A Native’s Nashville Packing Checklist

When planning a visit to Nashville, you may encounter the fast urge to buy the largest cowboy hat doable. Please let me spare you the additional expense (and suitcase actual property). Music Metropolis has develop into the house for bachelorette events, a thriving restaurant scene, and naturally, all issues nation music. And, whereas enthusiasm for the entire city’s wealthy tradition and actions is inspired, cosplaying your finest nation music star, decidedly, will not be.

Let me again up: I’m a kind of transplants who moved to Nashville from New York Metropolis on the top of the pandemic. All through my time right here, I’ve noticed town’s skyline shift from being dotted with accommodations and a few excessive rises to blossoming right into a metropolis tasked with shaking its stereotypes whereas retaining its allure. As such, packing for a city that gives an thrilling number of endeavors, fickle climate, and loads of strolling could cause even essentially the most seasoned traveler to second guess their suitcase go-tos.

That’s why I’ve utilized my 18 years working as a style editor to compile the final word Nashville packing checklist. Whether or not you’re planning on line dancing down on Decrease Broadway or stocking up on distinctive classic finds on the East Facet, my tried-and-true journey necessities have you ever lined. 

Versatile Pants

Don’t let reruns of “Nashville“ idiot you: consolation is vital when visiting Music Metropolis. Pants that may function a basis for a spread of outfits and events present foolproof packing. And in the summertime, when town is at its peak warmth and humidity, you will desire a pair of flowy pants with tons of airflow — and with so many (I repeat, so many!) museums and galleries, likelihood is you’ll be ducking out and in of frigid air-con and muggy sidewalks. 

Madewell’s Harlow Broad-leg Pants verify all of the containers for me with their breathable linen development and breezy silhouette. Plus, they’re elegant sufficient to decorate up for dinner however nonetheless informal sufficient that you could put on them within the daytime. 

A Go-to White Tee

I wouldn’t be price my salt as a style editor if I didn’t take a second to reiterate the significance of bringing in your travels a well-fitting, white T-shirt. There have been few locations the place I’ve regretted packing one, and this little ditty from Madewell packs a punch with its tremendous gentle and cozy development whereas the shrunken sleeves are majorly flattering.

On this metropolis, it’s straightforward to float from one exercise to the subsequent. One minute you’re regaling the newest exhibit at The Frist and the subsequent you’re sq. dancing with a stranger at a honky tonk. It’s essential to decorate accordingly. A white tee is bound to offer no-fuss outfit choices that instill a complicated attraction. 

Daring Sneakers

You’ll discover refined nods to Americana just about in every single place in Nashville. Whereas I don’t suggest carrying an American flag-emblazoned shirt, there are different methods to channel the look. I really like carrying my Adidas Gazelles for classic procuring in East Nashville, the place you’ll discover a litany of unbiased boutiques, classic outlets, and vintage shops. What’s extra, these look particularly recent when worn with sporty white socks and a frilly costume or jean skirt.

A Packable Costume

Generally, you simply have to pop on a girly frock. I really like the enduring attraction of Hill Home’s nap clothes. I think about these a few of the most versatile gadgets {that a} suitcase can carry — right here’s why: whether or not you’re heading to Music Metropolis for a marriage or loading up on castoff designer items at UAL (I extremely suggest this for the style fiends right here), these clothes are past forgiving and, true to their title, comfy sufficient to nap in. I’ve worn mine right here at a celebratory dinner at Sean Brock’s tasting desk, June, and a heat fall afternoon picnicking at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens.

Practical Boots

We’ve reached the a part of this packing checklist the place I make the case to not pack cowboy boots. Whereas these will all the time converse to a sure kind of vacationer, I desire these Frye Harness Boots that don’t carry the potential of veering into costume territory, however the model additionally makes a mid-rise pair if you happen to’re apprehensive about sweaty legs in Nashville’s humidity. Plus, with a few of the finest cowboy boot boutiques to buy, why lug one other set throughout state strains? It’d be like bringing a e-book to a library. 

That mentioned, there’s nothing fairly like do-si-do-ing in a pair of thick-soled boots, and these suffice simply effective. If you happen to’re on a finances, saving up for an evening on the Bluebird Café (nice concept), this pair affords the identical vibe with out the hefty price ticket.

A Going Out Prime

I’m an enormous advocate for making garments give you the results you want. That’s why I like a flouncy prime that may be worn in a number of methods. Regardless of its comparatively small footprint, Nashville packs in tons of watering holes to moist your whistle. From dive bars like Dino’s in East Nashville or report bar vibes at Bar Continental, having a strong going-out prime is a should. 

I all the time attain for the Petra Shirt from Lisa Says Gah once I’m hitting the city (it may be worn with the bows within the entrance or again, relying on how daring you’re feeling), however you’ll be able to’t go improper with this satiny tank from Amazon-loved model Ekouaer for $25. 

A Matching Athleisure Set

So, you’ve had an evening out and have to sweat out the toxins. Nashville affords a few of the finest parks I’ve seen wherever — even higher than Central Park (sorry not sorry!). From Shelby Bottoms in East Nashville to Percy Warner Park on the West Facet, these grounds embody miles of paved alternatives to sober up and take up attractive environment. 

On prime of being a style editor, I’m a longtime runner and have sweared by the Lululemon Align Shorts for years. They keep in place and provide loads of pockets on your telephone and lodge key. I am brutally tall, and the 6-inch model has stored me cozy as I log miles all through the city. Full the look by matching the Align V-Neck Bra underneath that new classic T-shirt you snagged at Lykke Haus Classic.

A Easy Slip Skirt

If you happen to’ve by no means visited Music Metropolis, heck even if you happen to have, I implore you to take a look at a present on the Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running radio present within the U.S. It’s a little bit of a drive (plan accordingly), however price it to take a look at the history-steeped selection present. Whereas acts rotate each two or three songs, you’ll be glued to your seat. The very last thing you need is on your outfit to distract from A-list performers like Carrie Underwood and Jelly Roll take the magic circle. 

A easy slip skirt that’s gentle sufficient to take a seat comfortably within the church pews — you learn that proper — is vital. The size of this one from Lululemon is additional versatile. Strive pairing chunky sandals or go-to sneakers with it to attain a distinct vibe.

Slouchy Denim Shorts

Nashville model can err on the facet of informality — you don’t have to get additional gussied up for many occasions right here until that’s your factor. If you happen to occur to be coming this fashion any time between mid-April and October, you’ll be glad you packed a pair of shorts for a day spent exploring. 

I extremely encourage you to spend a few hours trying out a few of the music museums, together with the Nation Music Corridor of Fame and the Nationwide Museum of African American Museum. As a result of the museums are a stone’s throw away from one other, I like to recommend strolling to them and dropping by the assorted shops on the best way. I really like these denim shorts from Zara as they’re slouchy and low-key, however when worn with a floaty shirt and ballet flats can develop into instantly elevated. For the same look, go for this fashionable Amazon pair, which is offered in 35 washes and hems for $32. 

A Fundamental Tank

One way or the other, regardless of the numerous choices, discovering the final word tank prime might be an elusive — and, frankly, irritating activity. I put on my trusty Skims Cotton Rib Tank in every single place from seeing a present at The Blue Room, the vibey venue at Third Man Data to perusing the cabinets at a few of my favourite bookstores, like The Inexperienced Ray in East Nashville and Parnassus Books in Inexperienced Hills. However, Skims loungewear tends to promote out quick, so I like to recommend reaching for the same square-neck tank like this one from Amazon. 

A Quirky Tote

I’m going to allow you to in on a secret: I’m horrible to my baggage. I’ll put them down in spilled wine, soiled dive bar counters, grassy lawns, you title it. That’s why I’ve come to simply accept that, for me, constructing a group of personality-driven totes will not be solely a thrill however a necessity. An outsized tote like my go-to animal-printed Zara one does wonders for my overpackers studying this. Professional prime: toss the whole lot in right here you’ll be able to’t match into your carry-on. Amazon additionally affords a water-resistant tote that matches the invoice with its spacious design and enjoyable print choices. 

There are a couple of farmer’s markets in Nashville. The principle one borders the state capital and has an indoor eatery that includes native eating places and cafés. Stash any native wares you picked up outdoors on this bag after which decide up a chunk at Succulent Vegan Tacos earlier than lazing in adjoining Bicentennial Park for a chill Sunday grasp.

A Jean Jacket

Whereas I’ve simply been blabbering on about how sizzling it may possibly get down right here, permit me to remind you to convey a jacket, regardless of the season. As talked about, air-con reigns supreme right here in the summertime and, by the autumn, temperatures can drop dramatically within the evenings. I typically toss a jean jacket into my tote bag as a measure of protection in opposition to the cool air that’s positive to have me shivering all through a meal.

 I really like the refined trucker nod within the detailing on this Pistola Denim jacket — it’s the proper complement to retro-inspired denims. In the meantime, this Levi’s model at Nordstrom is about half the value, however fully the identical vibe — and this possibility from Amazon is about half the value of that jacket and it is on sale. 

A Traditional Pair of Denims

Whether or not you’re itching to check out a Canadian tuxedo and put on denim on denim or on the lookout for a pair of denims that works simply as properly seeing a present at The Ryman or grabbing a glass of wine at East Nashville hotspot, Dangerous Thought, these Agolde denims go the gap. With their high-waist and straight-leg silhouette, they work properly with a spread of footwear and shirt combos so you’ll be able to obtain that effortlessly cool however polished look.

A Low-key Solar Hat

Cowboy hats are simply as attractive to put on as cowboy boots, and whereas I strongly recommend avoiding the cliché equipment, that Nashville solar is mighty sturdy. If you happen to should put on a solar hat and end up gravitating in the direction of Western-inspired variations, I recommend going with one that offers a refined nod to the Cowboy aesthetic like this one from Amazon. The leather-based trim and steel {hardware} particulars give it that one thing particular with out being too apparent. 

Subtle Sun shades

There are many perks to donning a pair of outsized sun shades: dodging an ex, masking the harm from an evening of tasting Tennessee whiskeys, and, after all, comfortably having fun with one of many many restaurant and bar patios dappled all through city. I splurged on this pair by Saint Laurent — I’ve been on the hunt for the proper, throwback frames for ages. However, if you happen to’re not out there for a designer pair of shades, these retro ones are underneath $15 at Amazon and serve the identical stylish vibes. 

Electrolyte Replenishment

This can be a judgment-free zone. If you happen to’re heading right down to Nash (please keep away from calling it Nash Vegas) for a bachelorette occasion or comparable debauchery, your future self will bow right down to the clever previous you who packed these Liquid I.V. dietary supplements. Didn’t do it up however have an extended day forward? Pop considered one of these into your water bottle to assist keep refreshed. I sometimes guzzle considered one of these earlier than I head out for an extended day of antiquing. Taking a look at midcentury fashionable espresso tables is exhausting and requires as a lot vitality as I can muster, and these assist.

Sunscreen

Simply since you’re not chilling on a seaside someplace doesn’t imply you must neglect your pores and skin. Nashville’s solar can get so blisteringly intense that it’ll make its notorious sizzling hen look virtually as soothing as a glass of milk. Getting a nasty sunburn is a quickfire option to stay uncomfortable at some stage in a visit. I lather myself in Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen if I’m heading out. I really like how light-weight it’s, and with its pure components, I can be ok with coating my pores and skin in it.

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