What to Wear in Nashville
Sheridan Grant
Table of Contents
Whether you’re going on a girls’ trip, to a bachelor party, or to see your favorite singer live, deciding what to wear in Nashville is a big deal. Chances are, the pics you take will be memories you’ll look back on fondly for years to come—and a fashion faux pas shouldn’t have to haunt you.
All that being said, you may be left wondering what to wear in Nashville. Full cowboy outfits can feel too extreme, but hey, you’re there to have fun and let loose. There’s nothing wrong with dressing up in some Nashville fashion.
However, there’s still a lot to choose from, and you might be feeling a little overwhelmed when it comes to actually putting a look together. To help you decide, we’ll share a few Nashville outfit ideas, the city’s history, some top trends and what to keep in mind, and even where you can get your hands on a few key pieces.
What is Nashville
Known as the music city, Nashville is the capital of Tennessee in the United States. Despite the focus on country jams, the spot is also popularized for its party life, delicious foods, interesting history, and plenty of fun touristy activities for the whole family to enjoy.
It is home to popular attractions such as the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the historic Ryman Auditorium, the District, the Johnny Cash Museum, and everything in between.
History of Nashville
The history of Nashville is pretty extensive, so we’re not going to cover every last detail. But, if you’ve got an upcoming vacation, you may be interested in hearing the highlights. First, let’s start with a few important dates.
In 1796, Tennessee became the sixteenth state, and Nashville was made its permanent capital in 1843. It became home to federal troops during the Civil War because of the convenient location between the river and the railroad. But, it has since recovered and become a tourist attraction around the world.
As we have mentioned, Nashville is famous for country music. It is home to many country singers and large landmarks surrounding the genre.
What to Wear in Nashville
Now that you know a little more about the location itself, you’re ready to hear some tips and tricks when it comes to deciding what to wear in Nashville.
First of all, party and concert-appropriate attire is definitely something to consider, as well as pieces you can wear on a farm (considering you may visit both the Downtown and the backcountry while you’re there).
When it comes to Nashville and western style, there are a few key details synonymous with the classic vibe: leather fabrics, plaid patterns, wide-leg pants, warm tones, tassels and fringe, texture and animal print, and denim.
So, when you’re styling an outfit to wear in Nashville, try to opt for comfortable jeans, leather purses and accessories, fringe jackets, and plenty of different patterns.
Down below, we’ll share some Nashville outfits that are all gender-neutral, though we’ll break it up into men’s and women’s styles for a little more detail.
5 Outfit Ideas for Nashville for Women
Denim
If you’ve got a pair of blue jeans in your closet, you’re ready for Nashville–though any amount of denim will suffice. This look, featuring a pair of light wash distressed skinny jeans, also opts for hints of leather with a brown cowboy hat and matching clutch purse.
The simple white blouse with a tie front and puff sleeves add a feminine touch, alongside the nude chunky sandals. If you want a more masculine look, opt for some white sneakers and a button-down shirt instead.
Animal print
Animal print is a great way to add a bold and interesting touch to your look. This mini skirt features a classic brown and black cheetah pattern with black chunky boots that feel sleek and sophisticated.
The graphic tee adds a more casual vibe, with a distressing that feels vintage and pairs nicely with the mini skirt. For cooler weather, add a pair of sheer black tights, and don’t forget your matching cheetah print purse!
Cowboy boots
Of course, if you’re looking to add a western touch to your look, you can’t go wrong with a classic pair of cowboy boots. This look puts a little spin on the traditional style, opting for a knee-high pair that is patterned with a chic blue and white floral print.
The tiered white mini dress adds dimension while matching with the boots but still allows the bold print to do all the talking. For more visual interest, try bright blue accessories, such as jewelry and a mini purse. In the cooler months, try a cropped white leather jacket, featuring a flurry of tassels and patches.
Tassels
Speaking of tassels, we’ve got a look to wear in Nashville at night. This style has a pair of snakeskin boots front and center, patterned in a carbon black and warm white.
The rest of the look plays off the color palette, with a creamy boho style crochet shrug covered in tassels and a black graphic tee.
Things don’t stop there, though, as the accessories add even more dimension to the ensemble. The stacked gold bracelets and chunky rings feel bold and unique, while the red sunnies add a pop of color, and the suede cowboy hat and patchwork backpack add that western vibe.
Plaid
No matter how simple your outfit is, a plaid flannel is a game-changer for your Nashville outfit. This look features an oversized plaid button-down, which is French tucked into a pair of sea blue skinny jeans with distressing around the knees and ankles.
The brown boots play off of the warm tones in the flannel and have a pointed toe, which feels reminiscent of the style of cowboy boots. To add that extra touch, opt for a brown cowboy hat and a leather purse with fringe and you’ll be all set for a day or evening out.
5 Outfit Ideas for Nashville for Men
Cowboy hat
If you should have one Nashville outfit under your belt, it’s this one. This classic style features a deep brown cowboy hat and a matching pair of cowboy boots. The chocolate brown tee pairs nicely with the two, while the classy blue jeans break up the monochrome color palette.
The entire style is pulled seamlessly together by a chunky belt buckle and thick black leather belt, for the most western look. If you want something a little more put together, try a brown button-down in place of the tee, or you can always opt for a pop of color.
Denim
Composed of blue and brown shades, this outfit is exactly what classic Nashville is made of, with a few modern twists. The blue jeans feature a rolled cuff, for a sophisticated look, and are held up by navy blue suspenders.
The sky blue button-down adds to the monochrome color palette, while the leather brown booties and satchel break up the statement.
The first few buttons of the top are left undone while the sleeves are rolled up to the elbow for a more casual look, but you could always trade those details for a bolo tie to create a more sophisticated vibe.
Plaid
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: plaid is the best way to create that classic western style. This look features a stylish, more fitted flannel that hangs loosely at the waist. The deep blue denim has a straight fit and sits comfortably over the dark brown cowboy boots.
The rolled sleeves add a more casual touch, while the black cowboy hat matches the other dark colors in the look. Try a chunky belt buckle or rings to add a little more vibrance and visual interest to this outfit!
Warm tones
Whether you’re visiting the streets of downtown Nashville or braving life on the ranch, warm tones are definitely ideal for the sunny state. This look is great for the winter, featuring a layered white tee, denim jacket, and khaki overcoat.
The cowboy hat and rolled ankle boots feel classic and simple, while the cargo pants work well when you need to carry a few extra necessities. For more texture, try fringe and tassels, or even opt for a few bedazzled accessories if you’re heading deep into the heart of Nashville.
Rodeo style
If you’re visiting Nashville, you’re likely attending a rodeo. With a fitted pair of black skinny jeans and a black cowboy hat, this look already has plenty of depth. The denim jacket is also a shade of carbon black with a western-style design running across the shoulders.
The white cowboy boots make the look pop, breaking up the otherwise monochrome ensemble. Along with that, the firetruck red bandana adds a little dimension, pulling all eyes to the chest which features the design and bold color.
We also recommend a few chunky rings with red and black details, as well as a black fringe belt bag for added texture and dimension.
What Type of Nashville Outfits Can You Get?
The answer to the question “What to wear in Nashville” is actually pretty simple: something born from western fashion. The farm girl and farm boy aesthetics are definitely something you can’t go wrong with, featuring plaids, denim, and of course cowboy hats and boots.
Party animal is definitely another vibe, particularly featuring animal prints, bold colors, and lots of fringe. Of course, if you’re there for the music then band tees and rhinestone-covered accessories are the way to go.
Trendy and summery looks are also popular in Nashville, featuring bold color palettes, colorful prints, and bright white tops and dresses that have a western flair in design.
Overall, Nashville outfits definitely fit into a specific niche, but they can be created using a lot of pieces you likely already have in your collection, with a few bold accessories that have those classic western touches.
How to Choose The Best Nashville Outfit
Before you decide what to wear in Nashville, there are a number of things to consider to ensure you’ll have the time of your life. Below, we’ll outline everything to keep in mind, from price to weather, so you can plan the best outfits:
- Price
- Quality
- Material
- Weather
- Style
- Comfort
Of course, price is always the number one thing to consider, especially when shopping for pieces for a vacation. Many of the options we outlined in our list of what to wear in Nashville can double as closet staples, but there are a few accessories that you may only wear in the music city.
So, if you think you’ll rewear the piece, opt for quality over price so you can invest in something that will last. But if you think it might be a one-time thing, opt for something on the less expensive side. Balance is always key!
Material and weather go hand in hand since you’ll always want something that doesn’t make you too hot or cool, especially since Nashville experiences both winter and summer. So, keep in mind the time of year you’re going when you decide on fabrics!
The style should definitely have a western pizazz, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be unwearable in your everyday life. Unless you’re going for something super bold, you should be able to find plenty of versatile options.
Chances are you’ll be dancing and singing all day and all night when you pay a visit to Nashville. So, comfort is key and some cowboy boots can cramp your feet while denim might make you a little too toasty.
How to Style Your Nashville Outfit
Accessorizing is crucial when deciding what to wear in Nashville. You can start with a pretty simple base of a classic tee and jeans, but the pieces you choose to embellish it with will make or break the look. That being said, we do recommend some bolder tops and bottoms for something more unique and out of the box!
First of all, chunky jewelry is a great way to elevate your look. Nashville has never been about small and dainty, so the bolder and brighter the better. Opt for big stones, large chains, and anything with a horseshoe or horse charm!
Of course, bulky belt buckles and cowboy boots and hats are synonymous with western style and Nashville fashion. These pieces are pretty trendy, too, so you can rewear them at home and with other items in your closet, though they’ll always add a traditional touch to any ensemble.
Rhinestone-covered and bold-colored accessories will also add a little oomph to any style. Hot pinks, neon blues, and deep purples are ideal options and will add depth and visual interest to your animal prints and denim jeans.
Fashion Tips to Avoid With Nashville Outfits
When deciding what to wear in Nashville, there are also a few things you should avoid in order to enjoy your stay in the music city. Below, we’ll share our tips on what not to wear in Nashville to prepare you, no matter when you’re going!
In Nashville, the seasons are pretty apparent, so it’s important to abide by the weather forecast. If it’s the middle of the summer, expect things to be hot and muggy and never leave your Airbnb in a jacket (you’ll regret it).
On the flip side, don’t trust that the winter months will be warm, and don’t forget to pack your umbrella–in other words, always expect a chilly downpour.
Stay away from the simple and minimal pieces in your wardrobe. Nashville is a place of self-expression, bold colors and patterns, and plenty of detail. A plain tee honestly won’t cut it, unless you style it with lots of fun accessories, or intend to spend the afternoon on a ranch.
Best Places to Buy Nashville Outfits
If our ideas for what to wear in Nashville have struck a little inspo for your next getaway, here are a few spots to shop for the best western attire:
- Urban Outfitters
- Free People
- Shein
- Billabong
- Revolve
- Gap
- Amazon
Final Thoughts
When you’re planning a trip to Tennessee, there’s so much to do and see, which means there’s a number of different outfits to wear. With our list of the best outfit ideas for Nashville, as well as some tips and tricks for styling, we hope you feel prepared for every party, concert, museum visit, and rodeo show.
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