What to Wear to May’s Many Events
May in Nashville promises another month of treasured annual events, festive celebrations and, of course, fabulous fashion!
With spring in full swing, itβs time to get down to business in the true fashion of a new month. Letβs figure out what to wear this May in Nashville! The long-awaited and truly appreciated warm weather has settled in, and itβs accompanied by the bright colors and patterns of spring styles. Iroquois Steeplechase, the 2019 Symphony Fashion Show, graduation season and Motherβs Day are coming up, so weβve gathered an expert crew to show off these fabulous spring looks!
In celebration of the beautiful spring weather, we (boldly and thankfully, without rain) headed outdoors, to a beautiful backyard in Green Hills for this monthβs photoshoot. From the pool house and the moss wall to the backyard overlook and exquisite greenery from every angle, we were certainly in awe of this breathtaking landscaping, which was designed by our talented friends at Page | Duke Landscape Architects. As another Nashville Symphony Fashion Show draws near, we looked to have the showβs co-chairs, Cynthia Arnholt and Allison Schaufele, join us in modeling these May fashions, fabulously styled once again by Cynthia Kelley. Take a peek at what this May has in store β for your calendar and your closet!
The Event: Iroquois Steeplechase
- May 11, 2019
- Race Day attire
- Percy Warner Park
- Gates open at 8 a.m.; first race starts at 1 p.m.
- Individual tickets start at $75, with tailgating, group options and add-ons also available. Get yours here.
Join more than 25,000 spectators, both Nashvillians and visitors, at Percy Warner Park on May 11 for the treasured tradition of Iroquois Steeplechase. The 78th year of this beloved horse race is a must-attend event for May. Whether youβre just reserving your spot to tailgate, heading to the stands or kicking it from a skybox, this day reminds us year after year why we are indeedΒ prioritizing Steeplechase festivities.
What to Wear: As if the festivities in and around the track werenβt exciting enough, creating our outfits always ups our anticipation of this beloved Nashville event. Embrace your βrace day chicβ in whatever way youβd like. Opt for bright colors, fun patterns and, of course, a great hat! We highly recommend that you also prioritize comfort. The day is long and can also bring rain, so be fun yet strategic with your wardrobe selection.
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RELATED: 21 Nashville Events & Happenings: May 2019
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The Event: 2019 Symphony Fashion Show, presented by Gus Mayer
- May 14, 2019
- Cocktail attire
- Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m.; fashion show starts at 7:30 p.m.
- Schermerhorn Symphony Center
- General admission tickets are $250 each. Get yours here.
The Symphony Fashion Show is always a special springtime event in Nashville, and this yearβs incredible lineup is no exception. Presented by Gus Mayer, the show is set to feature Carolina Herreraβs Fall 2019 collection, with a special appearance by Creative Director Wes Gordon and accompanied by a performance from featured entertainer Lauren Alaina. Be prepared to see fabulous fashion, enjoy an elegant night with community from around the city and raise money for the beloved Nashville Symphony!
What to Wear:Β Fashion lovers, this oneβs for you! In anticipation for the beautiful looks from Carolina Herrera set to hit the runway at the fashion show, Cynthia styled Allison and Cynthia in the designerβs dresses. Use these gorgeous dresses as your inspiration for crafting a look for cocktail attire that has something different. Whether you play with varying lengths, festive sleeves, patterns that pop or unique cutouts, we love anything that makes you feel fabulous and ready to hit the runway yourself!
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The Event: Motherβs Day & Graduations
- Throughout May 2019
- Elevated spring casual
From Motherβs Day brunch to the myriad other springtime celebrations, May is a busy month! This month brings a number of opportunities to sport some fun spring looks. Here are a few ideas.
What to Wear: The best way to prep for a busy season ahead is to solidify closet items that can transition from casual to dressy, from day to night, and from sitting to standing. We love a great solid dress that can be classy and clean or perfect for bold accessories. Play with different sleeve lengths, cuts and colors that make you feel your best and keep you comfortable for those long days, potentially spent in the sun.

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Enjoy your May festivities, whatever they may be!
A huge thank you to:
- Cynthia Arnholt and Allison Schaufele for modeling
- Stylist Cynthia KelleyΒ for all of the gorgeous looks
- The Cosmetic Market for expert makeup work
- Gus Mayer, Copper Penny and K. McCarthy for beautiful clothes
- The hospitable homeowners for hosting us and providing such a beautiful setting for the photoshoot
- Leila Grossman ofΒ Grannis PhotographyΒ for her amazing images
Take a peek behind the scenesβ¦




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For more on whatβs going on in Nashville, visit ourΒ HappeningsΒ page. And for more on the local boutiques that provided these styles, visit ourΒ SB Guide.
Peyton Haecker
Peyton serves as StyleBlueprint's Digital Marketing Analyst. Ever since the South captured this Colorado native, she has completely embraced a true love for Nashville, yet she remains skeptical of hot chicken.