How Yellowstone’s John Dutton and Beth Dutton keep it real in clothes that fit their characters and the top-rated US show’s Montana ranch setting
Shows like Emily in Paris and Succession may get all the attention when it comes to fancy fashion, but if you’re looking for actual style pointers that you can put to good use, you’d be hard pressed to find a better show than Yellowstone.
Starring Kevin Costner as John Dutton, a wealthy rancher in the US state of Montana, Yellowstone focuses on Dutton and his grown-up children’s efforts to keep the land they’ve owned for more than a century as they battle encroaching forces such as developers and environmentalists.
Costume designer Johnetta Boone does an excellent job at staying true to the characters’ personalities in selecting costumes that make sense and keep it real.
Befitting a show set in rural Montana, the clothes are practical and functional. While some of the outfits worn by the cowboys and cowgirls working on the ranch wouldn’t look out of place in a John Wayne movie, the characters mainly stick to a few essentials that make the foundation of a great wardrobe.
Played by British actress Kelly Reilly, Beth Dutton, John’s foul-mouthed, chain-smoking corporate raider daughter, is the main female character in Yellowstone, the most watched series on US cable television in 2021. Her wardrobe – a mix of wrap dresses, pantsuits and chic blouses paired with pencil skirts – reflects what working women in their thirties wear to work every day without sacrificing style or femininity.
When off duty, Beth cosies up in chunky ponchos, prairie dresses and that quintessential wardrobe keeper: a good pair of jeans, which unsurprisingly are the default uniform of every character in the show.
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While Beth makes a reference to Gucci in a scene from season four and is a fan of La Mer’s luxurious Crème de la Mer moisturising cream (visible on her bathroom shelf in another scene), designer fashion plays no role in the series. Instead, historic brands with wide appeal such as Levi’s, Carhart and Wrangler reign supreme.
Beth’s alpha female style is a counterpoint to the more relaxed vibe of John’s daughter-in-law Monica, played by US actress Kelsey Asbille. She is also a fan of denim separates and looks great when pairing them with wardrobe staples like white tank tops and cosy sheepskin coats.
Like other characters in the film, Monica is of Native American descent and her style is influenced by traditional crafts. She is often clad in beautiful cardigans featuring Native American patterns.
Turquoise jewellery, another key element of Native American culture, often adorns Beth and other characters.
The guys, meanwhile, can make fashion faux pas such as denim on denim (also known as the Texan tuxedo) look far from costume-y, and demonstrate how a rancher’s jacket paired with a pair of jeans can look great, no matter your age.
They also accessorise with aplomb, from the custom hats created by Colorado-based outfitter Greeley Hat Works to the belt buckles that figure prominently in many pivotal moments of the series.
Cowboy boots are, obviously, the footwear of choice. Popular bootmaker brand Lucchese is referenced in an early episode of the show, but John Dutton’s boots are actually made by Texas-based Justin Boots, which in 2019 released a collection in collaboration with Paramount Network, where the series airs in the United States.
Another brand riding on the success of the show is Wrangler, a workwear company established in North Carolina in 1904. The Wrangler x Yellowstone collection includes items such as Sherpa-lined denim jackets and chambray shirts emblazoned with the ranch’s signature Y seal.
No piece of clothing in the series, however, screams fashion or style. The garments worn by the characters reflect the authenticity of life on a ranch, where clothes are meant to withstand the wear and tear of hard work and the elements, and to last for years – a welcome change from the trendy outfits that tend to dominate television.
Yellowstone is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video outside the US.
As a seasoned fashion and television enthusiast with a deep understanding of costume design, particularly in the context of television series, I can confidently attest to the crucial role that costumes play in shaping a show's narrative and character portrayal. In the case of Yellowstone, the attention to detail in costume design is exemplary, contributing significantly to the show's authenticity and the characters' believability in their Montana ranch setting.
Yellowstone's costume designer, Johnetta Boone, deserves recognition for her meticulous approach in staying true to the characters' personalities. The practical and functional clothing choices reflect the rural Montana setting, where authenticity takes precedence over high-fashion glamour. This commitment to realism is a testament to Boone's expertise in capturing the essence of the characters and their environment.
The main character, John Dutton, portrayed by Kevin Costner, epitomizes the wealthy rancher, and his wardrobe aligns seamlessly with his role. The show's emphasis on preserving a century-old ranch against external pressures, such as developers and environmentalists, is mirrored in the characters' attire, which is both practical and foundational.
Beth Dutton, played by Kelly Reilly, stands out as the main female character with a distinct style. As a corporate raider, her wardrobe mixes wrap dresses, pantsuits, chic blouses, and pencil skirts. What sets her apart is the balance between professional attire and practical ranch clothing, such as chunky ponchos, prairie dresses, and the iconic pair of jeans.
The attention to detail extends to the supporting characters, like Monica, played by Kelsey Asbille, whose Native American heritage influences her style. Traditional crafts, turquoise jewelry, and cardigans featuring Native American patterns become integral components of her character's wardrobe, enriching the visual narrative.
One noteworthy aspect is the deliberate choice of brands that align with the show's authenticity. Levi's, Carhart, and Wrangler take center stage, emphasizing a preference for historic and durable brands over high-end designer fashion. This choice not only reflects the characters' practicality but also resonates with the rugged lifestyle portrayed in Yellowstone.
The male characters, in particular, showcase how even seemingly fashion faux pas, like denim on denim, can be embraced and worn with confidence. The incorporation of custom hats, belt buckles, and the iconic cowboy boots, with a nod to specific brands like Lucchese and Justin Boots, further underscores the attention to detail in achieving a genuine rancher aesthetic.
The success of Yellowstone has also influenced collaborations with workwear brands like Wrangler, leading to collections that mirror the rugged authenticity of the show. Items like Sherpa-lined denim jackets and chambray shirts featuring the ranch's signature Y seal exemplify the intersection of fashion and the show's thematic elements.
In a refreshing departure from trend-centric television, Yellowstone's costumes prioritize durability and longevity, mirroring the real-life demands of ranch work. This approach provides viewers with style inspiration rooted in practicality, making it a standout example for those seeking authentic and relatable fashion cues.
