Nashville isn’t just about the rhinestones anymore. Honestly, walking down Broadway during CMA week usually feels like a sea of predictable felt hats and stiff denim. But the 2024 CMA Awards red carpet at the Bridgestone Arena felt different. It was less of a "uniform" and more of a high-fashion fever dream. We saw everything from Olympic royalty to bedazzled clogs.
Basically, the 58th Annual CMA Awards proved that country stars are finally bored with playing it safe. They're leaning into the weird, the sheer, and the "Wait, is that a denim dress with feathers?" vibes.
The Denim Drama and the Return of the Feather
If you were looking for the biggest conversation starter, Kacey Musgraves won before the show even started. She rolled up in a Georges Hobeika Fall 2023 couture piece that shouldn't have worked on paper. It was a denim midi dress. But it wasn’t just denim. It was dripping in crystal-like fringe and featured massive, periwinkle blue feather sleeves.
You’ve seen Kacey do "Space Cowboy" glam before, but this was a different level of commitment to the bit. It felt like a nod to the Dolly Parton era of over-the-top excess, but filtered through a modern, almost avant-garde lens. She kept her hair in her signature long, center-parted style, which actually helped ground the whole "I’m wearing a blue bird" aesthetic.
Why the 2024 CMA Awards Red Carpet Embraced the "Year of Sheer"
One of the most surprising trends of the night was the sheer volume of see-through fabric. In Nashville. In November.
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Lainey Wilson, who co-hosted the night alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, didn't wear a single dress. She stuck to her guns. Her red carpet arrival in a Zuhair Murad Resort 2025 ensemble was a masterclass in "Country Boss." She paired a crystal-embellished blazer with—and here’s the kicker—sheer trousers. It was controversial. It was bold. But because she topped it with her signature wide-brimmed black hat and a silver bolo tie, it still felt unequivocally Lainey.
- Ella Langley: She went for "goth-glam" in a floor-length sheer lace dress by designer Mac Duggal. The ruffled black cape over the top made her look like a country music vampire in the best way possible.
- Macie Banks: She skipped the gown entirely for a glittery black lace pantsuit.
- Colbie Caillat: Her black gown featured a silver mesh overlay that acted as a sheer second skin on one arm.
It’s interesting because Nashville fashion used to be quite conservative. Now? If you aren't showing a bit of skin through some intricate lace or mesh, you're almost the odd one out.
The Men Are Finally Having Fun (Sorta)
Men's fashion at award shows is usually a snooze fest of black tuxedos. Not this time. Shaboozey, the man behind the inescapable "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," showed up in a mint green suit with black piping and rose prints on the legs.
The real kicker? His footwear. He wore custom bedazzled black Crocs.
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Yes, Crocs on the red carpet. It was a chaotic choice that somehow fit the "new country" vibe perfectly. Meanwhile, Luke Bryan went for a subtle metallic pinstripe on his all-black suit, and Thomas Rhett kept things classic but swapped the traditional tie for a Western string tie. It's a small detail, but it makes a huge difference in keeping the "Nashville" identity alive amidst all the Hollywood stylists.
The Simone Biles Effect and Unexpected A-Listers
You know it's a big night when the G.O.A.T. shows up. Simone Biles traded her gym leotards for a stunning metallic silver gown. It was an off-the-shoulder silhouette with a knotted detail that felt very "Grecian Goddess meets Nashville Star." She also used the event to debut a fresh bob haircut, which honestly stole the spotlight from half the nominees.
We also saw some "Wait, they're here?" moments with Jeff Bridges and Billy Bob Thornton. Jeff Bridges went with the "all-black everything" trend that dominated the men's side of the 2024 CMA Awards red carpet. It's a safe bet, sure, but on a night where people are wearing sheer pants and denim feathers, a well-tailored black suit feels like a necessary palate cleanser.
Small Details: Turquoise and Timelessness
While the clothes were loud, the accessories were where the real "E-E-A-T" (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) of Nashville style came through. Expert stylists like Tiffany Gifford (who works with Miranda Lambert) and Courtney and Marina (who style Carrie Underwood) leaned heavily into authentic Western artistry.
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Miranda Lambert wore a classic off-the-shoulder black gown, but she elevated it with massive turquoise drop earrings and a stack of silver and turquoise bracelets. It was a reminder that you don't need to reinvent the wheel to look like a superstar. Sometimes, you just need some really good rocks.
How to Pull Off the 2024 Trends Without a Stylist
You probably aren't heading to the Bridgestone Arena anytime soon, but the trends from the 2024 CMA Awards red carpet are actually pretty wearable if you scale them down.
- The "Pop of Western": Don't go full cowboy. Take a note from Thomas Rhett and swap your tie for a bolo. Or do what Marcus Dowling did and wear a high-end leather jacket with a statement silver buckle.
- Denim as Formalwear: Kacey's look was extreme, but structured denim dresses are everywhere right now. Look for dark washes and sharp tailoring to keep it from looking like a 2001 Britney Spears throwback.
- Sheer Layering: If you're nervous about the sheer trend, try a sheer sleeve or a lace overlay. It gives the illusion of the "Year of Sheer" without the "I'm wearing my underwear in public" anxiety.
- Silver > Gold: From Simone Biles to Kelsea Ballerini’s Dolce & Gabbana paillette gown, silver was the metal of the night. It’s cooler, edgier, and feels more "modern country" than traditional gold.
The 2024 CMA Awards red carpet wasn't just a fashion show; it was a vibe shift. The genre is expanding, and the clothes are finally catching up.
Next Steps for Your Style:
- Audit your jewelry box: Look for silver and turquoise pieces to "Nashville-up" a basic black outfit.
- Invest in tailoring: The best-dressed men (like Riley Green) proved that a perfect fit beats a loud pattern every single time.
- Experiment with texture: Mix denim, lace, and leather in one outfit to mimic the "modern Western" aesthetic seen on the carpet.