After A Fashion: Steeplechase Fashion Advice with Milton White

May 09, 2022 at 11:30 am by RMGadmin


With Milton White

Steeplechase is right around the corner, and it’s time to get back into the fashion saddle. Race-day fashion is just as important as the race itself. So, if there was ever a time to make a bold fashion statement and show off your style, Steeplechase is it. Whether you’re in Paddock Club, Iroquois Society, Turf Club, have a box seat or are tailgating in the infield, we offer a fashion survival guide full of advice that will keep you on top of your game!

Steeplechase Fashion Advice

Showing up to a horse race without a hat is a major misstep. Everyone needs a fabulous hat. That includes the men. Speaking of men, seersucker suits, braces and bow ties are de rigueur. A great sport coat with grey pants or khakis and colorful suits works well too. I think for the infield, a polo is fine, and it’s on-trend. I also think a great pair of fashionable shorts are acceptable. As for the ladies, they usually wear bright or pastel-colored dresses, solids are okay, but prints are better. You will see lots of floral dresses, but abstract patterns may be more to your liking. I would love to see someone do a great pair of pants - lace, crochet, palazzo or shorts. There will be many, many over-the-top hats and fascinators. Most of the looks are designed around the hat. While it’s typically hot in May, middle Tennessee weather is anything but predictable. It’s not a bad idea for gentlemen to bring a jacket and for the ladies to bring a cardigan or jacket. I recommend that ladies wear wedges since it will be a long day, mostly on your feet. However, if it has rained a few days before, you may want to opt for wellies. Ladies, you will also want to keep your hands free to hold cold glasses of bubbly and plates of delicious nibbles, my advice, wear a cross-body handbag. Don’t forget another fashion essential - your sunglasses. Here are a few trends for spring 2022 ready-to-wear and menswear perfect for Steeplechase this year.

Stripes take fashion in a new direction. Pun intended. Horizontal or vertical, it matters not. Try pairing graphic black and white with bright colors, creating tonal looks with hues of the same color, mixing saturated colors or mixing different patterns of stripes and the best effects.


Ready-to-Wear

Mini skirts are back! They aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, and it’s just as well. They are perfect for a hot spring day in middle Tennessee. The mini will provide your look with a major impact.

Trains are perfect for a dramatic exit, the last kook, if you will.

While floral may not be groundbreaking for spring, thank you very much, Miranda Priestly; what makes them modern is that the best options are three-dimensional this season. Blossoms and petals, and leaves have texture, bringing nature’s beauty to life.

Color block is a great and graphic alternative to florals.

Cut-outs are still popular. And practical! Look for asymmetrical shapes and artful cut-outs to keep things exciting and current.

This season, the retina-searing color palette is all about solar shades. Bright colors were on all of the runways this spring, but none shone more brightly than orange, followed by an array of sunshine-inspired hues - red, yellow and gold. 

If it’s detail and embellishment you want, and who wouldn’t want it for Steeplechase, look for feathers or fringe. You can’t go wrong!

In Williamson County, a few retail options are Emmaline, Fab’rik, Habit, Hemline, Posh and Vignette. In Nashville, there is 20Twelve, Draper James, e. Allen, Emerson Grace, Haven, Hero, K. McCarthy, MODA, Nordstrom, Parish, Posh, Shop Alice and This Is The Finale. 

 

Menswear

A varsity jacket is a fashionable alternative to the traditional sportcoat.

Currently on trend for spring is the polo shirt or, more specifically, the complete placket polo is a great option to replace the traditional pullover or button-down shirt.

A runway trend for spring was the vest, shown all on its own. Middle Tennessee may not be ready for that much skin, but it could be a lighter alternative to a jacket or sport coat.

In Williamson County, men can shop at Peter Millar and Philanthropy, and in Nashville, they can shop at Billy Reid, Haymaker, J. Michael’s, Levy’s, Nordstrom, Oak Hall, The Oxford Shop, Peter Millar and Q Clothier 

Don’t forget fantastic consignment and resale options like Designer Finds, Savant and UAL.