Getting Ready for the Nashville Iroquois Steeplechase

The Iroquois Steeplechase has become one of the definitive signs of spring for Nashville since its inaugural year in 1941. The Steeplechase is primarily about the excitement of the horse races and fundraising for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, but this event has become widely anticipated as one of the first major social events of the year. Before the races start attendees usually arrive early to picnic, play games, catch up on news, and of course, show off those hats.

The Iroquois Steeplechase provides a fantastic opportunity to crowd-watch and search for the standards of steeplechase fashion: the seersucker suits, sundresses, and elaborate head-wear that ranges from pieces from millinery masters to home-decorated accessories. What started out as a practical necessity, the hat tradition has now become one of the signature elements of the steeplechase and after LookBook’s recent Fashion Show & Marketplace at Belle Meade Plantation, there’s plenty of inspiration to go around.

Most ladies wear linen suits or cheerfully colored, knee-length summer dresses. If the weather is windy, you may regret a hemline that’s any shorter. Be sure to bring a cardigan and sunscreen for the unpredictable Nashville springtime weather. Wear flats, sandals, or wedges as heels are likely to get sunk in the mud. We know that the steeplechase is about the hats, but don’t forget the rest of your accessories! The details are what can pull a whole look together so be sure to match that hat with some spectacular chandelier earrings and colorful cocktail rings.

Mikimoto South Sea Black Pearl Strand Necklace

King Jewelers Diamond Dangle Chandelier Earrings C0201375

Chanel J12 White Ceramic & Gold Unisex Watch with Diamonds H2180

Dunhill Sterling Silver Horse Cufflink JCG8244H

Men at the steeplechase rely on neck-wear rather than hats to make a statement, including outrageously colorful neckties and scarves. Seersucker and linen suits are often the preferred attire for the steeplechase, but men often wear Bermuda shorts and tidy button-up shirts.

Scott Kay Equestrian Weave Silver Men’s Bracelet B1919SPM

Dunhill Carbon Fiber Money Clip JFE3650K

The 70th Annual Iroquois Steeplechase will take place on Saturday, May 14th at Percy Warner Park. Proceeds from the Steeplechase benefit the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, one of the top children’s health facilities in the nation. For more information regarding the Nashville Iroquois Steeplechase, please visit www.iroquoissteeplechase.org.

King Jewelers is proud to be one of the sponsors for this year’s steeplechase. If you’re going this year, be sure to look for the King Jewelers tent and drop by.

Established in 1912, King Jewelers has proudly styled jewelry and timepiece aficionados from around the world. A pioneer among independent couture jewelers, King Jewelers has built an outstanding reputation steeped in quality, value and first-class customer service. King Jewelers offers bridal consultations for brides and grooms with the expert advice of its in-house bridal stylists and diamond specialists. King Jewelers offers brides and grooms a first-class experience, conveniently offering wholesale diamonds, custom designs for engagement rings and wedding bands, luxury designer bridal jewelry, watches for him, bridal party gifts, and gift registration, as well as engravings, appraisals, and expert jewelry cleaning. With two store locations in Aventura, FL and Nashville, TN, King Jewelers has won numerous awards as the Southeast’s top jewelry store and diamond wholesaler. King Jewelers is the luxury destination in Miami and Nashville for fine jewelry, diamonds, and Swiss timepieces. King Jewelers is Nashville diamonds and engagement rings wholesale store which specializes in bridal custom designs. King Jewelers is a member of the Jewelers of America, American Watch Guild, and the American Society of Appraisers. King Jewelers has GIA Certified Gemologists and offers expert jewelry and watch repairs. For additional information, please visit www.kings1912.com.