Well, I’m back in my office this morning! I had a blast in Nashville, but there’s truly no place like home. Since I’ve been quite a few times, I thought I’d share what to wear in Nashville in the fall. I’ve rounded up everything I packed and what I wore for a 3-day girls’ trip.
Cyndi // Lisa // Jen // Dawn // Sydney // me // Tania
For anyone just tuning in, I met up with some other fashion & lifestyle bloggers in Nashville for a retreat of sorts. Sydney of Seeside Creative organized the event as a way for us to connect and collaborate. We rented an Airbnb, and basically spent a few days talking and sharing and working and doing some quintessential Nashville activities.
This job can feel very isolating at times, and I learned a long time ago that it’s important to carve out some time to connect with other women in the industry. I’ve been blogging for 16 years, and I always made that a priority, but Covid prevented these kinds of events over the past few years. It’s so nice to be back in the saddle again… so to speak!
What I Packed for a Girls’ Trip to Nashville in the Fall
If you’re wondering what to wear in Nashville in the fall, it’s still pretty warm there in September, but it starts to get chilly in October and November. Right now, the afternoons are warm, but nights are cool. Short sleeves and sleeveless tops and dresses are fine, but it’s always good to have a layer to throw on top.
My goal was to pick an assortment of neutral wardrobe staples that I could mix and match and to look polished no matter what configuration I pulled together. Then I threw in a couple of printed tops to add some variety to my looks.
I usually start packing by picking my jeans. These black straight ankle jeans are easy to wear for day or night, and I chose these full length flares with evening events in mind. Then I grabbed a white tee, a black tee, and my old faithful ATM cheetah print tee. I also grabbed my black coated denim jacket. I know from experience that I can make about 15 outfits with those 6 pieces, and if I have the right shoes, I can make them work for almost any occasion.
To make sure I had something fun in the mix, I added two printed tops that work for day or night, and then I started putting items together and figuring out the shoes I would need for a variety of events and destinations. I made sure to bring some flats and some heels so my feet wouldn’t get too tired.
At the last minute, I added a pair of crop straight blue jeans to the pile, so I’d have more variety for daytime outfits with flats since I can only wear those flares with heels. I also added this rust ribbed tank because it’s so perfect for warm fall weather, and my trusty black woven tank so I could easily make an all black outfit and look super chic if I decide I don’t like my other options. Those types of tops don’t weigh very much or take up much space, so it was no big deal to throw in a few extra. A girl has to have options!
All of my shoes were black or taupe, so I packed a taupe crossbody (I stuffed it with underwear and pjs to keep the shape and to maximize packing space) and I tucked a black crossbody into my carry-on tote. And of course I took a bunch of jewelry from my Victoria Emerson collection! That’s about it for outfits. (The toiletries are a whole other post…ha!)
This is my travel capsule wardrobe, and I linked less expensive options for the spendy designer items with the outfits below.
My Nashville Outfits
This was my travel outfit on Sunday. It’s an easy 2-hour direct flight from Philly to Nashville.
I’ve worn this before (in fact, I believe I wore this the last time I flew to Nashville!) so I knew I’d feel comfortable and confident, and all of these pieces can be mixed and matched with items in my suitcase.
KUT from the Kloth Coated Kara (S) // ATM tee (M; similar for less) // Fidelity Denim (28; similar for less) // similar loafer mules (loafer option) // similar belt // VE x JLS bracelet // VE x JLS earrings // Goyard St. Louis GM (similar for less) // Away The Medium
I arrived in Nashville around lunchtime, but our Airbnb wasn’t available till 4PM, so Sydney picked me up and we went to a coffee shop and worked for a few hours. Cyndi joined us when she got in, so that was fun!
That night, we had dinner at Husk. Paul and I went there when we went to Nashville a few years ago, so I knew it was good, and it did not disappoint! Highly recommend.
It was a warm night, so I wore this sleeveless ribbed top in an autumnal shade of rust with flares and slingback sandals. I also brought my black coated denim jacket along with me in case I got cold. I was glad I had it in the restaurant because I was seated right by a vent. Every time the air came on, I pulled my jacket over my shoulders.
ribbed tank (S) // AG Jeans (28) // Michael Kors slingbacks (8) // YSL camera bag (similar for less) // Evereve earrings // VE x JLS bracelet
Here’s our group outside of Husk. This was after dinner, and it was dark. The iPhone camera can really work wonders at night!
We were all up bright and early on Monday morning. We drank coffee and did some work until it was time to get ready for lunch at Hampton Social. We had plans to make GooGoo Clusters after that, so I didn’t want to dress up too much.
I went for a simple but elevated white slub cotton v-neck tee and straight crop jeans with taupe loafer mules. I know this seems plain, but it’s very much my style. The key with a look like this is to wear quality pieces that are in good condition with impeccable fit.
Accessories are also important. I wore a belt that coordinated with my bag and shoes, and some fun jewelry to elevate the look.
ATM tee (M; similar for less) // Frame Denim (29; similar for less) // similar loafer mules (loafer option) // similar belt // YSL camera bag (similar for less) // VE necklace // VE x JLS bracelet
Hampton Social is full of southern charm… and walls created for this Instagram generation. By the way, if you want details on any of these gorgeous ladies’ outfits, feel free to reach out to them. I’m sure they’d be happy to share!
Dawn // Lisa // Cyndi // me // Jen // Tania
Jen and I are like long lost sisters. We first connected at the Blissdom conference back in 2019 and discovered that we’re very much alike, and we had so much fun together. We’ve kept in touch ever since, so it was great to see her again.
After lunch, we took a chocolate class at the home of Nashville’s official candy — the Goo Goo Cluster. That was fun (and actually quite informative!) We all got to make our own Goo Goo Cluster to bring home… I shared mine with Paul and Becca when I got home yesterday.
We came back to our Airbnb after that to work for a while before dinner. It was chilly inside, so I threw on my cozy Pranayama Wrap and changed into comfortable sandals. (I forgot to add the wrap to my travel capsule — I always bring that to wear over pajamas if it’s chilly in the mornings, but it can double as a casual cardigan if I find myself needing one.)
Athleta Pranayama Wrap (S) /ATM tee (M; similar for less) // Frame Denim (29; similar for less) // Dolce Vita slides (8) // VE necklace
I was just about to hunker down on the couch with my laptop when Lisa and Dawn asked if I wanted to go to Hillsboro Village to walk around and do some shopping.
Well, yes! Yes, I did! I threw off my wrap, grabbed my purse, and we all hopped in Lisa’s car. (The other ladies had work and/or meetings to tend to.)
Before this trip, I’ve only known these two ladies online, and I had so much fun getting to know them better. Definitely check out their blogs and Instagram when you get a chance! (I linked their Instagram accounts below. Both are very active over there.)
That night, we had dinner at City House and then went down to Broadway. A few of the ladies in our group had never been to Nashville before, so Broadway was a must. Since it was a Monday night, it was pretty chill. There were definitely plenty of people, but it wasn’t as crazy as it is on a Friday or Saturday night.
I wore my black jeans and the black floral top I’ve been wearing so much lately. I topped it off with the coated denim jacket from my travel day and added the black quilted slides. I love these shoes for dressier looks when I need to do a fair amount of walking. They’re so comfortable. I wore them all night, and my feet were perfectly happy.
KUT from the Kloth Coated Kara (S) // Roan + Ryan tank (S) // Fidelity Denim (28; similar for less) // Jeffrey Campbell slides (similar in stock) // Kendra Scott earrings // VE x JLS bracelet // Kendra Scott necklace // Gucci camera bag (similar for less)
Once we did the obligatory walk up and down Broadway, we settled at The Stage — one of my favorite honky tonks on Broadway. It’s more spacious than most, and the musicians are always good. Whiskey, Cash & Roses — the band playing that night — was amazing. I couldn’t get enough. I looked them up when I got home last night, and Paul and I are going to make a point to go back when we can hear them play.
Sydney grabbed this picture of Cyndi and me, and I’m so glad she did! I love this lady so much, and it’s been way too long since we got together. We won’t let three years go by again.
We were all dragging a bit the next day, but we rallied and got up early to do some work. I think everyone on the trip is a morning person; we were all always up by 7AM.
I put on this all black outfit for our morning meeting/strategy sesh with Sydney, and I was planning to wear it for lunch at Bartaco and line dancing.
AllSaints tee (M) / Fidelity Denim (28; similar for less) // B-Low the Belt belt (M) // Veja sneakers // VE x JLS necklace // VE x JLS bracelet
I didn’t bring boots because the ones I have that seemed appropriate have fairly high heels, and I was afraid I’d hurt myself, to be honest! But Cyndi had the perfect pair with her, and we’re the same size, so she offered to let me borrow them. Once I had them on, I went ahead and changed tops as well.
Evereve floral top // Fidelity Denim (28; similar for less) // Dolce Vita boots (8) // YSL sunglasses (similar for less) // Gucci camera bag (similar for less)
Dawn joined us for lunch at Bartaco. We also met at the Blissdom Conference back in 2019, and we’ve kept in touch. It was so much fun to see her again!
After lunch, we went in a few shops and then walked up to Five Daughters Bakery, where I discovered the 100 Layer Donut. Ohmyword, were they ever good! The Purist is the one I recommend.
And of course, we had to have a mural picture.
After that, we had our line dancing lesson at Urban Cowboy Line Dancing with “Cowboy Brennan.” He was really sweet to put up with these midlife mamas trying to learn some new moves! We learned three dances, and those pictures are under lock and key.
That was our last full day in Nashville, and we were bushed! We all agreed to forego another dinner out, so we went back to the house, changed into comfy clothes, and ordered takeout from Amerigo. It was definitely a good decision. We sat around the table and talked and laughed until we cried… at least some of us did. I always get a touch of hysteria when I’m overtired.
Ooops, these joggers are one more item I didn’t include in the shopping widget. I didn’t think about them and the Pranayama Wrap because I don’t really consider them part of my capsule wardrobe. I always bring both pieces when I travel so I have something comfy I can throw on when I’m hanging out and don’t want to wear jeans, but it’s not appropriate to wear pajamas.
ATM tee (M; similar for less) // Vuori joggers (M)
We were all up bright and early yesterday to head home. A few of us had morning flights, and checkout time was 10AM. I pulled on this classic travel look for my return flight to Philly.
ATM tee (M; similar for less) // Frame Denim (29; similar for less) // Goyard St. Louis GM (similar for less) // Away The Medium
And that, as they say, is a wrap! It was such a good time, and I have a feeling we’ll be doing another trip like this at some point.
The conference scene is fun and a great way to meet new people, but we always say we learn more from the casual conversations we have during the downtime that is most valuable. On a trip like this, there is plenty of time to talk and learn from each other and share our tips and tricks. Plus, it’s just a lot of fun. Huge shoutout to Sydney for pulling it all together and making it so easy!
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28 Responses
Looks like you had a fabulous time – it’s always wonderful to connect with friends! But as you said – there’s no place like home.
All your outfits were spot on as always. Have a great rest of the week!
Thanks, Sherli!
What a fun trip! So glad the weather cooperated and you had a chance to connect with some fabulous ladies in a fun to visit town. You look gorgeous and put together as always! Thanks for linking past Nashville trips…. will save and reference if we go to Nashville one day. P.S. Jen is a Canadian living in Cali…..fun trivia fact.
Yes, I knew that. 🙂 She’s a blast.
Enjoyed your article and so nice meeting some of your blogger friends. I follow your friend Jan also, and really do like her blogs and love all the research she does . She’s my age so I relate to her very well. Your outfits were all great … You always looks so good. My nephew lives in Nashville and they love it there. I need to go visit him and check out all the fun places in Nashville. Bev Brown.
Yes, you should! 🙂
I really like what you took to Nashville! It sounds like that was a much needed trip for all of you. Have a great day!
Thanks, Ginger!
I really enjoyed the pictures and seeing some of the ladies I know from their blogs—Tania, Cyndi and Lisa. I love how you look put together with simple items and I need to remember this next time I pack. I am a chronic over packer, but I want choices, and your method works. And—you looked great!
I overpack too, but I am always happy I have options. In this case, I think the only thing I didn’t wear is the black woven tank. And I thought I brought extra!
Are those murals easy to find? We are going in 2 weeks to tour colleges.
I think there’s an app, or you can google it. I was with ladies who knew where to go.
I was in Nashville for a girls’ trip at the end of August and absolutely loved it. I’m already making a list of the things I’d definitely do again, as well as the things we didn’t get a chance to do that I’d want to on my next trip (which is not planned yet, but there’s NO way I’m not going back). I definitely struggled with what to pack because it was still beastly hot there, I didn’t want to look too “try hard” or kitschy with too much western wear and we’d be walking a lot so comfortable footwear was a must. I just loved having music available everywhere you go. The last morning of our trip, I wasn’t ready to call it quits yet (but my traveling companions wanted to stay close to the hotel) so I headed back to Broadway one last time to sit in a bar, have a mimosa and listen to the band. Day drinking, alone, at 9:30 in the morning was a definite first for me!
I did that in Mexico. The swim up bar was always full early in the day and they seemed to stay on their stools for hours. So, the second last morning I went before breakfast, swam up, took a stool and sat drinking a margarita. My hubby was surprised to find me there enjoying a drink but I wanted to do it at least once. So, good on you, Carol!
Paul and I discovered the best time to go to Broadway is the morning. There are still bands playing, in fact, one of the best ones we heard was a Saturday morning. They were so much fun, and it wasn’t crowded so we could really enjoy it. I will now add to that, Monday nights, haha! If you start early enough you can easily get a table, and it never got too wild and crazy.
I really enjoyed this post! Looks like a great time!
Thanks for all the Nashville details! SO glad Cyndi had an extra pair of boots for you to wear during your line-dancing class. I was picturing you trying to dance in those black slide heels you were wearing for dinner earlier!! The advantage to driving to an event (like Cyndi did!)…you can bring more options for footwear, etc!! I regularly follow 5 of you, must add the 6th one!! 🙂
Yes, she was saying that too, haha! I did look at my boots, but I didn’t feel I had just the right thing. I actually read up on shoes to wear line dancing, and low heeled Western boots or sneakers were recommended so my Vejas would have been fine. My Sam Edelman Western boots are HIGH and I was worried I’d twist my ankle. I can’t afford to do that! I am ordering those Dolce Vita I borrowed. I walked all over town and danced in them, and my feet were very comfy.
Oh my! It looks like a wonderful time! I follow most of you and would have loved to join the fun! So glad you could all get together and share! Love all of you!
Thanks, Barb!
All the ladies look lovely but you look the best! (You’re the only one I follow closely so I think I’m allowed to say that out loud!?) 🤷♀️😘 So glad you reconnected with old friends and enjoyed yourself. Nothing like spending time with girlfriends to renew the soul!
LOL, you’re funny. I often felt a little plain next to some of these stylish ladies, but I also felt very true to my own personal style, and that’s what it’s all about! 🙂 We had a blast. They are all such lovely, hard working, supportive women.
So good to hear that you all support each other. These days I’m sure your “business” is pretty competitive so it’s nice to see you all lifting each other up.
What a fun post. You wrote it so well and so fun to see all the photos. You really do good packing. I need a packing lesson. I just can’t keep it simple. I want wayyyyy too many shoes. Lol. Sure looked like a fun trip.
Me too. Shoes are the hardest, especially on events like this where we were going out every night.
Sounds like a fun time. I went to Nashville for work once but didn’t get to do much for fun. I’d like to go back. The outfits are spot on.
You should definitely try to go sometime!
Thank you for such great info on what to wear in Nashville. I love your style. I follow Cyndi and Tania, so can’t imagine the fun it was. I’ll check out the other gals, too! Love the tip of stuffing the packed handbag!