Accessory out West - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Accessory out West," is a classic example of a straightforward, descriptive clue often found in early-week puzzles. It points directly to a specific item of clothing strongly associated with a particular American region and style. For many solvers, this will be a quick and confident fill.

Clue Analysis

The clue can be broken down into two key parts:

• "Accessory": This tells us we're looking for an item that is worn to complement an outfit, not a primary piece of clothing like a shirt or pants. This could be a hat, belt, piece of jewelry, or neckwear.
• "out West": This provides the crucial geographical and cultural context. It evokes images of the American West, cowboys, ranching culture, and Southwestern style.

Combining these two elements, we are searching for an accessory specifically linked to Western fashion.

Thinking Approaches

A solver's first step should be to brainstorm items that fit the description. What accessories come to mind when you think of "out West"?

1. Word Association: Your mind might jump to cowboy hat, spurs, bandana, or a large belt buckle. You'd then check the letter count required by the grid.
2. Focusing on Neckwear: If you consider what might be worn around the neck, a bandana is a possibility. Another, more formal option, is a specific type of necktie that replaces the traditional silk tie in Western formal wear.
3. Crossword Pattern Recognition: Experienced solvers will have seen this clue or very similar variations before. The four-letter answer for a Western necktie is a common piece of crossword vocabulary. If you have a few crossing letters, this answer often becomes immediately obvious.

Background Context

The answer refers to the bolo tie, sometimes called a shoestring necktie. It consists of a braided leather cord or string with decorative metal tips, fastened with an ornamental clasp or slide.

While its exact origins are debated, the bolo tie became widely popular in the mid-20th century and is strongly associated with Western American culture. It is the official state neckwear of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, cementing its status as a quintessential symbol of the region. You can learn more about its history on its Wikipedia page.

Conclusion

By combining the general term "Accessory" with the specific context of "out West," the clue leads directly to BOLO. It's a perfect example of a clue where cultural knowledge and crossword experience intersect to provide a satisfying and accessible answer.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think of items worn as part of an outfit.
2. Hint 2: This is a form of neckwear.
3. Hint 3: It's particularly associated with American Southwestern and cowboy fashion.
4. Hint 4: This alternative to a traditional tie consists of a cord and a decorative sliding clasp.