Bling, boots, and burned hats – here's what CMA Fest fans are wearing

Vivian Jones and Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean
Updated ·2 min read
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Broadway is a sea of cowboy hats and boots this weekend, as country music fans take over downtown for the genre’s biggest party.

From Riverfront to Fan Fair X, fans are sporting classic western wear looks – fringe, cut off denim, ditsy floral tops and dresses, and turquoise and silver accessories – and many are adding a glam twist.

“Bling, bling, bling – rhinestones, burned hats, and boots,” Millinean Lawrence told The Tennessean, of how she’d sum up this year’s CMA Fest fashion trends. “That’s what we’ve seen across the board, but of course, here more than ever.”

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It's not just the fans getting in on the CMA Fest look. Artists like the trio Chapel Hart stepped on stage Friday not only with bling and fringe, but also blinged out fringe. Priscilla Block took the Riverfront stage in a highlighter green top studded with rhinestones and black cutoff denim shorts.

Lawrence lives in Nashville and owns country apparel business Boop-de-Doop, which she primarily takes on the road for shows around the country – including the Fan Fair X at CMA Music Festival. She recently started carrying hats burned with designs like flowers, feathers, and even Bible verses, to cater to the new trend.

Priscilla Block performs on the riverfront stage during the 50th annual CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tenn. on June 9, 2023.
Priscilla Block performs on the riverfront stage during the 50th annual CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tenn. on June 9, 2023.

“We love going to different towns to meet new people and seeing their fashion,” she said.

Paula Miracle catered a portion of her business, Rustic Tennessee Cowhide, to the bling trend, but largely she's set up shop at CMA Fest for the leather lovers. Miracle upcycles old cowboy boots into bags and rosaries into country western themed accessories.

She's also gotten into the designer clear-bag game, adding leather flaps and buckles to the see-through totes so festival attendees can stay in compliance with CMA Fest rules.

"They want the natural," Miracle said. "They don't want cow print, they want cowhide. They want the real thing."

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: CMA Fest 2023 fashion includes bling, boots, burned hats in Nashville