Are you planning to attend the Dean & DeLuca Invitational Golf Tournament…May 25 through May 28?  The tournament is part of Fort Worth history, and of course fashion has always been a big part of that. Remember back in the day when women were scantily dressed and even judged by men holding signs rating them from a 1 to a 10?  Thank goodness today’s tournament fashionistas dress with class and good taste….well, most of them!  And thank goodness today’s tournament man/fan is a gentleman…well, most of them!  I recently read that when going to a golf tournament the main fashion rule to remember is this — “You are at the country club as a spectator…not to be a spectacle.”

 So, two things you need to know about me:

  1. I was on the Colonial tournament committee for eight years…
  2. …and even though it wasn’t our official title, we called ourselves the “Fashion Police!”

When I think about appropriate tournament style, my mind goes straight to a “preppy” look.   The years I was on the committee, our uniform was a pair of shorts and a tournament polo shirt. How preppy does that sound? Since it is usually hot at golf tournaments, shorts are a great option.   A preppy look I love is a pair of white shorts worn with a yellow Tory Burch tunic complemented with a pair of white sneakers.  And anything J McLaughlin is absolutely perfect for the tournament.  Be sure to see all the great options they have to offer on our Pinterest board.  You may want to consider wearing a cute pair of Jack Roger’s sandals with your tournament attire!  

Another preppy style I adore is anything checked.  From off-the-shoulder tops to skirts, checks are a great tournament look.  A checked button-down shirt tied at the waist worn with a pair of shorts or midiskirt is a perfect tournament look.   Be sure to roll your sleeves up.  An off-the-shoulder top or dress is another great style for the tournament.  You will want to be sure to wear a lot of sunscreen and a big floppy hat.  With such a cute look, I’m pretty sure the guys will be “checking” you out.  Oh look…is that a “10” I see?

What says Texas gal more than something monogrammed? When I go to New York and even Kansas, you just don’t see monogrammed accessories and clothes like you do in Texas.  So sad for them…right? Monogrammed necklaces are a fashion must in Texas, so I’m planning to wear my “H” necklace from Anthropology to the tournament.  Texas trendy! My personal favorite monogram accessory is a white ball cap with my initials.  I wear it most days when I walk outside, and it will be perfect for the tournament.  

Girlfriend tip:  One of my girls said her go-to monogramming business in Ft. Worth is “Donnagrams” owned by sisters Donna Davis and Alicia McMillan. They also make flower arrangements and are party and wedding coordinators.  Be sure to check out some of their fabulous monogrammed items, jewelry, and party pics on our Pinterest board or [email protected]  

A sophisticated and cool look for the tournament would be an all-white or neutral monochromatic ensemble. The key here is to wear proper undergarments.  Trust me, when you are outside on a sunny day, you will want to make sure what you’re wearing is not see-through.  A look I’m crushing on is white boyfriend jeans (with the hem rolled up), a gray tee, and espadrilles from J. Crew.  If we are hanging out in the club house, I will wear sandals, and if we are actually outside watching the tournament, I will wear sneakers. Besides being stylish, comfort and common sense should always come first when attending an outdoors sporting event.  Right?

To compliment your cute outfits, you will want to have all the right accessories.  If you need a handbag, think about a small cross-body bag, and make sure it’s tournament approved.  Texas gals always need a little bling….right?  

Since it is so hot outside, instead of layering several pieces of jewelry, think about wearing one simple bracelet or necklace.  A look you can’t go wrong with is jewelry from Kendra Scott or Julie Voss.  If you forget to bring a pair of sunshades, no problem, just make a quick stop at J McLaughlin or Francesca’s at University Shopping Center before you head to valet parking! Wow…I think that sounds about par for the course!  Don’t you?

Holley Williams is a personal stylist specializing in closet inventory, seasonal shopping, closet organization and wardrobe consultation. 

Contact Holley at [email protected].