentor to Kacey!) is both a measure of success and also a reminder of humility that even a dime store cowgirl needs someone to look up to. You can’t do it all on your own. Choose your mentors, and remember that you are never “cool or big enough” to learn.
9. Be generous.
Kacey is always finding ways to help other people. She recently donated many personal items from her own closet to raise money for Tornado relief in Nashville. Big or small, giving back is how we show our humanity at any level, but it's even more of a responsibility with a great position of influence, like hers (more reasons to love her). We should all find meaning in giving back, to whatever cause or need we can. For us, it is through donating back to injured veterans through Semper Fi. And you, have you thought about ways you can give back?
8. Be rough around the edges (kind of).
Though not a phrase you often associate with her, Kacey has some spunk to her. This makes her very relatable. We should be unabashed about so many things, especially who we are... Truth is, good or bad, pleasing or not, it’s always better to give it out straight. Don’t ever be apologetic about being authentic. Have you ever heard of the saying: “I rather be someone’s shot of whiskey than everyone’s cup of tea”. That’s right, Carrie Bradshaw said it best.
7. Tease your hair HIGH.
Yes, Ms. Musgraves has often been seen walking red carpets with hair teased so high it would make Dolly Parton herself reach for a little extra Aquanet. Following suit with other facets of her life, she isn’t afraid to push the boundaries when it comes to her hair, either. She allows herself to have fun and it shows. It’s obvious she’s heard the saying “the higher the hair, the closer you are to God”. And that’s something every dime store cowgirl should abide by.
6. SPARKLE.
Allow yourself to shine bright, and if that means coating yourself in sequins, glitter and rhinestones, so be it. We love to go to her Instagram and scroll forever for #ootd inspo. There’s never a shortage of fringe, either. So, be the “rhinestone cowgirl or boy” that you were meant to be.
5. Don’t let the California stars steal your heart.
Another reference we can relate with. Texas-girl Kacey warns us all not to let the bright, shimmery things distract us from the most meaningful parts of life. Our model dime store cowgirl admits in the song that she fell in love with the limelight once or twice, yet ultimately learned sometimes it’s best to admire it from afar. Let us remember that life is not about chasing the perfect highlight reel for the world to see; it always comes with an (often harsh) expiration date.
4. Get away and grow.
Because if you stay in the same place in life forever, you probably won’t grow a whole lot. Change is extremely hard, but a necessity on the never-ending path to becoming a better version of yourself. A dime store cowgirl (or boy!) has to ride off into the sunset on their own terms every now and then.
3. Be bold enough to follow your own arrow.
Also the name of a chart-topping single from Musgraves, it’s all about blazing our own trail. The single peaked at #10 on the billboard US hot country songs chart. It encourages us all to live and let live. Don’t be afraid to be who you are, and don’t be afraid to motivate others to do the same. At the end of the day, we’re all happiest when we have the freedom to be the most authentic version of ourselves.
2. Call your hometown home.
One of the most important rules to remember from our favorite Golden, Texas native is to remember where you came from. Dime store cowgirl as a song is all about finding who you are by way of where you came from. It’s great to achieve things and reach goals, but none of it means anything if you turn your back on the place that gave you your start. Staying true to your roots and maintaining a humble gratitude is the biggest notch in any dime store cowgirl’s belt.
1. BOOTS.
You knew this one was coming, right? There’s no such a thing as a cowgirl without a kick-ass pair of boots. The crown jewel of any cowgirl’s outfit, you need a classic pair that can carry you through your day and face every challenge with the grit of a cowgirl that would make even Kacey want to borrow a pair for herself. You’re just in luck, because that is the one thing from this list we can totally be here for you with.
Now, put your cowboy boots on and check out Kacey's "Dime Store Cowgirl" for yourself:
Let us know how you channel your inner dime store cowgirl(boy) in the comments below!