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!
Jean jacket + miniskirt + cowboy boots
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