This may sound like a non sequitur piece of advice, but I've used my cowboy hat so many times the last three years I've lost track. I think I've gone to at least four barn dances, three "hoe"downs, a "cowboy bros and western hoes" party, and a "make a run for the border" party where everyone was dressed as illegal immigrants. Only in Ann Arbor.

Girls, those straw thatched ones will do just fine; guys, go big or go home, yours should be made from a cow. With a cowboy hat you look slightly cooler than usual, it's a good conversation starter and can make for great role play later on in the night if you find a special filly that catches your eye.