RBC Heritage

What to wear to RBC Heritage: 6 fashion tips for the biggest social event on Hilton Head

The biggest social event of Hilton Head Island is back for its 51st anniversary.

RBC Heritage is about to bring more than 100,000 people to Harbour Town this week to watch a some golf on one of the nation’s favorite islands.

If your eyes aren’t on the course, they’re probably on the outfits (see some of last year’s best-dressed and fashion trends).

The Island Packet will have a fashion blogger every day of the tournament again this year, spotting out the best-dressed ladies and gentleman on the course, so the pressure to look good is on.

If you’re picking out your outfit this week, here’s a quick guide for all ages to stick to.

1. Don’t be afraid to wear bold patterns and bright colors. Some Hilton Head teens previously told us “The crowd should look like a bag of Skittles.” You may not need to go that dramatic, but Lilly Pulitzer dress and other vibrant prints will definitely be making an appearance. Of course, in contrast to the bold patterns, some women will break out their white pants and the grand debate of “When is it OK to wear white?” will resurface.

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2. Opt for flowy, looser clothes rather than tight-fitting ones. We’re partying in a subtropical climate here, you’ll be happy you chose this route when you catch a breeze every now and then. Dresses are a popular choice for this kind of outfit, but rompers and jumpsuits have been on the rise these past couple years.

Courtney McNamara (L) and Whitley Russell prefer wearing rompers to dresses at the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament on Friday, April 13, 2018.
Courtney McNamara (L) and Whitley Russell prefer wearing rompers to dresses at the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament on Friday, April 13, 2018. Kasia Kovacs

3. Skip the tall-heeled shoes. Heritage involves a lot of walking and standing. Many women who have worn heels to the event in the past will probably tell you they regretted it. In most cases, when it comes to shoes, comfort triumphs style. Avoid the blisters and wear tennis shoes or comfortable sandals.

4. Bring a cute bag or clutch to complement your outfit and carry all your things for the days, but be sure to keep it small. PGA has its own tournament bag policy and it’s pretty specific. You can bring any bag into the tournament if it is smaller than 6’’ by 6’’ by 6’’ or you can opt for a clear bag that’s under the size of 12’’ by 6’’ by 12’’ or a one-gallon plastic freezer bag.

5. Top off your outfit with a floppy hat. It’ll keep you stylish while protecting you from the sometimes unforgiving South Carolina sun. Bonus sun-protection points for also sporting sunglasses and sunscreen.

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6. Have some plaid on standby — especially for Saturday. Heritage has pushed the “Get Your Plaid On!” theme encourage visitors to wear outfits inspired by the iconic red tartan jacket the tournament winner receives. Some people really go “mad about plaid” and deck out their entire outfit while others have opted for a shirt, skirt, or small addition such as a plaid ribbon around their floppy hat.

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Heads up: If you need some motivation to get styled-up this week, The Island Packet will be covering fashion all week and picking the best outfits each day and you could be featured.

This story was originally published April 13, 2019 at 12:33 PM.

Lana Ferguson
The Island Packet
Lana Ferguson typically covers stories in northern Beaufort County, Jasper County and Hampton County. She joined The Island Packet & Beaufort Gazette in 2018 as a crime/breaking news reporter. Before coming to the Lowcountry, she worked for publications in her home state of Virginia and graduated from the University of Mississippi, where she was editor-in-chief of the daily student newspaper. Lana was also a fellow at the University of South Carolina’s Media Law School in 2019. Support my work with a digital subscription
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