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When my girlfriend wanted to plan a trip to Nashville for her 30th birthday, I was thrilled—so much so that I didn’t think to google “what to wear in Nashville” before packing. Maybe I should have, because I realized upon arrival that my personal style didn’t quite align with the vibe of all the cool Nashville outfits I was seeing around me in Tennessee’s capital cigty.
Luckily, there’s a ton of fun shopping to do around town. In one of the city’s massive boot emporiums, I bought my first (and only) pair of cowboy boots. These thankfully sustained my wardrobe for the rest of the trip and have since become one of the most beloved fixtures in my closet. You’d be hard-pressed to peruse the downtown area and not see at least a couple of cowboy hats too. Add these laid-back accessories to staples like light-wash jeans, a sundress, or a cardigan, and you have the makings of a perfect Nashville look.
Once I had my wardrobe set, I had a blast exploring the Music City, which is famous for its nightlife and rife with legendary music venues like the Grand Ole Opry as well as smaller honky-tonks playing live country music all up and down Broadway. My friend, a Nashville local, was our guide for the week, and we had the best time romping around the city, from rooftop drinks at White Limozeen to afternoon tea at the Hermitage Hotel to delicious donuts at The Mockingbird to burgers and beer at The Pharmacy. We even spent a raucous night singing karaoke at the Lipstick Lounge, one of the last lesbian bars in the country (and my favorite stop on the trip).
So if you’re planning a trip—whether it’s for a bachelorette party, to see a concert, or just for fun— and looking for outfit ideas, read on for what to wear in Nashville. And don’t forget to pack cowboy boots!
Denim jackets (and cowboy boots) are everywhere in Nashville, but spice up the classic look by adding a miniskirt. A dark-wash jean jacket pairs well with an even deeper-colored skirt for a more polished look, and a little silk scarf tied around the neck is effortlessly chic. Throw on a pair of sunglasses with light-colored lenses, and you’ll be ready to take on Music City. It’s the perfect outfit for daytime drinks that lead into a night out.
You can never go wrong with a crisp button-front shirt and pair of jeans no matter where you are, but some light pattern mixing is a great way to level up your outfit when visiting Nashville. It’s a good way to show off your personal style while matching the fun, laid-back vibes of the city. Our tip? Play with balance—the small checked plaid in shades of brown pairs beautifully with the giant-floral-printed jeans seen here, for example. Work in some color with bright accessories, like baby-pink sandals and a butter-yellow bag, to complete the look.
In lieu of a romper, try a two-piece set. This gingham jacket and pants are comfortable enough to see you through any plans, from taking in a Tennessee Titans football game to a day of shopping, but more put-together than a hoodie or sweatpants. Wear a graphic tee or tank top underneath the light jacket so you can peel it off if the warm Tennessee weather gets to you, and add a pop of color to the look through bright Crocs, sneakers, or ballet flats. Now you’re ready to take on the day.
If you’re visiting Nashville for a bachelorette party, girls trip, or even just to enjoy some good live music, chances are you’re going to want some sparkle for a night out. Go for a glitzy cowgirl style with some glittery fringe (bonus points if you can find it on a cowboy hat). If you’re not a fan of a full-sequin look, balance out glam pieces with simple ones, like a long-sleeve white button-down or pair of light-wash jeans.
Suede and leather are two fabrics you’re sure to see around the city. An oversized top, paired with straight-leg or bootcut trousers, strikes a nice balance of breezy and structured. Opt for neutral shades—like black, tan, and beige—for a boho-inspired outfit you can pair with virtually any accessories, though metallic details like gold or silver jewelry and sunglasses would really pop against the solid colors.
A dress-up look that can take you from a daytime brunch to a night out dancing with just a few simple swaps. A T-shirt or tank top with ballet flats looks laid-back and cool in the afternoon, while a slinky top or bodysuit, heels, and a fun purse say you’re ready to party. With either iteration, you can layer with a blazer if it gets chilly.
For a quirky spin on cowboy boots, test them out with a graphic tee or tank and a pleated skirt. The brown buckle details on the skirt tie in nicely with the chestnut hue of the Western boots, and a fedora gives this outfit the perfect nod to Nashville style. Add a fun vintage bag with some textural details like lace to top off the outfit.
Camouflage print can be a cool option—try out a camo-printed sweatshirt, or another graphic print of your choice, over a minidress or skirt for a fun and flirty look. The bejeweled Crocs pictured above give this outfit a feminine and sporty vibe, but you can substitute them with your favorite sneakers or booties to infuse your personal style. Polish off the outfit with a crossbody bag and some mixed-metal chunky necklaces.