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Speaking with many tourists who spend time in my place of work in downtown Nashville, I’ve noticed that many of them are a little shocked by the dress of local Nashvillians.

They seemed to expect the whole city to be a mirror of lower Broadway and were disappointed that they had already bought expensive cowboy hats and boots...but pleasantly surprised nonetheless.

Working at a popular retail store, I get to see plenty of Nashville’s most stylish fashionistas come and go as well. Despite recent claims of our city being among the worst dressed, we have plenty of well-dressed fashion lovers. As I observe their purchases and which items draw the most attention, I realized that Nashville is pretty trendy. Although to many style enthusiasts, it’s not quite clear whether ‘trendy’ is good or bad, we still aren’t as oblivious to the fashion forward moves of the rest of the world as our critics might think. There are a few trends that I’ve noticed around town that even measure up to your favorite celebrities, proving that Nashville’s dress really isn't as bad as the critics would lead you to believe.

Heels, Without Heels

{(l to r) Victoria Beckham wearing Antonio Berardi, Audrina Patridge & Nicole Scherzinger wearing Guiseppe Zanotti}

I once showed my mom a pair of these, and she laughed in disbelief that anyone would attempt to wear them. “You’d look back too fast and you’re on the floor,” she said. Yes, these shoes are a tad impractical and a challenge to wear, but that what makes them fashionable. Pain really is beauty when it comes to this shoe, but they are, indeed, beautiful and the perfect way to stand out. You really can’t take your eye away from them. Made popular by Lady Gaga, the heel-less wedge has become a hot commodity, and many designers and celebrities are jumping on the bandwagon.

Try: Night Litas by Jeffery Campbell found on solestruck.com

Find these locally at Sole of 615

Cut Out Dresses

As we’re already in the warmer months, it’s time for a new summer dress. The A-line sun dress just might be a little too typical for 2012. This year is all about breaking away from the norm with new shapes, patterns, and textiles. So, it shouldn’t be any surprise that the cut out dress has gained popularity. What’s great about this style is that it can be accomplished in an endless number of ways. The dress can be cut anywhere from the shoulders, back, and hips, to the waist and bust, and in any shape.

Charlize Theron at Cinema Con wearing Dion Lee. The cut out look can also be made using illusion netting.

Other stars following in the cut out trend: Selena Gomez, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Halle Berry, and Chloe Sevigny.

Try: Find this cut out look locally at Blush Boutique.

Color Blocking

Color blocking has been a reoccurring trend for a few seasons now, but maybe that’s because it’s so easy to do once you’ve got it all figured out. There’s an art to color blocking and ways to make sure you're not just the next girl wearing a purple shirt and pink pants. A great way to start is by pairing complementary colors (on opposite sides of the color wheel) and pulling them together with a simple white, black, or even neutral piece. Once you’ve got that down, you can add colors in the same family. Build it up with colored jewelry and a bag, or with silver or gold jewelry and a black bag.

Jessica Alba color blocking with orange top, cyan blazer, and black Dolce & Gabanna pencil skirt.

Try: Chiffon color blocked button up from local retailer, Studio 615.

Also available locally, these options from Muse

And if you're really bold-try this color block/cut out combo, also at Muse

Sheer

As I mentioned, this year is about playing with textiles, and this summer, everyone seems to love sheer. Whether it’s a dress, blouse, or sometimes pant, this trend seems to be everywhere. I see sheer pieces made with chiffon and mesh silk or cotton making even a long sleeve shirt breathable in the summer. This look can can be used in a formal dress or casual shirt. Stylists from all around are proving that see-through doesn’t always have to be as risque as you’d think.

Daisy Lowe at the British Academy Television Awards.

Try: This caped, sheer top from Romwe.com

Find this ALC Molly sheer top locally at H. Audrey

Jumpsuits

In previous summers, the go to cover-all look was the maxi dress. It was sleek and comfortable, but not so sexy. This year, the most stylish way to achieve this look is with jumpers. Jumpers and rompers have been around and popular for awhile, but now they are looking more progressive than ever with vibrant prints, varying pant styles, and fun necklines. Not to mention, the new style of jumpsuit is becoming more readily available at local stores and at decent, affordable prices.

Cassie in a leopard Salvatore Ferragamo jumpsuit at the Cannes Film Festival.

Try: Tropical print jumpsuit found on Asos.com

Find this more dressy jumper locally at Apricot Lane.

Want to see more celebrity trends? Take a look around Nashville!