The Perfect Outfit
What to wear and where to wear it
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BY ERIN WALTERS AND LIZ BROWNING
Only 23 hours, 14 minutes and 26 seconds until your date with the sexy surfer you met at that Folly Beach dive bar. There’s just one question left to answer: What am I going to wear? It’s an age-old question that's been the cause of unwanted stress, countless dollars spent and multiple hours wasted. It's time to put a stop to all of that. Follow our lead and you won't have to save that hour for staring at your closet in defeat.
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Activity 1: Gallivanting around the gardens
Where: Cypress Gardens, Moncks Corner
What: When the over-crowded sidewalks and questionable scents of horse-drawn carriages get to you, take a 40-minute road trip out to Cypress Gardens for some fresh air. Besides being able to say you may have stood on the same ground as Ryan Gosling in The Notebook, you can trek along the 3.5 miles of breathtaking walking paths or take the less strenuous route and hop on a swamp boat tour.
Wear: Although we adored Allie Hamilton’s little blue frock as she and Noah acted out what is arguably one of the most romantic movie scenes, we suggest something a little more sensible for this adventurous activity. Try shorts and a feminine lacy top with strappy sandals and a straw fedora.
Activity 2: Shell hunting
Where: Sullivan’s Island
What: This beach has loved local restaurants, a picturesque lighthouse and seaside mansions in which you imagine everyone is drinking lemonade and baking pie. It's enough to convince anyone to break the bank to go halfsies on a rental. However, if you’re like the rest of us and scour your car’s every nook and cranny for spare nickels to get that extra four minutes on the parking meter, a beach house may not be in your budget. Don’t worry, just because you’re not technically a local doesn’t mean you can’t dress like one.
Wear: Throw on your cutest bikini and curl up on the beach with that book you’ve been too embarrassed to read in front of anyone else. Don't forget to stock your beach bag with a loose chambray shirt and khaki shorts for burgers at Poe's afterwards.
Activity 3: Window shopping
Where: King Street
What: Since navigating Charleston’s cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks in heels is more of sport than stroll, try a less-precarious alternative when traipsing around downtown in the daytime. There’s a time and place for those bright orange pumps, and that time is at night, when people are less likely to see you stumbling down the street. Instead, opt for a get-up that’ll give you all the confidence you need and spare your feet that extra hour at the nail salon.
Wear: We suggest limiting your accessories if you’re planning on trying on all those outfits you promised yourself you wouldn’t buy. Keep it simple. Wear something you can slip on and off effortlessly. Try a cute maxi dress with some flat sandals.
Activity 4: Night at the Races
Where: The Citadel Stadium
What: Nothing says spring to a Southerner quite like a horse race. Seersucker suits, mint juleps, big hats, high fashion, and you know exactly what time of the year it is. Night at the Races, an event thrown every year by the Charleston Junior League, features Kentucky Derby race coverage on multiple television as well as live music from the Gin House Boys, a silent auction, traditional Southern cuisine and, of course, Firefly mint juleps.
Wear: This is an event you can go all out for, so don’t be afraid to break out your highest heels and frilliest dress and spare no expense on a great floppy hat. What sets the Kentucky Derby apart from other sporting events is not just the horse race itself but the pageantry of derby attire.
Activity 5: Rooftop Chic
Where: The Library Bar at Vendue Inn
What: When you’re in such a beautiful city with weather to match, why not sip and see? The Library Bar on Vendue Range is a perfect location to indulge in a festive cocktail while overlooking the bustle of Market Street, the Ravenel Bridge and the spectacular water views.
Wear: This trendier rooftop bar calls for a classier look. Trade in that tight little number and ditch the denim for this venue. Instead, opt for a soft, flirty little black dress. Stay simple with the accessories but let your shoes do the talking. Find some great shimmery pumps that will be sure to give the stars a run for their money.
PHOTOS COURTESY POLYVORE