What You Need to Know About the Fascinator: How to Wear This Royal Hat

If you have ever seen a woman dressed to the nines at the Kentucky Derby, a female member of the royal family at any formal gathering, or perhaps even a fashion-forward bride wearing a non-traditional gown, then chances are you’ve spotted a Fascinator.

In this article, we cover all there is to know about this stunning accessory, including how you can wear it, where you should utilize it, and even how to style your hair for maximum support.

What Is A Fascinator?

A Fascinator is any formal headwear for women, that is mostly used as an accessory rather than for function. They come in many shapes, sizes, styles, and colors, and would usually be used to either match the rest of the wearer’s outfit or to stand out as a bold statement piece. The fact that these pieces are deemed conversation starters is also the very reason it is now known as the “fascinator”.

History of Fascinators in Women’s Hats

This tradition of women donning a unique and attention-grabbing headpiece in lieu of a hat has been around since the 16th century. Back then, it was mainly a religious practice for Christian women in Europe to utilize a headcovering.

It started with bonnets, evolved to brimless head decors, which further evolved over the years to Queen Marie Antoinette adding a touch of fashion to hers using ostrich feathers, which then inspired other aristocrats who had the financial capabilities to also become more creative.

While the style has certainly evolved through the years, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that the term “fascinator” came into play.

Types of Fascinators

This type of hat comes in an abundance of shapes, styles, and designs. Of all that have landed on market shelves, six continue to be the most common:

Pillbox Fascinator

This is the most classic of the styles as it is minimal, elegant, and easy to pack on trips, and it was also Jackie Kennedy’s favorite choice. The pillbox fascinator sits atop the head and is often made of felt. It may be worn with minimal embellishments or adorned with feathers and/or flowers. It is affixed to your hair using pins and is perfect for those with either oval or heart-shaped faces.

Disc Fascinator

Given its name, one could guess that a disc fascinator is circular in shape. This timeless style adds a sophisticated flair to any outfit whether it’s for a grand event or an evening party. It also sits atop the head, made of felt, and decorated with feathers or flowers. These types of fascinators are often attached to a headband or comb-like tool to keep them in place in your hair and are also best suited for those with long and narrow face shapes.

Net Fascinator

This style has been around since the Victorian era and is popular to this day, most especially with modern brides wanting a special take on the traditional veil. 

Feather Fascinator

With feathers as the star of the show, these fascinators can get highly creative. From plumes, sprays, fans, or a combination of them, the choices are endless. Back in the day, feathers were seen as a status symbol that added a touch of drama. Today, it is still regarded as a refined fashion accessory that brings about a level of elegance to any attire.

Floral Fascinator

More often than not, floral fascinators utilize faux flowers such as those made of silk, satin, or similar material. In some instances, fresh flowers may also work. This type of fascinator is best for outdoor events, and perfectly matches flowy, and pastel outfits.

Mini Hat Fascinator

Imagine a top hat downsized enough to sit on a small corner of your head, that’s what a mini hat fascinator is. Similar to the rest, it can be decorated however you like and is often worn with a headband or comb piece.

How to Wear a Fascinator?

Fascinators are often worn to formal events such as weddings or special gatherings such as the Kentucky Derby. While there are no hard rules, we’ve listed down some of the best practices when completing your outfit. Learn how to wear a fascinator in detail below:

Choosing a Fascinator for Different Occasions

More often than not, choosing a fascinator according to occasion boils down to color. For instance, events held during the day, especially during spring or summer are the perfect occasions to bring out bright and bold fascinators.

However, deeper tones are best for evening parties, winter gatherings, or even more formal events in general no matter the time of day.

Matching the Fascinator with Your Dress

When matching your fascinator with your dress, there are three things to keep in mind: Color, size, and style.

When it comes to color, it’s suggested to choose a hue that matches some parts of your dress or a monochromatic coordination, if you prefer. It would also be wise to get it in a shade that flatters your skin tone and hair color so you don’t look washed out. If you want your hat to pop out, choose a color that is complementary to your outfit such as an orange hat to a blue dress.

In choosing a size, keep it proportion to your height. For example, petite ladies are better off with smaller fascinators while taller women may pull off much bigger variations. If you’re wondering how to wear a fascinator with hair down, usually minimalist headpieces are the way to go.

Lastly, you can opt for a fascinator style that enhances your natural features. For example, those with a rounded face may go for a hat with angular decors, while those with chiseled jaws may balance it out with a circular fascinator. Similarly, those with shorter faces, or shorter in general, may opt for fascinators that have vertical elements.

Tips for Wearing a Fascinator Comfortably

The most comfortable angle to affix your fascinator is on the side of your head. By tilting it slightly either to the left or right, your fascinator of choice can stay in place for longer periods. You may also further lock it in place with safety pins.

Fascinators in Royal Weddings

In modern times, one of the top places you'll find a fascinator is at a royal wedding. This intricate headpiece has become somewhat of an upper-class tradition and are even usually mandatory. Below, we take a look at some of the most memorable pieces.

Iconic Royal Wedding Hats and Fascinators

#1 Zara Phillips

Prince William’s cousin, Zara, is known for her fashion-forward taste. She once wore a large, slanted fascinator coupled with a large ribbon-like flower on the other side. While eye-catching, it was truly sophisticated and edgy.

#2 Princess Anne

For her nephew’s wedding, Princess Anne donned a green and purple ensemble with a fascinator in the same colors. Her headpiece was quaint in size, had a touch of netting, and was topped with an elegant floral accessory. Though minimal, it spoke volumes!

#3 Countess of Wessex

The Countess was ever so elegant with a headband fascinator in beige, complemented by monochromatic silk florals and feathers, topped with light netting.

Famous Fascinator Moments from the Wedding of Prince William

#1 Princess Beatrice of York

If we’re strictly speaking of famous fascinators from Prince William and Kate Middleton’s weddings, Princess Beatrice takes the cake (no pun intended). She wore a large O-shaped hat that had a bow on top, challenging the norms of vertical fascinators.

#2 Princess Eugenie of York

Just like her sister, Princess Eugenie stood out in a daring fascinator. However, the choice was met with more positive looks as she decided to beautifully blend an electric blue base with dark purple flowers, complimenting her floral ensemble. Her fascinator was topped off with an elegant set of feathers.

#3 Princess Mathilde of Belgium

The Princess wore a structured hat with a wide brim, and subtle patterns, and topped with an elegant ribbon. While simple, she truly stood out!

Fascinators Worn by Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle

#1 Kate Middleton

Kate is the epitome of royal fashion as she never goes a day without looking prim, sophisticated, and elegant - no matter the occasion! At her cousin-in-law Zara’s wedding, she wore a large fascinator that was as functional as it was stylish. The all-white headpiece slanted on one side and was adorned with florals and netting underneath, a fantastic twist to the traditional styles.

#2 Meghan Markle

Channeling Jackie Kennedy, Megan Markle donned a cream-colored pillbox fascinator which she brilliantly complimented with a cream dress and textured coat.

Fascinators at the Kentucky Derby

Apart from royal gatherings, you can also spot a fascinator (or 100) at the Kentucky Derby. To this day. at least a third of race-goers still don the iconic headpiece.

Why Fascinators Are Popular at the Kentucky Derby

Back when Meriweather Lewis Clark Jr. founded the Kentucky Derby, women were still denied access to gambling events. Because of this, he purposely marketed the occasion to bring women front and center. This not only meant more fashionable guests but also the presence of stylish hats to shield them from the summer heat.

News articles started to feature this societal breakthrough, with specific mention of the elaborate headgear. From there, this tradition only grew until the annual gathering of captivating hats has taken a life of its own at the Derby.

Fascinator vs Hat: What's the Difference?

Though these terms are often interchanged in everyday conversation, there is a technical difference between a fascinator and a hat.

Difference Between A Hat and Fascinator

One of the biggest differences between the two is that a fascinator can’t sit atop a wearer’s head without something to secure it such as a clip, headband, pins, or a comb.

While fascinators come in all shapes and sizes, those in the fashion industry argue that anything bigger than 4 inches is technically a hat as the former are designed to be smaller and decorative.

Comparing the Fascinator to the Hatinator

Since some aspects overlap, the term “hatinator” emerged in the early 2010s. It is used to describe any headpiece that combines multiple features. Hatinators essentially look like your typical hat and are as big, too, but still need to be fastened to keep in place.

When to Wear a Hat Instead of a Fascinator

Fascinators are typically worn to special and extra-formal events such as gala nights, weddings, cocktail parties, or race days. There are no hard or fast rules to wearing a hat vs a fascinator, though it is best to check the attire recommendations on the invitation to gauge the level of formality required.

You’re All Set!

Fascinators, be it traditional or fashion-forward, truly live up to their name! If you’re getting ready to attend a formal event, take a look at the wide collection of fascinator hats we have in store. We hope this guide answers what is a fascinator in modern times and also shines a light on how to wear a fascinator no matter the occasion.