Nashville, Tennessee is a vibrant cultural destination known for its live music, delicious food, and southern hospitality.
As the capital of country music, Nashville offers countless opportunities to enjoy honky-tonks, concerts, and music festivals.
Locals and visitors alike embrace the city’s unique personality, blending modern trends with classic country style.
When visiting Nashville, you’ll want to dress to match the city’s laidback vibe while channeling your inner cowboy or cowgirl.
Use this guide to get outfit inspiration, learn seasonal fashion tips, and avoid common tourist fashion faux pas. Here’s everything you need to know about what to wear in Nashville.
The Nashville Look: Western Meets Boho Chic
Nashville style strikes the perfect balance between rugged Americana and contemporary chic. You’ll see plenty of cowboy boots and hats, but locals rock them with modern silhouettes and edgy accessories.
Denim, leather, suede, and florals are wardrobe staples here. While elaborate costumes are best left to Broadway tourists, real Nashvillians incorporate subtle western details into everyday looks.
To nail the Nashville aesthetic, weave in these signature pieces:
- Booties or cowboy boots: Leave the glittery rodeo styles back home. Opt for a versatile neutral pair that complements your existing wardrobe. Ankle boots and low cowboy boots are comfortable for exploring the city on foot.
- Vintage band tees: Show your love for country music legends and rock icons by sporting graphic tees embellished with rhinestone logos and retro fonts. Tuck into high-waisted denim or layer under a moto jacket.
- Fedora hats: Forget oversized cowboy hats. Channel Nashville cool with felt fedoras in earth tones and black. The classic silhouette looks stylish with any outfit.
- Bolo ties: Modern Nashville isn’t all rhinestones and fringe. Nod to western roots with the understated cool of a simple bolo tie, the state’s official neckwear.
- Leather jackets: A moto or bomber jacket adds edge to delicate dresses and feminine silhouettes. Drape over your shoulders on cooler nights.
- Bandanas: Fold one into a headband, neckerchief, or face mask. Bandanas lend a playful pop of color or pattern.
Dressing for the Seasons in Nashville
Nashville sees all four seasons, so it’s essential to pack weather-appropriate clothing. Here’s what to wear during different times of year:
Spring
As temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s, spring is an ideal time to visit Nashville. The city bursts into color with blooming flowers and trees.
What to wear:
- Floral dresses and skirts
- Light jackets and cardigans
- Ankle boots or strappy sandals
- Vintage wash denim
- Trench coats and utility jackets
Pack layers you can peel off as the temperature rises throughout the day. Bring a mix of short sleeves and long sleeves to accommodate mild mornings and afternoons.
Summer
Brace for hot, humid days in Nashville summers. Temperatures routinely top 90°F, so dress for heat and impromptu summer storms.
What to wear:
- Breathable fabrics like cotton and linen
- Shorts and mini skirts
- Tank tops and camis
- Maxi dresses and skirts
- Sandals, mules, and sneakers
- Swimsuits and cover-ups
- Straw hats for shade
Show some skin to keep cool, but leave valuables at home. Thunderstorms can drench the streets without warning. Waterproof jackets and bags prevent mishaps.
Fall
Fall brings relief from summer swelter in Nashville. The days are sunny and mild, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s.
What to wear:
- T-shirts and flannels
- Jeans and corduroys
- Plaid shirts and blazers
- Ankle boots and sneakers
- Vests, cardigans, and jackets
The pleasant weather makes fall a perfect time to stroll Nashville’s parks and neighborhoods. Layer up for crisp mornings and evenings. Flannels, parkas and scarves add warmth without the bulk of winter coats.
Winter
Nashville winters are relatively mild, but temperatures do dip below freezing. Occasional snow and ice storms can snarl travel and close attractions.
What to wear:
- Water-resistant boots with traction
- Sweaters, fleece and flannel
- Heavy jackets and wool coats
- Hats, gloves and scarves
- Thermal leggings and base layers
Dress in warm, waterproof layers to withstand the cold rain and occasional snow. Save the cowboy boots for dry days and break out snow boots when icy conditions hit.
Packing Tips for Nashville
Packing for Nashville? Keep these tips in mind:
- Check the weather forecast and pack for the conditions during your specific travel dates. Nashville weather varies widely.
- Bring versatile layers like cardigans and denim jackets to adjust your outfits throughout the day.
- Mix dressy and casual pieces like jeans, boots, and simple dresses. You’ll want options for honky tonks, restaurants, and shows.
- Limit valuables and breakables. Nashville’s bustling streets mean clothes and bags take a beating.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes like sneakers, flats or low boots. Nashville is very walkable.
- Bring outfits that transition from day to night. Switch up accessories to refresh looks between sightseeing and evening activities.
- Pack neutral basics like denim, black pants, solid tees, and LBDs. These can be endlessly remixed into outfits.
- Consider laundry options for longer trips and pack enough undergarments for each day.
- Pick a color scheme and pack pieces that coordinate for easy mixing and matching.
What to Wear for Top Nashville Activities
Your Nashville itinerary will shape your optimal wardrobe. Here are outfit ideas tailored to popular Music City activities:
Honky Tonkin’ on Broadway
When honky tonkin’ down Nashville’s famous Broadway strip, go casual in jeans, boots, and music-themed tops. The downtown crowds run a wide gamut of styles, but you’ll fit right in with:
- Bootcut or slim jeans and denim shorts
- Flannel button-downs or graphic tees
- Cowboy boots or ankle boots
- Leather moto jackets
- Nashville souvenir hats and bandanas
Leave expensive accessories and delicate fabrics at the hotel. The rowdy bars and constant crowds put clothes through the wringer. Go for durable denim, leather, and comfy footwear designed for hours on your feet.
Music Venues and Concerts
Dressing for Nashville concerts depends on the venue and performer, but casual cool is almost always appropriate. While some bigger stars attract flashy crowd styles, these reliable basics work for any show:
- Band merch tees and tanks
- Jeans with edgy jackets
- Leather or denim pants
- High-top sneakers
- Lace bralettes under moto jackets
Scope out the dress code before the show, as some larger and seated venues forbid shorts and require close-toed shoes. Bring layers and check the forecast. Outdoor shows see widely varying temperatures after sunset.
Restaurants and Rooftop Bars
Nashville serves up amazing eats, especially hot chicken and BBQ. But you can still look cute and stay neat with strategic outfit choices:
- Dark denim and black jeans avoid stains
- Durable leather instead of suede
- Skirts with dark slips underneath
- Button-downs with camisoles beneath
- Red wine? Skip light fabrics
- Low heels that can handle walking between spots
For a touch of Nashville style at dinner, wear booties, bandanas, bolo ties, and belts with music note buckles. Just don’t wear your finest threads in case of spills.
Shopping Excursions
Nashville has stellar boutique shopping. Hit hot spots like 12South, The Gulch, and Five Points dressed like the stylish locals in:
- Distressed denim shorts with tank tops or bodysuits
- Breezy dresses with denim or leather jackets
- High-waisted jeans with crop tops and blazers
- Mules or slip-on sneakers that go on and off easily
Scope out high-end western brands like Lucchese and Manuel during your visit. You’ll also find designer looks at Nashville boutiques like Imogene + Willie.
What Not to Wear in Nashville
Avoid these common Nashville tourist outfit mistakes:
- Head-to-toe western costumes. Locals integrate western elements thoughtfully, not all at once.
- Rhinestone-covered hats and boots. Leave the glitter for costume parties. Opt for simple, versatile styles.
- Cowboy hats. Big, broad-brimmed Stetsons scream tourist. Go for less obvious western styling.
- Anything too delicate or dressy. Nashville’s bustling streets are rough on clothes. Pick hardy fabrics and comfy shoes.
- Bright white jeans or boots. They’ll look grungy fast with all the walking, dancing and partying.
- High heels. While Nashville women rock heels at night, comfortable shoes make sense for sightseeing and honky tonks.
- Short shorts or skirts. Nashville can be conservative outside of downtown. Dresses and shorts just above the knee are safer bets.
- Sheer tops without undershirts. The nippy AC inside can make flimsy tops inappropriate. Pack tanks and camis.
- Suits and cocktail attire. Most of Nashville is extremely casual, even at upscale spots.
Don’t overthink it! Nashville fashion offers plenty of flexibility. Focus on comfort, personal style, and weather-appropriate fabrics.
Nashville Outfits By Season
Ready to start planning Nashville looks? Here are complete seasonal outfits to inspire your packing list:
Spring Outfits
Floral dresses, light layers, and fringe tap into the Nashville spring spirit.
- Concert Look: High-waisted shorts with a vintage rock tee, ankle boots, and fringed bag
- Casual Daytime Look: Floral sundress with denim jacket and booties
- Dinner Look: Fringe kimono with crop top, jeans, and strappy sandals
Summer Outfits
Beat the Tennessee heat in breezy fabrics and breathable footwear.
- Brunch Look: Linen shorts with a lace bralette, kimono, and slip-on sneakers
- Sightseeing Look: Sundress with straw sunhat and sandals
- Bar Look: Cropped tank and miniskirt with mules
Fall Outfits
Embrace cozy flannels, warm jackets, and tall boots for Nashville fall.
- Shopping Look: Oversize pullover, leggings, and sneakers
- Football Look: Plaid button-down, jeans, boots, and felt hat
- Date Night Look: Bodycon dress, moto jacket, and block heels
Winter Outfits
Stay toasty on chilly Nashville days in layers of wool, leather, and denim.
- Walking Look: Oversized sweater, leggings, beanie and scarf
- Concert Look: Thermal long johns with jeans, puffer coat, and beanie
- Dinner Look: Turtleneck, faux leather pants, ankle boots, and moto jacket
What to Wear in Nashville Over 50
Nashville fashion extends far beyond fringe and cowboy boots. Women over 50 can embrace chic, on-trend style with:
- Dark, clean denim in modern cuts
- Tailored blazers instead of rhinestone jackets
- Cashmere and merino wool for lightweight warmth
- Block heel ankle boots rather than cowboy boots
- Leather totes instead of honky tonk handbags
- Designer denim and contemporary western brands like 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, Rag & Bone, and Vince
Steer clear of overly distressed details, low-cut necklines, and ultra-short hemlines. Stick to dark, crisp washes for jeans instead of light denim with heavy fading and shreds.
Accessorize the Nashville Way
Accessorize your Nashville looks with on-brand touches:
- Jewelry: Go for turquoise stones, layered gold necklaces, and signed vintage band pins.
- Handbags: Crossbody bags are perfect for navigating crowds. Fringe and belts add flair.
- Bandanas: Fold into headbands, masks, and neckerchiefs.
- Hats: Felt fedoras and panama hats complement any outfit.
- Footwear: Cowboy boots, booties, sneakers, and sandals work for Nashville style.
- Belts: Cinch in waists and add interest with tooled leather belts, rhinestone buckles, and fun patterns.
- Sunglasses: Go for rocker chic shades with mirrored lenses.
How to Dress Like a Nashville Local
Want to blend in with Nashville locals? Avoid costumes and incorporate western and music elements subtly:
- Swap cowboy hats for fedoras
- Wear dark, solid wash denim
- Pick leather jackets over fringe
- Choose minimal jewelry
- Add booties, not rhinestone boots
- Buy music merch from local bands
Focus on fit, fabric, and silhouette. Modern cuts crafted from quality materials look current and chic. Skip overtly country pieces like cowboy hats and bedazzled denim.
And don’t forget the unofficial Nashville uniform: soft, old band tees with equally broken-in jeans or cut-offs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shoes should I wear in Nashville?
For sightseeing, opt for comfortable walking shoes like sneakers, sandals, low cowboy boots, or block heels. Bring sturdy boots or slip-resistant footwear in winter. Pack strappy heels or wedges for nights out.
Can you wear shorts in Nashville?
Shorts are totally acceptable in Nashville when the weather calls for it. For a sophisticated vibe, pick tailored shorts that hit just above the knee. Leave ultra-short cut-offs or running shorts for sports.
Do you have to dress up for restaurants in Nashville?
Most Nashville restaurants have casual dress codes, even upscale spots. But check ahead for any dining dress code requirements at five-star establishments.
What kind of jacket should I bring to Nashville?
Pack a light denim or leather jacket for cool spring and fall days. Bring proper coats, parkas, or puffers in winter. Water-resistant outerwear is smart for potential rain.
What should I wear to a Nashville wedding?
Most Nashville weddings skew casual, but inspect your invitation’s dress code. Typical attire ranges from sundresses and dressy separates for daytime to cocktail dresses for evening. Opt for suits or blazers instead of tuxedos. And leave the cowboy boots for the reception!
Start Planning Your Nashville Wardrobe
With this Nashville fashion guide under your belt, you’re ready to start assembling stylish Music City looks. Pack weather-appropriate layers that mix casual and dressy pieces. Fold in subtle western details through shoes, jewelry, and accessories without going full-blown cowboy.
Channel Nashville’s musical heritage and your own unique style as you take in this vibrant city’s sights and sounds. Just don’t forget your bandana and your booties!
