Hope You Packed Flats
What to wear to the Masters, from someone who grew up in Augusta
So — you’re going to the Masters.
First of all, congratulations! That ticket? Gold. The pimento cheese sandwich? Iconic. The fashion? … Let’s talk about that.
I grew up in Augusta. I’ve been to the Masters more times than I can count — and I’ve seen it all. The outfits that work, the ones that really don’t, and the subtle signals that separate “I’m here for the golf” from “I’m here for the photo opp.” (Spoiler: you can do both, but there’s a way to do it right.)
If you’ve never been before and are standing in front of your closet wondering what says “respectfully stylish Southern golf prestige,” I got you.
Here’s what to wear — and more importantly, what not to wear — to the Masters.
What to Wear
A breathable, polished sundress or midi dress
Think: classic silhouettes, subtle prints, elevated fabrics.
Nothing clingy, nothing too short. Bonus points for pockets.
A chic but sensible top + skirt combo
White jeans with a crisp blouse? A-line skirt and a sleeveless top? Perfect.
Think Southern garden party, not Vegas day club.
A light layer
Mornings can be dewy and chilly. A lightweight cardigan, linen blazer, or tailored jacket is a good idea — and easy to tie around your bag once the sun hits.
A hat or visor
Sun protection and style. But keep it classic — this is not a floppy straw situation.
Comfortable shoes (non-negotiable)
You will walk. You will walk a lot.
Augusta National is hilly, and if it rained recently, it’ll be slippery.
Sleek sneaks are your best friends.
Cute sandals? Hard pass. Heels? Girl, no. (I’ve seen it - it’s true.)
Natalie Simkins always nails it, you can see some of her outfit ideas for this year here and last year here.
What Not to Wear
Anything too short, tight, or revealing
This is not the place for your clubbing dress or bodycon moment.
It’s a golf tournament — with deep tradition and a healthy dose of Southern formality.
Espadrilles, wedges, heels, or anything you can’t wear on uneven ground
You will regret this. You will slide down a hill before 10am.
Loud logos or attention-grabby outfits
Let the players wear the logos. You’re not an ad — you’re a guest. (Unless it’s Lily Pulitzer, although not my personal style, you will see a lot of.)
All black
You’ll roast like a turkey on Thanksgiving. Augusta in April is usually humid and sunny. Light, breathable fabrics will save you.
Insider Tips from a Local
Pack light, small bags or clear
There are rules about what you can carry in. Check the guidelines, but generally, a small crossbody or clutch will do the trick. If you want to carry a larger bag or backpack, make sure it’s clear.
I will say the Masters is a little more relaxed about the bag policy compared to other sporting events, but it’s honestly not worth the hassle. The pro tip here: buy a bigger Masters tote when you make your pro shop visit - it will make it easy to carry all the goodies you bought and have a lovely tote to use after the tournament.
Sunglasses and SPF
Yes, even if it’s cloudy. Trust me on this.
Dress for photos and walking
You’ll want a pic under the iconic trees or by the azaleas. Make sure you’re wearing something you won’t regret seeing on camera later. Speaking of cameras …
The no phones RULE is legit
They will not let you in with a cell phone. Period. You CAN however bring a camera so you can still capture all the memories.
Enter through the North Gate (if you can)
Right after you pass the main proshop (you can’t miss it there will be the longest line) you’ll descend the hill with concessions on your right. Grab a drink or a snack there. And then walk straight out onto the course.
You’ll see the iconic leaderboard to your right, No. 1 Fairway in front of you and just past that is 18 green on the left. This walk gives me chills every time — it’s so beautiful. (And getting to take my in-laws last year and experiencing that walk with them was a core memory for sure.)
Choose a meeting point with your group
If you get separated at any point from the person/people you’re with — make sure you have a meeting point where you all know to go when you split up. Without a phone, you can’t text or call to find each other. (Even in the pro shop - it’s like Black Friday Thanksgiving Shopping and its so easy to lose each other. Rob and I always say we’ll meet by the registers if we get split up there. Otherwise, as we move through the course, we pick different concession areas as our spots and choose a certain time.)
Bottom line: Aim for classy, clean, and comfortable.
Show respect for the course, the players, and the moment.
You can still be stylish — just don’t confuse a sports event with a social one.
And if you’re unsure? Think about what you’d wear to a really chic garden brunch with your Southern in-laws. Then subtract anything that requires a heel insert.
And, have so much fun — it’s truly an incredible place. And it’s one of my favorite places to watch one of my favorite sports.