Welcome back to another round of Songful Style—the monthly style challenge where a group of us create outfits inspired by a song. I co-host this fun challenge alongside Shelbee from Shelbee on the Edge and Marsha from Marsha in the Middle, and each month, one of us picks a song, and we all put together a look based on how it makes us feel, what it reminds us of, or simply the vibe it gives off.
Las month, Shelbee chose Wish I Knew You by The Revivalists. This month’s prompt was chosen by me! And I couldn’t resist picking a song that’s been a long-time favourite: Need You Now by Lady Antebellum.
This song has always held a special place in my heart. There’s such beauty and emotional depth to both the lyrics and the melody—it’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s achingly relatable. It perfectly captures that late-night, soul-searching moment when you just miss someone so badly it physically hurts.
Lady Antebellum—now known as Lady A—is a country music trio formed in 2006 in Nashville, Tennessee. The group is made up of Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, and Dave Haywood, and they quickly rose to fame with their signature blend of rich harmonies, emotive lyrics, and a style that crosses between country and pop.
In June 2020, the band officially changed their name to Lady A. The decision was made during the George Floyd protests, as the word “antebellum” is associated with the pre-Civil War era in the American South, a period tied to slavery.
The band acknowledged that while they originally chose the name for its association with Southern architecture and music, they later realized its deeper, painful historical connections. Their stated intent was to be more mindful and inclusive, moving forward with the nickname “Lady A,” which fans had used for years
Their 2009 hit “Need You Now” became their breakout crossover success, topping charts not just in the U.S. but internationally as well. The song captured hearts with its raw portrayal of late-night loneliness and longing, earning four Grammy Awards including Song of the Year and Record of the Year—at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. Even today, it’s recognised as one of the most powerful country ballads of the last two decades—full of haunting beauty and emotional honesty.
While I’m writing this post, I’m actually listening to it (and singing along, loudly, much to the amusement of my cat, Sadie!). She’s either loving it or—according to my husband—desperately hoping I’ll stop. Either way, she’s part of the performance, and honestly, it just makes the whole thing even more fun!
When it came to putting together an outfit inspired by Need You Now, I wasn’t sure at first which direction to go in. The song has such a bittersweet, yearning quality, but then I stumbled across a live performance video and immediately knew what I wanted to do.
Hillary Scott was wearing this incredible black ensemble, dripping with sparkling jewellery across her décolletage and wrists. She looked effortlessly glamorous but still had that edgy, slightly country-rock vibe going on. I was completely inspired!
So for my outfit, I decided to channel a rock chick meets Nashville glam kind of look (with a hint of whimsy):
- Faded skinny black jeans
- Black ankle boots with a little bit of country flavour
- Simple black t-shirt to keep it classic
- A waterfall style cardigan to give a little more shape
- Loads of sparkle: two identical blingy Swarovski bracelets, super sparkly necklace, and some bling on my fingers!
- All topped off with a purple suede handbag to match the glasses! Oh and the hat! I quite liked the idea of a hat so I gave that a go this time too.
It’s not often I get to combine my love of sparkle, music, and a good pair of boots into one look, but Need You Now gave me the perfect excuse.
I’d love to know—does this song hit you right in the heart the way it always hits me? Also… do you ever sing to your pets? (And are they more forgiving than Sadie? 😂)
Thanks so much for stopping by to see how I styled this month’s song! Don’t forget to check out how my fabulous co-hosts interpreted Need You Now too:
- Shelbee from Shelbee on the Edge
- Marsha from Marsha in the Middle
If you’d like to join us for a future Songful Style, we’d love to have you! Just let one of us know. In the meantime, be sure to add your links to the link-up below! And be sure to join us next month, when we’ll be styling a real FUN classic, chosen by Marsha—Love Shack by the B52s!! I can’t wait for that one!
