As spring approaches, invitations will be extended to attend more and more outdoor oyster roasts in the Lowcountry.The oyster roast is one of our favorite ways to feast and fellowship. Oyster harvesting and shucking are important parts of our heritage. The unincorporated city of Pin Point, Georgia are a living testament to how Gullah-Geechee people have created communities and self-sustained lifestyles by casting their nets to catch oysters and other shellfish for their own dinner tables and to make a living. Knowing that, to gather together over fresh oysters is our birthright.
Oyster roasts are casual affairs and the Black Southern Belle knows it doesn’t mean style has to be sacrificed for the occasion. Here are a few time-honored tips to styling your ensemble for an outdoor oyster roast.
Dress comfortably and warmly
Oyster roasts tend to be fall to spring events, so dress comfortably and warmly. Denim, twill and khaki are good fabric choices for jackets. Depending on the time of day and temperature, a down vest is a perfect outerwear item as is a ruana or poncho. If it’s rainy or damp outside, consider a flannel-lined rain jacket. For extra warmth, layers work as well as a shawl or large scarf.
Cover your feet
If you are hosting or being hosted a roast that includes harvesting, then there will be mud and wet grass. Wear a rubber boot or any boot that covers your feet and ankles. Make sure you wear warm socks too. And keep your feet as close to the ground as possible, leave the heels at home.
Avoid anything that drags the ground
Oyster roasts are the perfect time to roll up your pant legs, wear cropped trousers or jeans, throw on a pair of gauchos, and a midi-length skirt or dress with leggings can work well.
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize
This is a great time to pull out a favorite casual hat, sunglasses, and that oversized scarf to wear around your neck or shoulders. Oyster roasts are one of those rare times, when style and function coexist in harmony.
Play with color
True enough, oyster roasts are not fancy events, but you can use color to express your unique style. A pop of color in an accessory or your outerwear will not only make you feel like yourself in a sea of plaid and denim, but it will also brighten up the festivities.
Oysters roasts are a huge part of Lowcountry culture. They are a time to fellowship and connect over simple, fresh foods. Seafood is a part of the culture here and from making a living to entertaining your family and friends, it is ingrained in our lifestyle. As the great-granddaughter of a Longshoreman and the daughter of a Navy Veteran, I am especially drawn to celebrations to celebrate the water and sea and oyster roasts are a tradition and celebration I will always look forward to and I hope this guide prepares you to enjoy this Lowcountry tradition in style.
Be sure to share images of your oyster roasts fashions and foods with us on social media using the hashtag #blacksouthernbelle
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Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
