What to Wear in Nashville: Outfit Ideas & More! | Travel With A Plan (2024)

Are you looking for suggestions on what to wear in Nashville for your upcoming visit there?

From laid-back honky tonks, live music, and swanky nightclubs, to museums and lavish wineries – there’s a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy in Nashville, Tennessee!

With so many options of things to do, you may be wondering what to wear in Nashville to best enjoy your getaway.

This article includes a complete run-down of outfit ideas and what to wear in Nashville during different seasons, as well as features our Nashville packing lists for men, women, and kids.

What to Wear in Nashville

Need outfit inspiration on what to wear in Nashville?

What you wear when visiting Music City will depend largely on two things: what time of year you visit and what you plan to do there.

Do note, however, that Nashville enjoys more than 208 sunny days each year, meaning that you have a higher chance of sun vs. clouds no matter when you visit.

From April to June and in September and October, you’ll experience the most pleasant weather, with average daily temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the low 80s.

This season calls for lightweight fabrics and comfortable clothes such as denim shorts, jean skirts, and t-shirts.

The hottest months are July and August when temperatures range in the mid-80s to low 90s.

Plan on wearing sundresses, shorts, a simple tank, sandals, and anything else that will help keep you cool.

Next, once you determine when you’ll be visiting, it’s a good idea to figure out some of the activities you’ll be doing when you’re there.

In general, plan on casual attire for daytime activities and a fancier outfit if you plan on going out for a nice dinner.

Also, always bring comfortable shoes as you’ll likely walk a lot and be on your feet for long periods of time.

Avoid wearing expensive shoes and heels as they’re likely to get dirty or spilled on if wearing them Downtown.

What’s the overall Nashville Vibe?

The overall Nashville vibe is country, and the general attire is casual wear.

During the daytime, what to wear to Nashville bars and honky tonks is indeed very casual, and truly, ‘anything goes.’

You’ll see plenty of cowboy hats, cowboy boots, denim shorts, skirts, and blue jeans, as well as tank tops, Nashville graphic tees, sundresses, animal prints, and cross-body bags and purses.

Shorts, t-shirts, and tennis shoes?

No problem! That works too!

Check out these fun cowboy hats to start!

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In addition, you’ll see groups of people wearing matching t-shirts (celebrating a birthday or other special occasion) and bachelorette parties dressed up in themed outfits, tiaras, be-dazzled cowgirls hats, and matching bridal party t-shirts.

Hey, you might even see people in wigs (as shown below), like when we stopped into Blake Shelton’s Ole Red.

In other words, it’s definitely a fun, laid-back atmosphere – and to be honest, no one is really paying attention to what you wear because they’re more focused on the music and on having a good time.

When evening hits, however, you will find that many people have often gone back to their hotel to freshen up and change before dinner, especially if taking in an evening show.

In this case, depending on the venue, you’ll want to get more dressed up (especially if having a nice dinner in Printer’s Alley, The Gulch, or Downtown at nicer restaurants like The Twelve Thirty Club).

Dresses, heels, slacks, and polos are great for places like these.

No matter when you visit or what you’ll be doing, these Nashville packing lists should have your whole family covered!

Nashville Packing List for Women

As mentioned, you’ll find an abundance of activities in Nashville, including honky tonks, intimate music venues, museums, historical sites, shopping, spas, and wineries.

In addition, Nashville has a vibrant restaurant scene, and you may find yourself wanting to bring a couple of casual dresses and a cute outfit for a night out.

Likewise, if you plan to browse The Mall at Green Hills to shop luxury brands and the latest trends in the fashion world, you’ll want to wear casual-chic attire that matches the Nashville style.

This list covers what to wear in Nashville during the daytime and what to wear in Nashville at night.

Women’s Nashville Packing List for 3 Days

• 3 pairs of shorts (or substitute with a denim skirt)
• 3 short-sleeve shirts
• 2 pairs of athletic shorts
• 2 tank tops
• 2 sundresses (including one to wear out for wine tastings or date night)
• 4 pairs of underwear
• 3 pairs of socks
• 3 bras
• 1 sports bra
• 1 set of summer pajamas
• 1 swimsuit
• 1 swimsuit cover-up
• 2 pairs of sunglasses (our favorites are linked here!) *Use code TRAVELWITHAPLAN for 20% off!
• 1 sun hat (Get mine here!)
• 1 cowboy hat
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
• 1 pair of flip-flops for poolside
• 1-2 pairs of dressy sandals
• 1 purse/woven cross-body bag

For the Early Morning and Night

• A light leather jacket or denim jacket for layering and evenings
• 2 lighter sweaters
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of comfortable pants

Additional planning tip: Along with shopping on Amazon for an affordable price and quick delivery, I love getting nice women’s vacation clothes from Evereve, as well as awesome trendy activewear from Athleta.

What to Wear in Nashville for Guys

For men, here is what to wear when visiting Nashville for 3-days or a long weekend (if visiting for longer, adjust the amount of clothing accordingly).

Think country & casual.

In other words, shorts and t-shirts in the summer and blue jeans, t-shirts, and a long-sleeved shirt in the winter.

This list is slightly adjusted from the female version above and should be adapted for any special occasions you’ll be enjoying in Nashville:

For starters, we love these men’s Nashville graphic tees:

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Men’s Nashville Packing List for 3 Days

• 3 pairs of regular (nice) shorts
• 2 pairs of athletic shorts
• 4 t-shirts
• 2 polo shirts
• 4 pairs of underwear
• 3 pairs of socks
• 1 set of summer pajamas (if applicable)
• 2 pairs of swim trunks
• 2 pairs of sunglasses
• 1 sun hat
• 1 baseball cap
• 1 pair of tennis shoes/sneakers
• 1 pair of flip-flops for poolside
• 1 pair of dressy sandals

For Early Morning and Night

• 1 lightweight jacket
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of athletic pants
• 1 button-down shirt

What to Wear in Nashville for Kids

If your Nashville trip includes bringing the kids along, there are plenty of things to do in Nashville with teens and kids of all ages!

Plus, being that Nashville is super casual, it’s very easy to know what to pack when bringing kids to Nashville – hint, keep it simple.

Do note, that anyone, including kids and families, can enjoy the honky tonks before 8 or 9 PM.

After 8 p.m., however, most venues only allow guests 21 and up.

Here is a packing list for the little ones in your life so they, too, can have fun and be well-prepared for their trip.

For starters, here are a few essentials we like:

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Kid’s Nashville Packing List for 3 Days

• 4 pairs of shorts (or 2 more for boys if necessary)
• 4 T-shirts or a tank top
• 2 sundresses (girls)
• 4 pairs of underwear
• 4 pairs of socks
• 2 pairs of summer pajamas
• 1 swimsuit
• 1 swimsuit cover-up
• 1 pair of kid-size sunglasses
• 2 sun hats/baseball caps
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
• 1 pair of flip-flops for the pool
• 1 pair of dressy sandals

For Early Morning and Night

• 2 pairs of pants
• 2 sweaters
• 1 lightweight jacket

When packing footwear, we also suggest that you aim for comfortable shoes, ready to explore the city.

Because Nashville has a casual vibe, you can get away with walkable, comfy footwear on most occasions.

Pack based on your planned activities and omit the rest.

Many of these shoes can act double-duty for most of your plans.

For example, walking shoes can take you from daytime exploring to a casual bar setting. And cowboy boots can take you just about anywhere!

These are some of our favorite boots that you’ll commonly see worn in Nashville:

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Toiletries to Pack for Nashville

Along with using packing cubes for your clothing, use these clear multi-purpose organizer pouches (size large) to store all of your loose extras so that they don’t spill in your suitcase.

In addition, when packing toiletries, it’s a good idea to invest in a good hanging toiletry bag or train case (both of these being great options!)

You need a lot of things for the bathroom, and these are the best ways to keep everything contained inside your suitcase.

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Hairbrush
• Hair ties
• Deodorant
• Travel-size body spray/perfume
• Face cleanser
• Moisturizer
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body soap or wash
• Razor
• Lotion
• Makeup
• Makeup remover
• Contact lens supplies (if needed)
• Hairstyling products (if needed)
• Hair ties/clips (I love these ones for fine hair!)
• Sunscreen (a must even in the winter)
• Lip balm with SPF (This is one of my favorites because it smells like summer!)
• Aloe vera gel for sunburns
• Hand sanitizer
• Medications and pain relievers

What to Wear in Nashville During the Winter

There are so many cool things to do in Nashville at Christmas time!

If you do happen to go to Nashville in the winter season, don’t expect the same warm weather that you’ll find in the summer months, however.

For instance, what to wear in Nashville in December is very different from what to wear in Nashville in May-August.

In the colder months of December, January, and February, it cools down to the low 50s for average high temperatures.

The coldest month of the year in Nashville is January, with an average low of 29°F and a high of 47°F.

For this reason, be sure to pack long pants or skinny jeans, sweatshirts, lightweight sweaters, and a heavy coat when visiting Nashville in the winter.

It’s also not a bad idea to bring along a winter hat, gloves, and a pair of boots when visiting Nashville in the winter.

What to Wear in Nashville During the Summer

Nashville in the summer is HOT and HUMID, so staying cool is priority number one.

Fill your bags with lightweight clothing options in breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk.

For women, my go-to Nashville outfit idea is a sundress complete with comfortable sandals and a light jacket for cooler nights.

Men will want to rely on classic shorts and tee shirts with comfortable sandals.

Other must-haves include swimwear and plenty of sun protection like wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and swim cover-ups.

What to Wear in Nashville During the Spring

Springtime in Nashville is mild and lovely, making packing a breeze!

We recommend bringing light layers to suit varying temperatures, with pants, dresses, skirts, and shirts.

For layering, opt for lightweight sweaters and light jackets.

Also, remember your umbrella, as Nashville tends to welcome a few spring showers!

What to Wear in Nashville During the Fall

You can expect mild to cool weather when visiting Nashville in the Fall.

So as for Nashville outfits, aim for light–warm layers.

Some must-packs include full-length pants like jeans or trousers, long-sleeved tops, light sweaters, a denim jacket, and comfortable footwear.

We’d also recommend packing seasonal extras like an umbrella, scarf, warm socks, and gloves for cooler days.

Extra Nashville Packing Tips

If you travel a ton like we do, you learn some extra tidbits when it comes to packing.

Here are some general rules of thumb to follow when packing for your trip to Nashville.

1. Use a Luggage Scale

Hand-held luggage scales are quite inexpensive on Amazon and can save you from paying all those extra fees when you accidentally overpack.

One per family or group is all you need!

Be sure to bring it along with you in case you buy some extra items and need to re-weight your luggage on your way back.

2. Buy Travel-Sized Beauty Products

Every time you get a sample-size product, hold onto that for when you go traveling.

It can be tiresome to purchase travel-sized items for every trip, so keep them somewhere safe for your next getaway.

The other option is to purchase reusable travel-size bottles that are well worth the investment to save you space and weight while packing.

3. Plan Your Outfits

Always plan your outfits and begin packing at least 2 days ahead of time.

Try to pack basics that can be styled in different ways.

For instance, a white t-shirt can go with jeans or be layered over a dress for a skirt effect.

Try your outfits on ahead of time before packing so that you know what fits and feels good.

You can always look on Pinterest for great outfit ideas if you need some inspiration.

4. Use Packing Cubes

As mentioned earlier, if you don’t have them already, definitely purchase a set or two of packing cubes.

Not all packing cubes are created equal, however, and the key is to find ones that are flexible (not rigid or formed) and are large enough for both child and adult-sized clothing.

We personally own 2 sets of these packing cubes (I use 1-2 packing cubes per person) and continue to recommend them time and time again, as they are something we absolutely do not travel without!

They help to not only save space but keep things organized when you’re living out of a suitcase.

5. Bring Plastic Bags

Along with a pop-up clothes hamper to use in your hotel room, pack some plastic bags to place your dirty clothes in when it’s time to head home.

6. Save Space

Save a little room in your suitcase if you plan to go shopping in Nashville!

You’ll want that extra room if you plan to make purchases that will take up extra space in your suitcase.

FAQs – What to Wear in Nashville

Looking for more Nashville outfit ideas? These are some of our most requested occasions for outfit inspiration:

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