Cassidy Montalvo (Photo by Liz Berry)
Cassidy Montalvo, stylist and founder of I'MPerfectCollective, has amassed a huge following on social media for hair tutorials and style tips.
Here at Wide Open Country, we're getting the scoop on her go-to Country style hacks, her must-listen Country Music jams, and how she'd give some Country Music icons a style makeover—if she got the chance to work her magic.
For starters, Montalvo tips her hat to Country Western fashion as a major influence.
"I've always been drawn to fashion that tells a story, and has a unique twist," she recently told WOC. "Western-style has such a rich history. There's something effortlessly cool about it—it's rugged but glamorous, timeless yet always evolving. I love the mix of classic silhouettes with bold accessories, textures like suede and denim, and the confidence that comes with a great pair of boots. It's a style that's both strong and feminine, which resonates with me!"
Montalvo highlighted that her jewelry brand, I'Mperfect Collective, is deeply inspired by a blend of Country charm.
"Western fashion is all about bold statement pieces, and that's a huge part of my brand's DNA," she explained. "I love the idea of jewelry that feels personal—something that can be layered, mixed, and matched to tell your own story. You'll see a lot of vintage-inspired metals, intricate details, and a mix of rugged and refined elements in my pieces, which definitely take inspiration from classic Western jewelry.
Cassidy Montalvo Names the Ultimate Country Music Style Icon
Meanwhile, Montalvo—who jams to everything from old-school Brooks & Dunn and Johnny Cash to modern stars like Lainey Wilson and Megan Moroney—didn't hold back when naming her pick for the Ultimate Country Music fashion icon.
"Dolly Parton, without a doubt," the stylist declared.
"She's fearless with her style, and that confidence is what makes her so iconic," she added. "[Parton has] never shied away from sparkle, color, or over-the-top looks, and I love that about her. She knows exactly who she is and dresses unapologetically. We should all take a lesson from Dolly!"
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"I'd love to collaborate with Dolly Parton—her style is such a cool mix of edgy and classic country. If I had a Dolly collab, I could die a happy woman!"
That said, Montalvo names a 90s hitmaker and a modern artist as major influences on her own style.
"Shania Twain's bold, statement-making looks were a huge influence growing up—she made country fashion fun and glamorous," Montalvo explained. "And then Lainey Wilson's ability to mix vintage and modern Western styles is something I really admire. She makes everything she wears feel effortless and authentic."
WOC also asked for a few Country-Western fashion trends Montalvo would like to see make a comeback.
"Fringe everything!" she gushed. " It's already making its way back, but I'd love to see even more of it—on jackets, skirts, boots, even handbags. It adds so much movement and drama to an outfit. Also, big western belt buckles. They're such a statement piece and instantly elevate a look.
She also had a bit of advice for younger male Country artists, who often look like they just rolled out of bed mildly hung over.
"I'd love to see more guys embracing classic Western elements like a great-fitting jacket, statement boots, or a well-styled hat," Montalvo explained. Accessories can make such a difference too—adding a bolo tie, a cool belt, or even some layered necklaces can take an outfit from basic to stage-worthy. Country music has such a strong visual identity, and I think the men could lean into that a little more!"
Cassidy Montalvo Makes Over a Legend, But Claims 'I Wouldn't Change Much at All!'
Building on that concept, we challenged Montalvo to reimagine the style of two male Country artists—one a legendary icon, Johnny Cash, and the other, Jelly Roll, a recent crossover from hip-hop to Country.
"Johnny Cash's all-black aesthetic is so timeless. I wouldn't change much at all!" she insisted in regards to the man in black. "At most, I'd love to see a modern twist with richer textures. Maybe a sleek black leather jacket with some subtle embroidery or a tailored black suit with unique stitching details. Keeping the monochrome look but adding depth through textures and small details would be such a cool way to honor his legacy while updating it for today," she added.
"Jelly Roll already has a strong personal style, which is key!" Montalvo continued.
"One of the things I love most about country music is the storytelling. His music tells such an incredible story of his life—his style should reflect that, too. I'd love to see him blend his signature look with some small classic country elements, like a great pair of boots, a statement belt, or even a modern take on a western jacket. It's all about keeping that authenticity while incorporating touches that nod to the genre's rich history."
The post Stylist and TikToker Cassidy Montalvo Dishes Country Music Fashion... and Makes Over Johnny Cash appeared first on Wide Open Country.