What to Pack for Nashville: Essential Items for Your Trip

The trip finally made it out of the group chat – you’re heading to Nashville! But what to pack…do you go full-on country vibes or channel your inner influencer? What about bag policies at music venues or preparing for the weather? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered! No matter your agenda, here is what to pack for Nashville: essential items for your trip (and links to help make it even easier!) Let’s go!

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What to Pack for Nashville: Clothes/Shoes

Nashville is a trendy but casual town – think the latest cuts of jeans and a cute top, rather than a little black dress and stilettos (of course, wear whatever makes you feel best!)

And while locals don’t actually wear cowboy boots or hats, it’s honestly part of the fun of visiting. So, bring the boots, bring the bling, and have a great time!

Here are some ideas of what to pack for Nashville for every occasion:

Brunch:

Vibe: Effortlessly chic. Check out this ruffled bodysuit, and pair it with some breezy palazzo pants, or go for a pretty sundress or chic pantsuit. Add these cute Crocs sandals (yes, I said cute and crocks in the same sentence!) or these Hermes dupes, and finish it off with a cute crossbody bag.

For winter vibes, keep the bodysuit, swap the palazzos for trouser jeans, and grab a suede blazer and some fashion sneakers for a put together look.

Mani/Pedis:

Vibe: An influencer running errands. These matching sets are all the rage (check out this cute pant set and this one with shorts). Add a cute hat (obsessed with this espresso martini hat, and these two with a bow and a simple heart), and then slip on some sandals that won’t mess up your pedicure.

PJs:

Vibe: Comfy, but cute because you’re on vacation! Check out these cutie sets (love this ribbed set, and also these silky ones), and pair with a cozy robe and some fuzzy slippers!

Broadway:

Vibe: Anything goes, and you can get away with ALL the bling! Try a denim dress (this sleeveless version comes in pink and black, too, and I like the collar on this style) or jump suit with a rhinestone belt and pair with a fun set of sparkly boots (with fringe!).

Concerts:

Vibe: Channel your inner country star. Bell bottoms with a body suit and a blingy denim jacket are a great move here. And clear bags are a must (like, actually – you have to have one for most of the concert venues)

And if you’re heading to a concert outdoors (the lawn at Ascend Amphitheater is always the move), be sure to bring a great lawn blanket!

Or, pair a cute graphic tee (love this Dolly t-shirt and this birth year tee – shout out to my 1985 babies) with your favorite jeans and a blingy cowboy hat!

Sunglasses:

Pairs well with all outfits. Check out these 1970s-vibed lenses or a fun pair of Goodrs!

Shoes:

In general, Nashville isn’t a very walkable town. So, you’ll probably want to Uber most places, but you can expect some walking Downtown or around the neighborhood where you stay so keep comfort in mind. (On Broadway, most of the bars are 4+ levels, and there aren’t many elevators. JUST FYI).

Here are some boot, sneakers, and sandal options to keep you stylish and comfy!

Boots: Love these tall sparkle fringe boots. Here is another fun ankle-length rhinestone option, or go more traditional with a little pizazz.

Sneakers: Dress them up (gold or pink?) or stick with the dad sneakers. Either way, your feet will thank you.

Sandals: Love a platform or flat sandal for a pretty look that’s easy to cover some ground.

And when your feet just can’t take it anymore, slip into these foldable flats and have some blister band-aids and foot masks on hand!

Emergency supplies:

Don’t let a fashion emergency ruin your night out. Stock up on some safety pins, clothing tape, and Tide Pens so you’re always prepared!

And don’t forget a lint roller and travel steamer!

Packing Essentials:

• Use a vacation as an excuse to get yourself a cute new luggage set. These colorful sets will be hard to lose, and these neutral carry-ons look more expensive than they are.
• Make sure you don’t start the trip off with any mix-ups by labeling your bags with these cute luggage tags!
• Keep your clothes, shoes, and accessories neat and organized with these compressed traveling cubes (giving you more room to buy things here!)
• Protect your cowboy hats and boots in this hat case and boot bags!
• Keep your jewelry organized and detangled with a compact carrying case.
• Protect your heat tools (and the other things in your bag) with this hair tools travel bag.
• Simplify your makeup packing while still bringing all the full-glam essentials with these pretty quilted bags. And keep your toiletries organized in with these fillable containers and a toothbrush cover!
• Crossbody bags are perfect for heading out on Broadway, and clear bags are a must for most of the concert venues.
• Airplane alcohol bags – we have lots of great distilleries, breweries, and wineries in Middle Tennessee!

Hangover Kits

What to Pack for Nashville? I’m not saying you’ll need a hangover kit…I’m just saying it’s good to be prepared.

• Water bottle (this pink tie dye bottle is so cute and comes in way more colors – plus you can actually find Stanley’s on Amazon now??)
• Pedialyte or Liquid IV powders (easy to pack!)
• Ibuprofen
• Tums
• Eye mask to block out the dreaded sun – I have this one which is great for lashes, but I love a weighted mask for a headache, too.
• Sound machine – essential if you’re staying with other people
• Eye masks to help you look refreshed again!

While a hangover may be inevitable, keep yourself safe from anything worse with this drink scrunchie that covers the top of your drink. Nashville is generally safe, but it just takes one bad apple – don’t give them an opportunity!

Weather Related

Nashville weather can be beautiful – but it can also change on a dime. So, be ready for anything with some of these essentials.

• This mini umbrella is so cute and easy to pack. Or, bring a poncho or rain jacket for outdoor shows.
• Bug spray. It’s the South. (Here is a natural version.)
• Sunscreen. It’s the South. (And here’s an organic spray.)
• And don’t forget your sunnies! I have this trendy version that’s reminiscent of Travis Kelce and really blocks the sun. And you can also find Goodrs on Amazon!
• Nothing beats a summer evening on the lawn at a great show or an open air movie. Be sure you bring a great lawn blanket!

Electronics

If you’re the trip planner, you know someone is probably going to forget these things. Might as well stock up!

• Chargers: iPhone and Android
• Headphones
• White noise machine
• Portable charger
• Portable fan
• Portable Apple watch charger
• This cutie Polaroid-esque camera
• Photo printer for phones

And don’t forget…

• Personal items and toiletries (bring them all in this cute bag!)
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Medication and first aid kit
• Hand sanitizer (this one is rosewater scented!) and wipes
• Emergency supplies: Safety pins, clothing tape, etc.

So, now you’re all set and know what to pack for Nashville! Of course, packing is only the least interesting part of your trip! There are so many fun things to do in Nashville. Here are some of the best brunches, places to find espresso martinis, patios, and things to do that don’t require eating and drinking!

And if you really want to make it easy on yourself, check out my Nashville itineraries where I take the guesswork out of your planning!

Have a great visit!

XO,
SB