Fancy getting a fascinator but not sure which one to pick up? We know how overwhelming and confusing it can be at first. You’ve had tons of images saved on your mood board but still aren’t sure which ones actually count as a fascinator. There’s also the question of how it differs from a hat — or a headpiece. 

If you’re determined to finally get a fascinator, read on to learn everything you need to know before checking out. 

What is a fascinator and where do you wear them?

A fascinator is a type of headwear, typically worn by women, for formal special occasions such as weddings and races. The styles vary from flat, aviator-inspired pieces to more elaborate and tall embellished ones. It’s lighter than a hat but more detailed and structured than a clip.

A brief history of the fascinator

While the headwear style was named in the ‘60s and popularised in the ‘70s, many believe that it was Marie Antoinette who first wore it in the form of ostrich and peacock feathers stuck to her poufs (high hairdo).

The fascinator is also traditionally worn on the right side of the head. This dates back to when ladies used to walk on the right side of gentlemen. Having the headwear nestled on the right side keeps an open space for ladies and gentlemen to talk freely, with no physical obstruction. 

These days, fascinators come in a variety of sizes and styles but they’re still worn mostly on the right side. No one’s going to come for you if you wear it on the left side of your head though.

Is it a fascinator or is it a hat?

One of the easiest ways to tell if it’s a hat is if it covers the entire top of the head. Meanwhile, fascinators are designed and made to sit on just one side (or in the case of Princess Beatrice of UK’s choice for Prince William and Princess Catherine’s wedding, on the forehead). Hats also have crowns and brims, while fascinators can also be fashioned like saucer hats minus the crown. 

How to wear fascinators

Unlike hats, which you wear by simply putting one on your head, fascinators are laid in place with the help of pieces that help fasten them. Some fascinators have bands (elastic or other), which go over the head, while others have a clip or a comb that’s placed on the side of the head where you want the piece to sit. 

Top tip: When looking for a fascinator, make sure that the detail that will keep it in place is the right size or type so you won’t need to worry about the headwear slipping off. For instance, smaller pieces may be worn with just a comb or clip while bigger styles akin to saucer hats would need an elastic or headband as a base. 

How to style fascinators

Wearing is different to styling. Before you get to styling your fascinator, consider the event you’re going to first. Knowing the venue, season, theme and dress code of the event you’re attending would help you narrow down your choices. 

A fascinator you’ll wear to an autumn wedding may be different to what you’ll want to wear to the spring races. 

Themes and dress codes will also dictate what style and colour fascinator you should pick up. Here are just a few things to consider.

Fascinator styles by season

Winter events: For these, you’d want something that’s not only decorative but also suits the season. When looking for a fascinator, keep colours that are reserved for winter in mind. Think: gem colours and neutrals. No one will stop you from wearing brights, of course, but people generally wear cooler tones during this season. As far as headwear materials go, consider velvet, silk and corduroy.

Spring events: The opposite of winter’s call for neutrals, spring beckons brightness. Anything and everything fresh is great. Oranges, pinks, lime greens and yellows are just a few of your best colour bets. For materials, think lighter. Straw, sinamay and satin are great options for the season.

READ NEXT: The Anatomy of a Spring Racing Outfit

Summer events: Like spring, summer is a great opportunity to wear the rainbow! The brighter, the better. You may even want to bank on punchier, more fun pieces during the season. Instead of florals, which are great for spring (although Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada may not agree), look for fun elements that remind you of the season such as beads, gem stones that look like sea glass, and more.

Autumn events: Similar to winter, autumn calls for deeper tones and heavier fabrics or materials. That doesn’t mean you can’t wear red or add a splash of orange to your neutral ensemble. Take inspiration from nature’s best during the season.

Weddings have strict dress codes, so do some races. So it’s important to pay attention to what’s prescribed for these. Top tip: There’s a general rule that your fascinator shouldn’t be bigger than the mother of the bride’s. If you’re wearing a fascinator to the races though, it’s a good rule of thumb to check the race’s theme and dress code. Some events call for specific colours, like Derby Day is strictly black and white, Oak’s Day is pastel and feminine, and Melbourne Cup Day is big and bold.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to What to Wear to the Races

Don’t forget to pick a headwear piece that captures your style personality, of course. On top of it sending a style message, doing so ensures that you’re confident and comfortable with what you’re wearing. The last thing you want is to be awkward at a special event.

Once you’ve settled on what to get, it’s time to think about how to actually wear it. There’s the age-old question of whether or not you should match your fascinator with your shoes. Our take? Sure! Or you could also match it with your dress or your bag — or you could go for a different colour altogether and rock a colour contrast or colour clash. 

Where to buy fascinators

Your local milliner will have a selection, for sure. But if you’re wanting something modern and on-trend, online speciality stores like FORD MILLINERY are your best bet. Not just because of the designs, dreamed up by the brand’s Creative Director Chantelle Ford, but more so for the quality of each piece, which is handcrafted in Sydney.