How To Choose The Right Hats & Fascinators For You

Choosing Hats & Fascinators

We hope everyone is well and staying safe during lockdown! We thought we’d pop onto the blog for our monthly dose of wedding style inspiration and fashion advice, and today we’re talking all about how you can choose the right occasion hat or fascinator for you.

The addition of millinery accessories can transform any outfit. Whether you opt for an oversized hat with a large brim or a chic hair fascinator with light feathering, it can add a touch of luxe to any look, creating a stylish-conscious, sophisticated style. Millinery commands attention unlike any other accessory, but only if it’s worn well, so if you’re new to donning a statement headpiece, there are few things you need to know. 

First things first, start with your outfit. Whether it’s for the races or a wedding, consider what you are wearing and work your accessories around that. You could go for a hat or fascinator that blends seamlessly with your outfit, or something that totally stands out and is a contrasting look. Before you choose your accompanying millenary, also think about your clothing, shoes and jewellery. Are they heavily patterned or textured? Are they bright and colourful? Your hat & fascinator should work in harmony with the rest of your outfit. For instance, if you’ve opted for a simple, understated gown you can rock something a little more daring in the hat or fascinator department. If you’ve donned a dress that’s impossible to ignore, choose a head accessory that will enhance this look and not detract from it.

Colour-wise, we’d recommend matching the colour of the fascinator to your accessories, jewellery, shoes and clutch bag, this will show off beautiful contrast rather than trying to match your dress. Here at Fascinators Direct, we have plenty of different hues to choose from, so you’re guaranteed to find the perfect fit  and colour for the occasion. Don’t forget about the season and how that will affect your outfit. For instance, if your event is being hosted during the autumn or winter you can opt for fabrics such as felt or wool while the spring and summer lend themselves to sinamay, silks and satin.

Your hat or fascinator should work in proportion with your height and shape. For example, if you’re very tall you may want to opt for a smaller design or a hat with a low to medium crown height, while a larger hat can add height if you want to make yourself look taller. The hat you choose will also be affected by your face shape – we can offer plenty of advice if you’re stuck with knowing what will suit you. However, here are a few quick tips:

• For elongated faces, a saucer fascinator worn slightly on the side is the perfect match.
• For faces with squared jaws, opt for a large-brimmed hat, hatinator or large fascinator.
• Balance height with width, avoid taller designers and instead go for wider, more detailed hats or fascinators.
• If you’re on the shorter side, why not add a little height with a taller hat or fascinator.
• Oval face shapes can get away with almost any style of hats or fascinators.
• If you are going to an occasion that will be heavily photographed, opt for a hat or fascinator that doesn’t cover your face too much.
• For wedding hats and fascinators, avoid designs that are too intricate or ornate as you don’t want to unintentionally upstage the bride. 

We cannot stress how important it is that your fascinator hat is comfortable to wear – if it’s not, it will show, and you won’t look confident. We always provide comfortable fixings to wear both hats and fascinators with either headbands or hair clips which work with any hairstyle and will stay in place all day long.

Now you’re clued up on how to wear a wedding hats and fascinators with total confidence, it’s time to get shopping at Fascinators Direct.