Culture and Lifestyle 75 Most Stylish Southerners By Southern Living Editors Southern Living Editors Since 1966, the editors of Southern Living have been carrying out the mission of the brand: to bring enjoyment, fulfillment, and inspiration to our readers by celebrating life in the South. We inspire creativity in their homes, their kitchens, their gardens, and their personal style. We are a friend they can trust, a guide to the seasons, a helping hand during the holidays, and a relentless champion of the Southern way of life. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on November 2, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Iain Bagwell From forward-thinking shop owners to nationally recognized designers, we rounded up 75 of the best-dressed entrepreneurs living in the South. Here, they sum up all that's to love about Southern style now. 01 of 52 Laura Vinroot Poole Photo: Marko MacPherson Charlotte, North Carolina Owner, Capitol & Poole Shop; Co-founder, House Account (mobile shopping app), capitolcharlotte.com "Southern women have a steadiness and a strength that sets us apart. We know where we come from and take pride in all the highs and lows of that. This confidence gives us an unwavering sense of style that is always original, often surprising, feminine, and very beautiful." Follow Laura on Twitter: @capitolclt 02 of 52 Matt Lee Ted Lee Photo: Squire Fox Charleston, South Carolina Authors, mattleeandtedlee.com "We're certainly not the first to say this, but we think Southern style is characterized by a commitment to handcrafted quality, to old methods of manufacturing, and a "worn-in-ness" (for lack of a better word). Also, a little tropical flair, a red-bloodedness. That's really what seems to unite our favorite Southern designers: Victor and Sarah Litvinenko of Raleigh Denim, Natalie Chanin, Billy Reid, Leigh Magar." Follow Matt & Ted on Twitter: @TheLeeBros 03 of 52 Paul Trible Photo: Casey Templeton Richmond, Virginia Co-founder and CEO, Ledbury, ledbury.com "The only thing different about Southern style today is that it is now defining American style. From movies and TV shows to some of the country's most talented designers, Southern style is having its moment." 04 of 52 Billy Reid Photo: Robert Rausch Florence, Alabama Fashion Designer, billyreid.com "The world now is so connected that borders don't define style any longer. The South is a place with its own flavors, nuances, and traditions, but fashion and tastes today seem more global, yet very personal at the same time." Follow Billy on Twitter: @billy_reid 05 of 52 Holly Williams Photo: David McClister Nashville, Tennessee Musician; Owner, H. Audrey and White's Mercantile boutiques, hollywilliams.com "In the South most people believe in quality over quantity, in good fabrics and timeless pieces that will last for generations. I'm thinking about if it will work for my grandkids one day when I buy something. That sounds crazy but it's rooted in us." Follow Holly on Twitter: @hollywilliams1 06 of 52 Sara Ruffin Costello Photo: Paul Costello New Orleans, Louisiana Design consultant, Decorator, Writer, sararuffincostello.com "The Southerners whose style I most admire have an enviable quality that suggests nothing is more important than what is happening right now, in front of them." Follow Sara on Twitter: @ruffincostello 07 of 52 The whole imogene and willie staff Photo: Ashley Peak Nashville, Tennessee Designers, store reps, event coordinators, etc. for one of Nashville's coolest brands, imogene and willie, imogeneandwillie.com "We love Nashville for so many reasons. There is such a respect for tradition in this city, but more and more, so every day, that tradition is marrying individuality. Nashville is a melting pot. If you lined up 100 folks from in the city, you would not see a consistent style because there is not one. The only consistency? Everyone is nice." Follow imogene and willie on Twitter: @imogenewillie 08 of 52 Mimi Robinson CeCe Colhoun Photo: Paul Costello New Orleans, Louisiana Boutique owners, miminola.com "There is so much design talent coming out of New Orleans. One is Crowe, a line of delicate, feminine, yet clever jewelry from Lauren Bott. It's all versatile and dynamic, but also very wearable and at a great price point." 09 of 52 Julia Reed Iain Bagwell New Orleans, Louisiana Author "Southern style at its best is unfussy and all about living with fine old things in a relaxed way. Think slipcovers, faded chintz, Oriental rugs, or sea grass on polished hardwood floors—the comfortable English country house look as translated by Nancy Lancaster, who, after all, was born in Virginia. (And while we're on the subject, the drearily overwrought Downton Abbey is the opposite of what I'm talking about!)" Tour Julia's Ultimate Entertaining Garden "Like" Julia Reed on Facebook 10 of 52 Otis James Photo: Brett Warren Nashville, Tennessee Owner and Designer, Otis James Nashville, otisjames.com "What I like best about Nashville's style is how unassuming it is. I would consider it a well-dressed city, but it is not over the top or in your face. People take pride in what they wear, but don't feel the need to be too flashy." Follow Otis on Twitter: @OtisJamesNash 11 of 52 Michelle Nussbaumer Photo: Stephen Karlisch Dallas, Texas Principal Designer and Founder, Ceylon et Cie, ceylonetcie.com "Southern style is set apart by tradition, elegance, and timelessness. It is reminiscent of English country houses with inherited pieces and of course, great hospitality." Follow Michelle on Twitter: @mnussbaumer 12 of 52 Valerie June Photo: Dean Chalkley Memphis, Tennessee Musician, valeriejune.com "Much like folks from France, I find Southerners really care about how they look. We can wear an old rag and make it look like a brand-new purchase because of the way we carry ourselves. We're just as confident in a pair of overalls as we are in our Sunday best." Follow Valerie on Twitter: @TheValerieJune 13 of 52 Paul Qui Deana Saukam Photo: Franz Mahr Austin, Texas Chef (Paul)/ Media Director (Deana), qui and East Side King, quiaustin.com; eskaustin.com "Austin is a brave town and is willing to take risks, from food to fashion and everything else in between." Follow Paul on Twitter: @pquiFollow Deana on Twitter: @DeanaSaukam 14 of 52 Andi Eaton Photo: Tate Tullier New Orleans, Louisiana Founder, NOLA Fashion Week; Designer, Hazel & Florange; Blogger, Oui We, hazelandflorange.com; ouiwegirl.com "New Orleans' deep rooted culture, influenced by jazz music, Carnival season, and the amazing cuisines spills into the way New Orleanians dress. Intricate design with a bit of costume flair is seen in everyday attire. There's also the classics: seersucker and lightweight cottons appropriate for the tropical weather." Follow Andi on Twitter: @andieaton 15 of 52 Natalie Chanin Photo: Peter Stanglmayr Florence, Alabama Designer and Founder, Alabama Chanin, alabamachanin.com "Southern style—as with many regional style influences—has become a global style. We may often be stereotyped as being about gingham, monograms, or cowboy boots—and there's not anything wrong with those things, but modern Southern style has found its own voice as a mix of comfort with quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. We love well-made goods that come with a story and have respect for those who have the skill to produce those things." 16 of 52 Rachel Halvorson Photo: Paige Rumore Nashville, Tennessee Interior Designer, rachelhalvorson.com "As much as Nashville is changing and growing, it still has that heartfelt authenticity to it. Our style is very laid-back. I like that I can wear my boots and blue jeans from client meetings straight to a cocktail party… Or at least, I think I can." 17 of 52 Anne-Marie Varnell Oxford, Mississippi Owner, Cicada, shopcicada.com "As a region, I believe Southerners are not afraid of and actually prefer color and prints. We love to wear our clothes in brighter and bolder colors than most of the country. Also, it is important to Southerners to have the complete look. Having our hair and makeup done to perfection is just as necessary as wearing a fabulous outfit. I love that about the South." 18 of 52 Amanda Strong Boalt Palm Beach, Florida Founder, Strong Boalt Menswear, strongboalt.com "Southern style is a combination of heritage and climate. Men tend to be more dapper and women more feminine. We love to keep things sunny and polished. It's carefree yet classic." 19 of 52 Amanda McClements Martin Photo: Jeffrey Martin Washington, D.C. Owner and Creative Director, Salt & Sundry, shopsaltandsundry.com "A new wave of creative energy is sweeping D.C. right now. There's a real focus on individuality and pushing boundaries when it comes to style." 20 of 52 Jessica Nell Graves Photo: Caroline Fontenot Atlanta, Georgia Founder, The Love List; Creative Director, Shops Around Lenox, thelovelist.net; shopsaroundlenox.com "Southern style will always have roots. Its longevity is based on function. You don't see that as much up North. Different areas have some colloquial influences—music in Nashville, sporting in Georgia. It's more about a sense of place than about abiding by trends." Follow Jessica on Twitter: @TheLoveList 21 of 52 Alyson Fox Photo: Amanda Elmore Austin, Texas Designer, alysonfox.com "Austinites are bold, curious, tailored, classic, and out of the box comfortable. I love that I can go to dinner and see so many styles all working at once and everyone looks right at home." 22 of 52 Susan Hable Smith Photo: Rinne Allen Athens, Georgia Creative Director, Hable Construction, hableconstruction.com "Ladies take great care of themselves in the South. A grocery store visit is treated as an opportunity to put lipstick on. I have lived in many different places and it's one big thing that I noticed every time I would visit the South. Athens is no exception!" 23 of 52 Kendra Scott Photo: David Heisler Austin, Texas CEO and Founder, Kendra Scott, kendrascott.com "Southern style, specifically fashion in Texas, is often misinterpreted. It is hard to shake that iconic cowboy boots stereotype. While some may say that having distance from fashion meccas like New York City and L.A. is a disadvantage, there is actually more freedom in expressing your personal style. From classic and feminine to boho-casual and rocker chic—you see it all in the South." Follow Kendra on Twitter: @KendraScott 24 of 52 Libby Callaway Photo: The Selby Nashville, Tennessee Creative consultant, Writer, @libbycallaway1970 on Instagram "Southern style at its best skirts the line between propriety and eccentricity. The chicest women I know below the Mason-Dixon understand that it's possible to simultaneously dress to honor your personal history (Why yes, these are grandmother's pearls...) while letting your freak-flag fly (...that I'm wearing with this black leather jacket I got at a flea market in London)." Follow Libby on Twitter: @LibbyCallaway 25 of 52 John Rife Winter Park, Florida Owner, East End Market, eastendmkt.com "Despite cities becoming much more cosmopolitan, there is still a hearkening back to clean lines, crisp collars, and classic patterns when it comes to Southern style. A dark pair of blue jeans, rolled up sleeves, handmade leather belt, and wingtips are the new business suit." Follow John on Twitter: @JohnRife 26 of 52 Anna E. Cottrell Fayetteville, Arkansas Owner and Buyer, Lola Boutique, lolaboutique.com "Being raised a Southern girl, I never feel more pulled together than when I am wearing red lipstick." Follow Anna on Twitter: @AnnaECottrell 27 of 52 Lindsey Carter Photo: Robbie Caponetto Charleston, South Carolina Designer and Founder, Troubadour, troubadourclothing.com "Our region's style still has its hand in the traditional, but people are updating those looks with modern takes. For men, think Raleigh Denim jeans with a bow tie; for women mixing and matching prints and unusual silhouettes." Follow Lindsey on Twitter: @Troubadour__ 28 of 52 Hugh Acheson Photo: Emily B. Hall Athens, Georgia Chef and Partner, Five & Ten, The National, Empire State South, Cinco y Diez, hughacheson.com "I was a punk rock kid who never grew out of a fondness for T-shirts and jeans. I like clothes that fit. I don't feel right unless I am clean-shaven. I like Paul Smith socks, probably too much. I could wear Blundstone boots everyday of my life." Follow Hugh on Twitter: @HughAcheson 29 of 52 Tasia Malakasis Photo: Robert Rausch Elkmont, Alabama Cheesemaker, Belle Chevre, bellechevre.com "When Southern style has been recalled/recollected there were always polarities that would emerge. It was either highbrow elegance (white linen and shaded porches), or working-lass grit and guts that had its own powerful draw. What is wonderful now about our modern style is that those polarities are swirled together in a way that is very real and earthy, yet elegant at the same time." Follow Tasia on Twitter: @BelleChevre 30 of 52 Shelly Colvin Photo: Andrea Behrends Nashville, Tennessee Musician; Stylist & Music Events Coordinator at Billy Reid, shellycolvin.net "Southern style has always been viewed as more traditional or conservative, but just as our culture has become more en vogue nationally, our style has become more progressive. There is more awareness in the South of what's happening in fashion than ever before. Alabama has the third most members of the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) behind New York and California for cryin' out loud. But like anything Southern, what always sets us apart is our charm, whimsy, and hospitality." Follow Shelly on Twitter: @shellycolvin 31 of 52 Stacy Smallwood Charleston, South Carolina Owner, Hampden & James, hampdenclothing.com "Southerners value our cultural traditions and therefore every Southern woman understands the importance of dressing for each occasion. While I enjoy wearing black blazers and leather leggings for a Friday night, my Southern roots will always make me gravitate towards a colorful dress for a luncheon for the Historic Charleston Foundation. We often limit our style, but I think in Charleston there is a time and a place for every style." Follow Stacy on Twitter: @hampdenclothing 32 of 52 Sid Mashburn Ann Mashburn Photo: Robbie Caponetto Atlanta, GA Boutique owners, sidmashburn.com; annmashburn.com Sid's style tip for Southern gentlemen: "It's always good to be dressed, or you'll get in trouble with the law. Seriously, clothes should fit, probably closer than you're used to. Achieving the right fit will help you lose 10 pounds visually without needing to exercise." Follow Sid and Ann on Twitter: @SIDMASHBURN; @ANNMASHBURN 33 of 52 Harper Poe Photo: Olivia Rae James Charleston, South Carolina Owner and Designer, Proud Mary, proudmary.org "I travel a lot for my work and am overall globally inspired. I love bringing the colors and textures of global craftspeople to Charleston, a city steeped in traditional craft." Follow Harper on Twitter: @ProudMaryDesign 34 of 52 Carter McGuyer Photo: Robert Rausch Tuscumbia, Alabama Industrial Designer, cartermcguyer.com "From childhood, I distinctly remember my grandfather's attention to detail in his dress. He would set himself apart from other gentlemen by wearing his belt with the buckle moved to the side, or by incorporating bold patterns. Like many elements of Southern heritage, I learned to be confident and wear what I like from watching him." Follow Carter on Twitter: @cartermdesign 35 of 52 Lauren Liess Photo: David Liess Great Falls, Virginia Principal Designer, Lauren Liess & Co.; Decorator & Textile Designer, laurenliess.com "I love a meaningful, collected look—whether in the home, on the table, or in clothing—and think it's something Southerners do brilliantly. Mixing in my grandmother's antique clover china with modern pieces like a teak root bowl on the table feels unexpected and personal." Follow Lauren on Twitter: @LaurenLiess 36 of 52 Sally King Benedict Atlanta, Georgia Artist, sallybenedict.com "Harper Poe of Proud Mary has just released a small line of gauzy, breezy pieces that I'm planning on living in this spring/summer. Simple, minimal, perfect." Like Sally King Benedict on Facebook 37 of 52 Thomas Wages Jan Rattia Atlanta, Georgia Founder, TWEEDS, tweedsshop.com "Southern style has a genteel formality to it, timeless, classic, yet worn in a casual lazy Sunday afternoon way—rumpled and slightly askew is part of the charm. Add in our signature affection for gingham, seersucker, and exposed ankles and you have Southern style at its finest." Follow Thomas on Twitter: @thomaswages 38 of 52 Beth Parker Photo: Kristin Tatem Lexington, Kentucky Blogger, seersuckerandsaddles.blogspot.com "Lexington is a hidden gem. It has so much more to offer than meets the eye. The women—whether in college, young professionals, or moms—have crazy Southern swag." Follow Beth on Twitter: @seersuckersaddl 39 of 52 Jon Carloftis Photo: Thomas Hart Shelby Lexington, Kentucky Garden designer; shop owner, joncarloftis.com "I think most would agree that few locations in the U.S. can compare visually to the elegance, beauty, and grandeur of the South. And the new generation of Southerners are sweetening the deal with the infusion of hip and forward-thinking businesses and people." 40 of 52 Juley Thuy Le Photo: Rebecca Do New Orleans, Louisiana Blogger, Director of Operations at a charter school, upperlyne.com "Amanda deLeon is my hands-down favorite Southern designer for her architectural aesthetic and immaculate execution skills. I've watched her develop since the first NOLA Fashion Week and have followed/stalked her since. Her collections could easily rival NYFW designers." Follow Juley on Twitter: @juleytl 41 of 52 Angie Hranowsky Photo: Julia Lynn Charleston, South Carolina Interior designer, angiehranowsky.com "Charleston is a real beacon for what's taking place in the South. Its diversity is a unique clash of cultures, creatives, technology, and award-winning food. And with that comes loads of original style." Follow Angie on Twitter: @angiehranowsky 42 of 52 Ronnie Rashon Carraway Photo: Donald Wilson Rock Hill, South Carolina Blogger, Mr. Goodwill Hunting; Creative Director, The Carraway Concept, rashoncarraway.com; thecarrawayconcept.com "Southern style is distinctive in that often times it complements the manners of the South. It is warm, bright, and welcoming—the same as a true Southerner." Follow Rashon on Twitter: @RashonCarraway 43 of 52 Brooks Reitz Photo: Squire Fox Charleston, South Carolina Entrepreneur, Restaurateur, jackrudycocktailco.com; neighbourhoodllc.com "Heritage is what sets our style apart. It's perfectly acceptable and expected that you might have your dad's favorite oxford, your uncle's favorite old jeans, and your grandfather's watch. That history and patina is what makes Southern style special for me." Follow Brooks on Twitter: @brooksreitz 44 of 52 Diane Flynt Photo: Kate Medley Dugspur, Virginia Owner, Foggy Ridge Cider, foggyridgecider.com "Whether taking care of neighbors, entertaining friends, or working on the farm, I believe Southern style is all about grace. My parents raised me to believe that "things matter," that it's both worthwhile and enjoyable to take the time and make the effort. I see this sense of grace and personal warmth in how Southerners serve up meals, dress for work or play—and even in the orchard when we take time from picking to sprawl on the warm grass and eat an apple." Follow Diane on Twitter: @FoggyRidgeCider 45 of 52 Melissa Blanchard Columbia, South Carolina Owner, VANJEAN WOMENSWEAR, shopvanjean.com "Southerners have always been authentic and original. Add modern to that mix and you have present-day Southern style." Follow Melissa on Twitter: @DuchessofDevine 46 of 52 Emily Leonard Southard Photo: Ashley Peak Nashville, Tennessee Visual Artist, emilyleonard.com "One thing I love about style in the South is that Southerners don't shy away from colors, prints, and florals. I also love that our sundresses and sandals season is extra long." Follow Emily on Twitter: @emilyleonard 47 of 52 Chassity Evans Photo: Gray Benko Charleston, South Carolina Author, Look Linger Love, looklingerlove.com "A local designer I'm loving is Amanda Greeley of Tink + Tiger. Her luxurious pajama line makes me want to wear pj's everywhere. The sleep romper is what dreams are made of." Follow Chassity on Twitter: @LookLingerLove 48 of 52 Gena Knox Photo: Mali Azima Athens, GA Cookbook author, genaknox.com "Alex Smith is an Atlanta garden designer whose style I love. He came to my house last month, and I am smitten." Follow Gena on Twitter: @GenaKnox 49 of 52 Kimberly Schlegel Whitman Laurey W. Glenn Dallas, Texas Editor-at-Large, Southern Living, kimberlywhitman.com "Dallas is full of women who love to embrace their own personal style regardless of trends. I love that women here are confident enough to follow their own path and wear what works on them." Follow Kimberly on Twitter: @KimberlyWhitman 50 of 52 Erika McPherson Powell Photo: Laurey W. Glenn Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Designer and Owner, Urban Grace Interiors, Inc., urbangrace.com "Southern style has and always will be defined by tradition. Whether it's a way of decorating, entertaining, or fashion, Southerners tend to look to the past." Follow Erika on Instagram: @erikampowell 51 of 52 Keisha Noel Photo: Bill Curry Atlanta, Georgia Creative Director, KZ Noel Jewelry, kznoel.com "As an infant in comparison to many other cities in the U.S., Atlanta has made big strides in celebrating fashion and the arts. We have many exciting designers like Wes Gordon, Patrick T. Cooper, and Katharine Kidd all hailing from here." Like Keisha Noel on Facebook 52 of 52 Cecilia Márquez Photo: Rhonda Hunter Houston, Texas Creative Director, Saint Cloud, shopsaintcloud.com "To me, Southern style, especially in Texas, is about the attention to detail. A Southern woman thinks about every single piece of her outfit, down to the color of her hair tie. Accessories play an essential role, and nothing is overlooked." Follow Cecilia on Twitter: @shopsaintcloud Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit