1920s Cowboy Chic: Bessie Jenkins & Cary Seely Style

This photograph from 1910 captures Mrs. Bessie Jenkins and Mrs. Cary Seely clad in cowboy outfits, showcasing the popular fascination with the American West during that era. The image was created by the Bain News Service, a notable photography studio that documented significant events and everyday life in the early 20th century. Cowboy culture was a prominent theme in American media, influencing fashion and lifestyle at the time, and this photo serves as a glimpse into how women embraced that trend.

Both women wear distinctively styled cowboy gear, reflecting the Western-inspired aesthetics that were gaining popularity. The cowboy outfit during this period often included wide-brimmed hats, waistcoats, and embroidered shirts, which contributed to a rugged yet fashionable identity. As women began to adopt more adventurous roles in society, such attire symbolized empowerment and a break from traditional gender norms. This photograph not only documents the fashion of the time but also represents a shift in cultural attitudes toward women seeking new experiences outside of conventional domestic roles.

The Bain News Service’s work provides essential context for understanding everyday American life in the early 1900s, and this photograph is a snapshot of a specific moment. Through images like this one, we see how fashion and cultural elements converged, revealing the lives of individuals who participated in the broader narrative of American history.