RBC Heritage

Deciding what to wear for RBC Heritage 2021? 7 fashion tips for Hilton Head’s big event

READ MORE

RBC Heritage 2021

With limited spectators for the 2021 event, RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing is Hilton Head’s first big, in-person event since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The Island Packet is your guide for updates and information throughout the tournament.

Expand All

The biggest social event of Hilton Head Island is back for its 53rd year, and everyone’s excited to wear new ensembles that the COVID-19 pandemic kept them from showing off in 2020.

Golf is obviously the most important part of RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, but socializing and fashion are high priorities, too. If your eyes aren’t on the course, they’ll likely be on the outfits.

Use this quick guide with fashion advice and tips for when you’re planning your clothing. (This isn’t just about the ladies... Be sure to put together your best looks too, gentlemen. Although we still have mixed feelings about the Taco Bell belt from a few years back.)

1. Your No. 1 accessory for the 2021 Heritage will be your face mask. Among the many COVID-19 precautions, protective face coverings are required during the entire event this year, both indoors and outdoors. If you’ve already chosen the rest of your outfit, a neutral-colored mask may be the best option so it doesn’t detract. However, you could make the mask the focal point by choosing one that has a fun pattern or quote. You could also wear plaid, inspired by Heritage’s favorite red tartan pattern, like these disposable ones on Amazon Prime that will get here in time for the tournament.

Screenshot Screenshot

2. Spring has sprung. Don’t be afraid to wear bright or pastel colors and bold prints. One year, a few Hilton Head teens told us “The crowd should look like a bag of Skittles.” Although that may seem a little dramatic, vibrant prints (including some, of course, from Lilly Pulitzer) will be popular choices. In contrast to the bold patterns, some folks will break out their white pants cuing the timeless debate of “When is it OK to wear white?”

When the conversation starts with: “It all started with a bet and they’ve been doing it ever since” you know it’s a good story. Dave, Rodney and Steve have been making colorfully-matching statements each year at Heritage since 2010. The first year, they wore golf-balls and hot dogs. This year, we see postcards, pineapples and paisley. Dave (left) and Rodney (m) are both from Savannah while Steve (right) visits from London. Every year, these three gentlemen make the effort to stand out and utilize the brightest colors they can find.
When the conversation starts with: “It all started with a bet and they’ve been doing it ever since” you know it’s a good story. Dave, Rodney and Steve have been making colorfully-matching statements each year at Heritage since 2010. The first year, they wore golf-balls and hot dogs. This year, we see postcards, pineapples and paisley. Dave (left) and Rodney (m) are both from Savannah while Steve (right) visits from London. Every year, these three gentlemen make the effort to stand out and utilize the brightest colors they can find.
From left, Luqman, Marcia, Aribeth and John coordinated their pastel colors perfectly as a group. For Luqman and Marcia, this year will be their first attending RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. The group said they are looking forward to seeing what Heritage celebrations look like as the day goes on.
From left, Luqman, Marcia, Aribeth and John coordinated their pastel colors perfectly as a group. For Luqman and Marcia, this year will be their first attending RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. The group said they are looking forward to seeing what Heritage celebrations look like as the day goes on. Hannah Cagas

3. Ditch the tight-fitting clothes for flowy, looser ones. While you’re partying in a subtropical climate, you’ll be happy you chose this style when a cool breeze offers relief every now and then. Dresses are a popular choice, but rompers and jumpsuits have also received some much-deserved love.

4. Opt for comfort when it comes to shoes. You’ll be walking a lot at Heritage, and when you aren’t walking, you’ll likely be standing. Flat shoes or cushioned ones are best for this event, as many women who have worn heels to Heritage in the past will likely tell you they regretted it. Avoid the blisters and wear tennis shoes or comfortable sandals. Bonus: This could be your chance to try out the latest trend: all-white Nike Air Force 1.

Haley Messenger of Charleston wore a charming collared dress and paired it with white sneakers. She completed the look with gold earrings. Her hair scarf added just the slightest bit of color to complement her light-green and white dress.
Haley Messenger of Charleston wore a charming collared dress and paired it with white sneakers. She completed the look with gold earrings. Her hair scarf added just the slightest bit of color to complement her light-green and white dress. Hannah Cagas

5. Bring a cute bag or clutch to carry all your things, but keep it small. PGA has its own tournament bag policy, and it’s pretty specific. You can bring any bag into the tournament as long as it’s smaller than 6-by-6-by-6 inches — or you can opt for a clear bag that’s no bigger than size of 12-by-6-by-12 inches, or a one-gallon plastic freezer bag. That’s just enough room for your phone, keys, wallet, and a good ol’ small bottle of hand sanitizer.

Underneath the covered patio at Quarterdeck, Caitlin Mcamulty of Columbia, SC wore a stunning blue and pink maxi from Lulu’s. Carla’s dress proves that even though maxi’s are usually floor length, they can be just as fun as shorter dresses. Caitlin’s maxi featured a slit to give her the option of dressing the dress up or down, depending on the occasion. She’s attended Heritage for the last 6 or 7 years and has a wonderful time each year.
Underneath the covered patio at Quarterdeck, Caitlin Mcamulty of Columbia, SC wore a stunning blue and pink maxi from Lulu’s. Carla’s dress proves that even though maxi’s are usually floor length, they can be just as fun as shorter dresses. Caitlin’s maxi featured a slit to give her the option of dressing the dress up or down, depending on the occasion. She’s attended Heritage for the last 6 or 7 years and has a wonderful time each year.

6. Finish the outfit with a hat. A lightweight floppy hat has been the top choice in past years, but your big-brimmed felt hats will also work. Just make sure whatever hat you pick is breathable so you don’t get too hot. Hats are the perfect way to stay stylish while protecting yourself from the unforgiving South Carolina sun. While we’re on that topic, sunglasses and sunscreen are also necessities!

Staff photo

7. A plaid-inspired outfit is a must — especially for Saturday. Heritage has deemed Saturday “Plaid Nation Day” and wants spectators to “wear your plaid with pride.” Plaid outfits are usually inspired by the iconic red tartan jacket the tournament winner receives. Some people really go “mad about plaid” and sport it throughout their entire ensemble, while others opt for a statement piece like a shirt, skirt, or ribbon around their floppy hat.

Staff photo

This story was originally published April 12, 2021 at 6:10 AM.

Related Stories from Hilton Head Island Packet
Profile Image of Lana Ferguson
Lana Ferguson
The Island Packet
843-560-9209
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
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER

RBC Heritage 2021

With limited spectators for the 2021 event, RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing is Hilton Head’s first big, in-person event since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The Island Packet is your guide for updates and information throughout the tournament.

Back to Story