The best hats for Royal Ascot not only comply with the strict Royal Ascot dress code but make you stand out from the crowd and feel glamorous, too. Everyone loves to dress up for a day the races, but the Royal Ascot meeting (which takes place between Tuesday 18 and Saturday 22 June in 2024) is synonymous with fashion, elegance and style, which makes your outfit choice even more important. The best hat should complement your dress for Royal Ascot, too, putting the finishing touch to your outfit.
Raceday hats can be awkward to greet friends in, there’s a high chance of ending up with a glaring, sweaty forehead, and at some point during the day your heart will skip a beat as you make a dash back to the loo where you left it. So if you’re going to put yourself through the trial of choosing and wearing a hat to go racing this summer, we say make it a goody.
How to choose the best hat for Royal Ascot
For most equestrians, Royal Ascot is an opportunity to ditch the horsey attire and don a posh frock (or a top hat for the men). For the ladies, a hat can add personality to an outfit, but what are the secrets to getting it right?
The meeting famously has strict dress codes to adhere to – particularly in the Royal Enclosure where hats or headpieces should have a base of at least four inches (10cm) or more in diameter. You might think this rules out a lot of options, but there are plenty of fascinators that are designed with these dimensions in mind.
Unless you are fortunate to have access to a personal stylist, choosing an exquisite hat can be a tricky decision, so here are some tips for choosing the right hat for you…
- If you’re petite, a delicate feather fascinator or smaller headpiece (not wider than your shoulders) tilted to one side will work well.
- Tall ladies will carry off a larger brimmed hat more easily.
- If you have a round face, opt for a headpiece that sits at a slant (such as a beret) with a design, such as long feather quills or flowers, to add height and elongate your face.
- Ladies with a heart or oval-shaped face are lucky enough to be able to wear almost any shaped hat.
- If you are choosing a hat that is made on a hairband, opt for one that can easily be disguised in your hair — this is often achieved by having silk that matches your hair colour wrapped around the band.
- If you have a side parting, wear your hat on the side that your hair parts so that you have the fullest side of your hair on show.
- If you want to be the centre of attention, bright against blocks of darker tones will definitely turn heads. No one shies away from bright at Royal Ascot, but there are plenty of softer pastel options available, too.
- Botanical leaf and floral designs are always popular and are well-suited to this outdoor occasion.
- Avoid going overboard with accessories — a statement necklace with a detailed headpiece will look fussy so opt for one or the other.
Best hats for Royal Ascot 2024 for all budgets and styles
Phase Eight Layered Bow Hat
RRP: £119 |
In the UK? View now at phase-eight.com
LK Bennett Willow Black and White Mesh Hat
RRP: £149 |
In the UK? View now at lkbennett.com
Bev’s Yellow Percher
RRP: £59.99 |
In the UK? View now at etsy.com
Karen Millen Asymmetric Disc Fascinator
In the UK? View now at karenmillen.com or debenhams.com
LK Bennett Ayla Pearl Fascinator
Colours: Pink or white | RRP: £99 |
In the UK? View now at lkbennett.com
John Lewis Katy Boater Occasion Hat
Whiteley Rhiannon Satin Bow Occasion Hat
Ready For The Future Feather Detail Fascinator
Colours: Black, pink or cobalt | RRP: £129 |
In the UK? View now at karenmillen.com
LK Bennett Elowen Bow Fascinator
Colours: Metallic cream or navy | RRP: £99 |
In the UK? View now at lkbennett.com
Phase Eight 3D Flower Statement Boater Fascinator
RRP: £119 |
In the UK? View now at phase-eight.com
Lisa Tan Contrast Feather Detail Hat
Colours: Blue or pink | RRP: £139 |
In the UK? View now at coastfashion.com
Accessorize Tia Bow Fascinator
Colours: Black, pink or champagne | RRP: £49 |
In the UK? View now at accessorize.com
Karen Millen Flower Trim Headband Fascinator
In the UK? View now at karenmillen.com
Bev’s Shimmering Gold And Black Flower Hat
RRP: £71.99 |
In the UK? View now at etsy.com
Phase Eight Pleat Bow Hat
RRP: £119 |
In the UK? View now at phase-eight.com
Whiteley Parasisal Occasion Hat
Lisa Tan Contrast Satin Bow Wide Brim Hat
RRP: £129 |
In the UK? View now at coastfashion.com
John Lewis Chloe Sheer Occasion Hat
Hats By Cressida Statement Hat
Colours: 25 options | RRP: £250 |
In the UK? View now at etsy.com
Bev’s Yellow And Black Hatinator
RRP: £35.99 |
In the UK? View now at etsy.com
Accessorize Penny Loop Fascinator
Colours: Black, pink , ivory or blue | RRP: £60 |
In the UK? View now at accessorize.com
Karen Millen Mesh Detail Fascinator
John Lewis Jayne Jumbo Bow Occasion Hat
Whiteley Maeve Small Abaca Disc Occasion Hat
John Lewis Lily Large Split Fascinator
John Lewis Charlotte Occasion Hat
Hats By Cressida Saucer Hat
Colours: 31 options | RRP: £150 |
In the UK? View now at etsy.com
Phase Eight Bow And Feather Fascinator
Colours: Antique Rose | RRP: £69 |
In the UK? View now at phase-eight.com
Phase Eight Statement Bow Hat
RRP: £119 |
In the UK? View now at phase-eight.com
Phase Eight Blush Fascinator
Colours: Blush pink | RRP: £69 |
In the UK? View now at phase-eight.com
Tushi Round Fascinator
Colours: 64 options | RRP: From £28.99 |
In the UK? View now at etsy.com
John Lewis Carina
Colours: White, oyster or bluebell | RRP: £59 |
In the UK? View now at johnlewis.com
Accessorize Penelope
Colours: Pink, navy, pale pink or ivory | RRP: £49 |
In the UK? View now at accessorize.com
Karen Millen Pleated Spiral Trim Fascinator
Colours: Navy, ivory, black or blush | RRP: £109 |
In the UK? View now at karenmillen.com
LK Bennett Eileen
Colours: Pink, lavender or red | RRP: £99 |
In the UK? View now at lkbennett.com
Karen Millen Feather Detail Fascinator
Colours: Pink, navy, cobalt, blush or black | RRP: £129 |
In the UK? View now at karenmillen.com
Hats By Cressida Large Hat
Colours: 16 options | RRP: £225 |
In the UK? View now at etsy.com
The Head Bloomer Millinery Pink Flower
RRP: £145 |
In the UK? View now at notonthehighstreet.com
Hobbs Alexis
Colours: Pink | RRP: £79 |
In the UK? View now at hobbs.com
Hats By Cressida
RRP: £250 |
Available in 40 colours, this ostrich fascinator on a headband is a great choice if you can’t find what you’re looking for in a particular colour.
In the UK? View now at etsy.com
You might also like:
Find the perfect dress for Royal Ascot with our helpful guide
Dressing for Royal Ascot: H&H’s complete guide
Off to the races at Ascot? Here’s where to stay
A beginner’s guide to betting
If you fancy having a flutter on a horse race but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.
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