What to wear in Nashville - YouLookFab Forum

Thanks to a work trip and DH's school vacation schedule, we are pretty excited to be spending a few days together exploring Nashville in February. We love adventuring in cities that are new to us, and since DH is a musician and music lover, he could not be more thrilled about this city in particular, even though country music is a bit of a genre stretch for both of us.

Even still, we are headed to the Grand Ole Opry for Valentine's Day! What should I wear so that I look right -- appropriate, fun, not too costumey, not too idiotic? I'd love to avoid buying anything new, as I am hoping to save pennies so that I might be able to buy something there. I have jeans of all types, several cute shift-y dresses (sleeveless), tall western-y cognac boots, true cowboy boots (25 years old), etc. I had also thought about buying the dress below -- it's on sale for about $60 from Anthro right now, so I could swing it.

Thanks!

Anthropologie

Triangulate Shift Dress

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Top Pick

10 years ago

Anonymous

I've only been to Nashville once, but I LOVED it! It was the cleanest, most perfect little city ever, and the shopping was fantastic. I didn't do much touristy stuff as I was there on business - but I did notice an absolutely different way of dressing on the women. Hard to describe , but lots of money being spent on a lot of "designery" looking clothes. Logos, bling, heels,etc. This should be a blast though! I can't even begin to suggest what to wear - I'm so far out of that league and style of dress. I'd go with whatever you feel like - truly. I was there in February too, and it was nice and warm - a blessed relief for us northerners. Cute Anthro dress - would look great with any boot - throw on a denim jacket and you'll fit right in.

carter

Veteran

Although it's been many years, I've lived in Nashville twice. Have you been to Houston or Dallas? Very similar in dress. No "costumes"...if you go country, you have to own it. One statement plus some bling works perfectly. The Anthro dress plus a great leather moto, booties and some sparkle would be perfect for the GOO. You could do cowboy boots if you feel perfectly at home in them.

unfrumped

Sounds like fun! Temps would be chilly for me for dresses( if walking outdoors a lot) unless layered up. Jeans sound great, though.

Lyn D.

I like the Anthro. dress Viva, and could see you wearing it with pants in the cooler weather for extra warmth. It has a bit of the sixties style that I feel works with your hair and style-pizazz

CocoLion

(website)

My sense of Nashville style is that it's leaning in the Boho direction. However, just go ahead and be yourself. Even if you stand out. I lived in NYC in the 80s and remember going out for a trip to LA (before I moved there for good in 1988). I was all NY -- all dressed in black -- a more minimal take on 80s style, no neon at all, and certainly no big hair. I got stared at for being different, and not always in a bad way. I think it was interesting for people to see someone with a different style. Kind of like when I see Italian tourists at our cafe -- they stand out in a good way.

crutcher

If I were going to GOO..again...I would wear jeans, a moto jacket, my beloved boots...It can be cold in February and I always found Nashville style laid back and comfortable...You are really dressing to please yourself and to enjoy the evening...I hope you do...This is one fun and fab city...

ATLynn

I love Nashville and visit once or twice a year to see family and friends. You'll have access to a lot of rock/pop/blues in addition to country. In a city where the baristas and bartenders have also been professional session musicians for many years, you can wear anything. You'll see southern boho, rocker chic, just plain rocker, some country authentic, and a whole lot of hipster. Shift dresses, jeans and booties will get you everywhere you want to go.

Off topic, and not knowing your tastes, budget, where you're staying or if you'll have a car - my super short list of places to eat in Nashville include: Barista Parlor (for somewhat snotty third wave coffee and/or a quick bite); Margot and/or Marche; Husk, which is a Charleston import and a really good if high end way to experience new southern cuisine; and Hattie B's hot chicken - unique to Nashville.

Have fun planning!

shiny

I was there last year on business, in the middle of the polar vortex so it was quite unseasonably cold. I'm going again for business in a couple of weeks. For these business trips, our VP insists we all bring our cowboy boots. I basically wore smart casual + cowboy boots. So jeans, dressy blouse, blazer and cowboy boots. It's been awhile now, so my memory is fuzzy, but I think I also brought a dress and wore it with cowboy boots. Basically what I normally wear, just with cowboy boots as a nod to Nashville. We did go out and about (dinner, pub crawl, bands, dancing etc) and I never felt out of place.

I'd most definitely bring your cowboy boots, or western-y cognac boots, because where else will you get to wear them? I feel totally out of place wearing them here in Boston. Which is a shame, because they are oh-so-comfy.

I think that Anthro dress would be super cute with cowboy boots. Or booties, as shown in the pic. Booties would work just fine too.

eds

Active Member

We were at the Opry last year and you really do not need to dress up. It is very touristy and US tourists seem to take casual to a new level...not pj's but close. You will see everything from shorts to nice attire. We did have a blast! Corny as all get out at times, but amazing performers and 100% authentic Grand Ole Opry. It is what it is and always has been. The house came down when Raina and Deacon from the series Nashville made an unannounced appearance and put on quite the show! We visit fairly often as our daughter is in school there, but I find it to be a pretty casual (and lovely!) city.

Helena

No help I'm afraid, as I've never been to the South except for Florida ... but I hope you'll report back on the Nashville street style scene ... I LOVE hearing about how people dress in different cities! Have a great trip!

viva

Thanks for all your help, ladies! Not sure if I will by the Anthro dress or just rely heavily on jeans and several great tops I collected this year, along with a couple of pairs of boots/booties. I really appreciate all the advice / guidance -- from how to fit in, to how to stand out and be comfortable doing so.

And ATLynn, thank you SO MUCH for the dining help! Food is a big part of our urban adventuring.

tulle

Having visited my daughter at college in Nashville several times, my best advice is to plan to dress in layers, and make sure that one of those layers is a raincoat, because Nashville can be surprisingly wet and raw in February! It's a lovely town, though, with lots to see and do. Have a great visit--with luck you may get a nice bit of early Spring weather.

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