Style

What to Wear in Nashville (Besides a Cowboy Hat and Boots)

GRWM to go line dancing.
example of what to wear in nashville A guest wears dark brown sunglasses white earrings navy blue oversized button up...
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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.

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.

We The Free Opal Swing Denim Jacket
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We The Free Opal Swing Denim Jacket

IUV Cowboy Boots
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IUV Cowboy Boots

Button-down shirt + patterned jeans
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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.

We The Free Ashley Plaid Shirt
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We The Free Ashley Plaid Shirt

Reformation Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans
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Reformation Val 90s Mid-Rise Straight Jeans

Matching set + baseball cap
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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.

Veronica Beard Lois Gingham Cotton-Blend Seersucker Vest
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Veronica Beard Lois Gingham Cotton-Blend Seersucker Matching Set

American Needle Espresso Martini Cotton Snapback Baseball Cap
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American Needle “Espresso Martini” Cotton Snap-Back Baseball Cap

Glitz + glam
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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.

Madewell The Medium Crystal Embellished Oiled Suede Top Handle Bag
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Madewell The Medium Crystal-Embellished Oiled-Suede Bag

Lovers and Friends Erin Sequin Top
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Lovers and Friends Erin Sequin Top

Allover suede
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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.

Blank NYC Real Suede Cropped Blazer
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Blank NYC Real Suede Cropped Blazer

Buttermilk Suede Mini T-Shirt Dress
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Buttermilk Suede Mini T-Shirt Dress

T-shirt + sequin skirt
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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.

Theory 2 Nebulous Organic Cotton Tiny Tee
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Theory 2 Nebulous Organic-Cotton Tiny Tee

L'Academie by Marianna Ceci Sequin Midi Skirt
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L’Academie by Marianna Ceci Sequin Midiskirt

Graphic tank + skirt + cowboy boots
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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.

Levi's Graphic Boxy Tank Top
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Levi’s Graphic Boxy Tank Top

Doen Sebastiane Tiered Checked Voile Midi Skirt
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Doen Sebastiane Tiered Checked Voile Midiskirt

Sweatshirt + miniskirt
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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.

Mother The Biggie Concert Graphic Sweatshirt
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Mother The Biggie Concert Graphic Sweatshirt

Amo Easy Slouch Skirt
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Amo Easy Slouch Skirt