Fashion Forum

Photo credit | HelloNashville.com

Being the Country Music Capital of the world, it is no surprise that Nashville culture and style pivots around music, from country to blues to rock and everything in between.  Understated charm with all the modern fixings are what make Nashville style its own.  Take a cue from the Music City’s more lovingly known misnomer “NashVegas,” and you’ll immediately know what we’re talking about.

“Nashville is infinitely more progressive in style than many people realize, and the mostly temperate weather gives every fashionista a chance to dispel the myth that everyone here owns a bedazzler!” notes Levy’s store manager Adrienne Scarborough, who describes Nashville style as “classic meets couture meets stage sensibilities.”

So no matter where you go in Nashville, it’s never a bad thing to have a little fun with what you wear no matter what you’re doing.  Jordan Christy, author of How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World says Nashville style is “hipster meets country meets chic.”

Photo credit | LineDancing.ch

Weather in Nashville

Contrary to how it sounds, Nashville sits just at the edge of the humid subtropical climate that stretches from Texas to Virginia (pretty much the US South) characterized by hot, humid summers and cool winters.  Being inland in this type of climate, Nashville enjoys “true seasons”: orange in the fall, green in the spring and summer, and crisply white in the winter.

Summertime can be quite warm and almost humid, so light layers will get you through a Nashville day and night of sightseeing and bar-hopping.

February and March is “an odd time seasonally,” remarks Christy.  ”Most people’s wardrobes are caught between winter and spring.”

Winter and spring also tend to have the most rain in Nashville, so keep an umbrella or warm trench handy.

Nashville

What to wear in Nashville

Hanging Out | Make it playful!  Pair a cute casual knit or woven shirtdress with classic cowboy boots or colorful flats.  Or wear a classic pair of straight-legged jeans with kitten heels, knit vest and slim long-sleeve tee.

Professional | Keep it conservative.  In a more formal setting, wear a modern pant or skirt suit in navy, brown, beige, or black.  Wear a fun shirt underneath for extra panache, accessorize with scarves, vests, and fun but moderate jewelry (try a pendant necklace or a great pearl choker!), and don’t forget a great pair of shoes!  They’ll listen to what you have to say but will appreciate your stylish taste. For business casual, try on a cardigan in a fun animal print or bright color and pair with straight-legged seasonless wool pants or dark trouser jeans with heels.

Nightlife | Jeans will take you anywhere in Nashville, and going out is no exception!  Nashville wardrobe stylist Chris Harston’s picks: “The perfect party dress or skinny jeans accessorized with statement boots and jacket, statement handbag, and a great platform shoe or pump.”

Trends | Hands down by all of our experts: Hats!  ”Hats remain popular because they simplify everything,” explains Christy.  For girls, it means not having to spend 45 minutes fixing your hair just so…Every style from the newsboy to the beanie is accepted and embraced!  You’ll see hats fade with the cold weather; they are more of a winter accessory.”

Also, patterned tights, spring leathers, loads of color, and, of course, BOOTS of all sorts.

Carrie Underwood. Photo credit | WireImage.com

Miley Cyrus. Photo credit | BDB Photos

Photo credit | vox.com

Green Hills Mall | This “fashion and lifestyle” mall offers more than 100 specialty stores and eatieries including your favorites.  Look for Nordstrom to open in Fall of 2011! | MAP

Cool Springs Galleria | A Nashville favorite and worth the drive out to historical Franklin, also chock full of your malls favorites in a growing, bustling town | MAP

Hillsboro Village | Hands down one of the coolest places to be with coffee shops, unique eateries, and especially the funky stores like Pangea, Posh Boutique (great shoes!), and A Thousand Faces where you can find everything you need and shop in a charming, walkable thoroughfare near Vanderbilt University | MAP