Country Club

June Carter

By Lilah Nicolaidis

Singer-songwriter June Carter (Cash, famously in 1968, three years after this photo was taken) was a country darling and quite the funny lady — though she looks simply demure here in a plaid shirt, rolled jeans and boat shoes.

Dolly Parton

With the release of her album “Here You Come Again” in 1977 and her eponymously titled variety show, Dolly Parton was at the top of her game. Here, she performs in an eccentric feather fringed costume, rather than the ginghams and bell-bottom jeans that other country singers favored at the time.

Loretta Lynn

In 1980, Loretta Lynn’s autobiography, Coal Miner’s Daughter, was made into an award-winning film starring Sissy Spacek. Lynn, performing the same year, pretty much always chose to wear more traditional country garb like this conservative dress with ruffles, long sleeves and a charming print.

Barbara Mandrell

Seen here in 1988, two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year, Barbara Mandrell is working the big hair and outrageous style of the late '80s.

Reba McEntire

One of country music’s most adored performers, Reba McEntire’s big voice (and hair) endeared her to fans. Stepping out at the Oscars in 1991, she is all diva in a floor-length sequin gown.

Shania Twain

Shania Twain may be Canadian, but she was the first country star to usher in a sexy and sophisticated look for female singers in the genre. Perhaps this style was also inspired by her Bollywood-influenced 2002 album, “Up!”

LeAnn Rimes

In 2005, LeAnn Rimes was all of twenty-three, but the Grammy and AMA winner looks quite grown up in this chic red cocktail dress with simple strappy sandals and pretty golden curls.

The Dixie Chicks

Emily Robison, Natalie Maines and Martie Maguire (aka the Dixie Chicks) won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2007, and they sure looked stylish picking up their golden gramophones.

Gretchen Wilson

Crooner Gretchen Wilson performs in a laid-back look that became representative of country stars in the late aughts — casual jeans with a sexy cleavage and midriff-baring top.

Jessica Simpson

In 2008, media obsession Jessica Simpson tried to revive her suffering pop career by going country. We’re not going to comment on the music, but at least she got the look right in Daisy Dukes (possibly inspired by her on-screen role), cowboy boots and turquoise and silver accessories.

Miranda Lambert

She was born in Longview, Texas, but here on the red carpet, Miranda Lambert looks like quite the California girl in this short blue minidress with gold platform sandals and long, blond hair.

Jewel

Enjoying mainstream success, thanks to her album, Pieces of You, Jewel was always comfortable both in the country capitals and in Hollywood. On the red carpet in 2009, the singer worked her signature bohemian style in a colorful feather-print dress.

Kellie Pickler

An American Idol finalist at age nineteen, Kellie Pickler is a country star who is rising quickly. Here, she sends a message, while performing at the "Music City Keep on Playin'" benefit concert in Nashville, Tennessee last month.

Faith Hill

Country queen Faith Hill always looks elegant, especially here in a long, off-the-shoulder gown at an after-party for the 2010 Academy Awards.

Carrie Underwood

American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood, became the show’s highest-selling artist ever in the United States. This country cutie favors designer style, as evidenced by her black-and-gold Rafael Cennamo dress and Jimmy Choo sandals.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is definitely one of our style icons. This girl has taste (from Ralph Lauren gowns to Valentino dresses to J. Mendel looks) and always looks flawless, whether she’s on the red carpet or the stage.