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What to Pack for Nashville

Music City TN is a perfect blend of city living mixed with them back country Americana vibes. Each individual you encounter is a creative with their own style but if you are looking for a few key pieces to add that Nashville flair to your outfits, here are some pieces I would recommend to blend into the aesthetic without standing out as tourist.

Image of Amanda Roland Music

Make it your own but what is trending in Nashville at the moment is cowboy-grunge, western booties, vintage pieces, and modern twists on the country stereotype type. Just think of Nashville as your Southern Hollywood. They don’t call it NashVegas for nothin’! It’s a damn good time! So pack the things that scream, “THIS IS ME”!

Image of Cori P. at Black Shag Vintage

Sparkles, and denim, lace and leather, fringe and studs. It’s all apples and oranges but pair them with the neon lights and competing band music blasting from the open windows… MAGIC. That Nashville magic just makes you swell up with inspiration, drawing out your confidence and personal style!

Photo: Royce and Rocket Luggage Setup at Hotel Noelle

So when thinking about packing for your Nash trip, first think what feels most me and confident for me to go dancing in?! And if you’re just stuck, here are 10 pointers to get you inspired…

The Nashville Uniform

The “Nashville Uniform” – there’s so many different kinds of people in this town but it seems like we all have one uniform that always gets the looks. Black jeans, black top, statement boots, and some unique personal accessory (rings, layered necklaces, handkerchiefs, turquoise). BLACK ON BLACK ON BLACK!

Vintage Tees

No secret these are a hit, especially vintage band tees. Pair ‘em with a pair of denim, dope kimono or jacket, and booties! I have found some of my favorites from the flea market, the West Place at East Nashville Antiques, and Black Shag Vintage. Don’t buy these off Amazon!

Denim

You don’t think of Nashville without packing your daisy dukes or pair of jean that makes your ass look bangin’. Throw a Nashville flair on them and level up in a flare denim jumpsuit, 70’s inspired overalls, or that Canadian tuxedo ☺ Denim and Diamonds has taken over and while that isn’t necessarily my vibe, it’s Nashville haha.

Hats

One really popular trend has been flat brim hats, but they are on super trend in Nashville. I always get so many compliments on my Lack of Color hats! They are also perfect in the summers when sweaty, humidity railed hair doesn’t wanna stay cute! 

Dresses & Jumpsuits

Dresses are perfect in any season in Nashville. Anything flowy is super nice in the summer time since it can be blazing hot. Or add a pair of tights and jacket in the winter. Or if you chafe like me, jumpsuits are the move!

I have rented from most of my favorites from Rent the Runway! It’s basically like a rent a closet kinda subscription making it a sustainable way to stay on top of trends in a big city. Click here for a discount off your first couple months of RTR!

Fringe

No Honky Tonk Hippie is complete without a lil fringe. I love fringe on my bags and tops/jackets, and the occasional dress! But there are so many other ways to include some fringe. Examples could be earrings, booties, bracelets, etc!

Statement Piece

Do you have that big showy necklace you never wear cause its “too much” or “extra”? Or think, “I would so be judged if I wear this?” BRING THAT THING TO NASHVILLE. My favorites are my turquoise and hats! Guaranteed that if you wear it and just feel yourself, then you will be the star of the show! 

Prints

Animal print, Leather, Plaid, Stripes, Floral, Buckskin… the list goes on. Unisex, unique print button downs are the hot things for both women and men. East Nashville is our more “hipster” area of town and has some of my favorite vibes in town. The prints that I have seen that really stand out are celestial prints, skeletons, motorcycle themed shirts, tropical, and animal print.

Boots

These are actually a must pack item. DO NOT TORTURE YOURSELF IN OPEN TOES ON BROADWAY! You walk up and down floors and floors of slippery steps and need some protection for them toes. You will be miserable with trashed flip-flops or open toes. Cause you have a 75% chance you’ll get your feet stepped on by fellow boot scootin' folk. If you don’t have any and wanna snag some cowboy boots while you’re in town, head to Planet Cowboy or click here to see my Nashville picks Amazon storefront here! And here are some shoes on my list currently….

Layers

Tennessee’s weather is wild and can be any given season in the same week. Especially in the spring and fall! Leather jackets, turtle necks under t-shirts, and sometimes even rain boots would be helpful when the sky decides to open up.

Bonus Tip

If you plan on attending a show at Titans Stadium or Bridgestone Arena, bring a see through bag for your wallet/phone/going out materials. It must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and must be no bigger than 12” x 6” x 12”. If you require a bigger bag for medical necessity, bring a clear 1 gallon freezer bag (I know they’re weird lol). Also, bring an umbrella and tote bag to pack around for the random shopping and things you’ll acquire while walking around. Like this one from Be Good Shop, a local Nashville vintage vendor.

Click here for my favorite luggage to keep organized!

There you have it. Your go to packing list for Nashville! No matter what season, always bring your dancing shoes. And make sure to check out my travelers essentials here, featuring everything you need for road trips and air travel! Need more ideas of what to do in town?! Pack this book with you to keep all the best Tennessee recommendations at your finger tips and keep reading this blog!