How Lainey Wilson Got Ready for the 2024 ACM Awards

Last week, the biggest names in Country music gathered for the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards to celebrate the chart-topping songs and artists of the year. Held at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, the ceremony was hosted by music icon Reba McEntire and featured killer performances from the likes of Kelsea Ballerini, Post Malone, and Miranda Lambert, as well as genre-bending duet from Chris Stapleton and Dua Lipa. 

While country’s greatest came out in full force, there was one songstress who stole the show: “Heart Like a Truck” singer Lainey Wilson. The Louisiana-born songstress won big snagging awards for Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Music Event of the Year.

Although Wilson swept the evening, she remained down-to-earth as always, “Y’all, I remember being a little girl, and I would climb out on the top of our roof..and I would count all the cars,” she said in her rousing acceptance speech. “I would look up, and I would see the planes flying over my little town of 200 people, and I’d dream about being up there in one of those planes. It’s so crazy because this year, we’ve already toured the U.K., Europe, and Australia, and we’re about to start our American tour.”

Ever since making her debut in 2019, Wilson has dominated the country scene with her smoky Southern sound, soulful lyrics, and sensational style. Often clad in ’70s-inspired yoke shirts, fringed leather vests, and denim bell bottoms, Wilson’s YellowStone-worthy wardrobe has captivated countless country fans and fashionistas alike, and her look for the ACMs was no different. Working with powerhouse stylist Karla Welch, the singer was decked out in knockout pieces from the Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott collection, the Western-wear extension of the beloved accessories brand.

“This marks our second year of working with Lainey for the ACMs. It’s always so fun to see how she and her team weave Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott into her signature style,” Kendra Scott shared with InStyle.

“From our Havana suite to the Beau suite, Lainey effortlessly mixes western wear with femininity and edginess—she’s a modern muse. We can’t wait to continue to collaborate with her in the future,” she added.

Here, Wilson exclusively tells InStyle all about her personal style and the team that helps bring her red carpet looks to life. Read on for a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how the singer-songwriter got ready for the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Her personal style

“My sense of style is bell-bottom country…country with a flare. It’s got some traditional Western elements to it with some kind of unique twist to give it some edge. I’ve always got my signature bell bottoms and a hat, and I love to elevate looks with some great accessories, especially turquoise.”

Her bling

“I wanted something that made me feel fierce and classy, so I’m wearing Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott jewelry. I love everything they’re creating, and I wanted to channel my roots, which is something that I like to do with everything that I wear, especially for these big moments. The ranch-inspired jewelry collection showcases free-spirited yet classic pieces that really bring a Western charm to my look.”

How she unwinds after a big event

“Grounding myself has been such a good way to unwind, even if it is just taking a walk wherever I find myself that day. I love taking my Frenchie, Hippie Mae Wilson, for a walk, spending time with my friends and family, riding my side-by-side around the woods, and having a little nightcap around a fire.”

What’s on her getting ready playlist

“‘Look Good And You Know It’ by Eric Church, hands down. Lately, I’ve also really been loving ‘Risk’ by Gracie Abrams, ‘Espresso’ by Sabrina Carpenter, and ‘A Bar Song’ by Shaboozey. They are all so good!”

Her glam team

“Jess Berrios is my makeup artist, and Tim Muir, who I met on the set of Yellowstone, did my hair. The inspiration for this evening is that we wanted to channel a ’70s rockstar Western look. So, we had a little feather piece with some soft curls.”

Who she’s excited to see

“It is always like a family reunion backstage, so being able to see people I don’t always get to see, like Post Malone and Noah Kahan, is awesome. Since I’ve been traveling internationally so much lately, I haven’t seen my country music community as much, so it was really nice to catch up and give everyone a hug.”

Her after-party plans

“I got to kick back and hang out with some friends and family as well as have a nice filet and some mashed potatoes. Good company and good food is the best way to celebrate a win!”