How to Choose a Fascinator or Cocktail Hat - My Guide

I'm often asked how to chose a fascinator or cocktail hat - so I decided to write my own guide! Here are the top things to consider when choosing the perfect headwear to accompany your outfit!

Colours:

Colour matching 

Choose a fascinator that matches the colour of your outfit. This is where I can help in particular, as I can make the style of fascinator that you want in a colour to match your outfit! If you want to find out more about ordering a bespoke fascinator, please contact me.

Complementing Colours

Choose a fascinator in a shade that complements, rather than matches, the colour of your outfit. This looks very pretty, and can give you much great flexibility in accessorising your outfit. Particularly if you are finding it hard to buy shoes etc in a colour to match your dress.

Contrasting Colours

Choose a fascinator in a colour that completely contrasts your dress. Personally, I think this works best with solid colours, and often, bright shades. The possibilities with this option are endless!

Fittings

Millinery elastic

The classic means of keeping a cocktail hat on the head! The elastic sits behind the ears and around the base of the head. Hair is parted either side so that the elastic is no visible. This suits most types of hair, and the elastic can be in a choice of colours to match the hair colour. It can take a little practice to part the hair so that the elastic is not seen, but once you get the hang of it, it is very easy, and looks great! Here is an example of a fascinator being worn with a millinery elastic.

Headband

 

Possibly the easiest way of wearing a fascinator, because it is so simple to put it on, and take it off without messing up your hair. Works best on short hair, or hair that is being worn down. It is difficult hide the headband, and it will tend to show within your hair do. Headbands are either satin covered as above (in black, white, ivory or a colour to match the main part of the fascinator), or metal, as in the example below.

Comb

Metal or plastic (often clear) combs are often used on fascinators. In my opinion they are best suited either to those with thicker hair (where the comb can get a bit more grip) or when the hair is being worn up. Sometimes a couple of bobby pins in the hair can be a great way to help the fascinator to stay in place. Here is an example of a fascinator being worn on a comb.

Crocodile clip

 A fascinator on a crocodile clip would work particularly well when hair is being worn in an up do, and would allow you the freedom to chose where on the head the fascinator could be worn, giving extra flexibility. This fascinator would be suited to a crocodile clip

Style

Be guided by the style of your outfit, and your usual style - you don't want to wear something that you will feel uncomfortable in. It is hard to categorise all fascinators in to particular styles, but here are some ideas.

Subtle

Dramatic

Classic

Pretty

Original, Bespoke, Unique

Creating original designs is one of the great joys I find in millinery work. Subtle changes like a slight alteration to a cutting pattern, a different twist in the fabric, or the use of different trimmings can produce dramatically different results. Take, for example, my latest finished piece. Just a small change to a cutting pattern that I have used many times before, a bit of imagination, and ta da! A new design, that I personally think is elegant, sophisticated and striking. I particularly love the chic colour of the graphite sinamay and the delicate black feathers.

Under Construction

Finished piece

Detail

I have recently been working on a number of bespoke fascinators. Custom orders based on the individual requirements of the customer. Whether it be adapting a design, or reproducing an item in a different colourway to match an outfit, I find working on bespoke orders very rewarding. If you are interested in commissioning a custom piece, please contact me.

Original Fascinator

Bespoke item in new colourway

As all my items are hand crafted, no two pieces are quite the same. I use the highest quality materials, many of which are natural rather than synthetic, and in themselves contain variations. Pieces are finished to suit both the design and the qualities of the materials, resulting in a unique fascinator.