Whether it's for a day at the races or a special occasion such as a wedding, fascinators can add the perfect finishing touch to your outfits.
The golden rules to remember are to keep the size of the fascinator hat in proportion to the length of your hair and to match it to the colour of your outfit. Under no circ*mstances wear a white fascinator to a wedding unless you're the bride!
Apart from that, use the occasion as an opportunity to embrace this often neglected accessory. To help you get started, we've created this guide on how to wear fascinators so you get all the inspiration needed for fancy occasions throughout the year…
- How To Wear Fascinators With Short Hair
- How To Wear Fascinators With A Bun
- How To Wear Fascinators With Medium Length Hair
- How To Wear Fascinators With Netting
- Top Tips On Wearing Fascinators
How To Wear A Fascinator With Short Hair
When choosing fascinators for short hair, look to smaller styles like the ones showcased above so they don't end up covering most of your hair. Small disc fascinators look great with short hair if you've got an angular face, while delicate floral styles work best with more rounded face shapes or if you're wearing a fascinator with a bob.
How To Wear A Fascinator With Medium Length Hair
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If you've got medium length hair and plan on wearing it down, you've got more choice when it comes to the style and size of fascinator to go for. Simple looped fascinators work particularly well for formal parties if you've got a slight wave in your hair, while corsage styles are the perfect fascinators for weddings and race days to complement straightened long hair.
How To Wear A Fascinator With A Bun
Putting your hair in a bun is one of the easiest hairstyles to wear with fascinators and it often creates a smarter look compared to wearing your hair down. Always opt for a style with a narrow headband and avoid tall fascinators as they will create an awkward silhouette with the bun.
How To Wear A Fascinator With Netting
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Wearing a fascinator with netting should be done with caution if you'll be attending a wedding – never opt for a design with white netting as you risk upstaging the bride. Instead choose pastel colours like the fascinators with netting showcased above and avoid styles that have too much netting coming down over your face.
Our Top Tips On How To Wear A Fascinator
- Always choose a fascinator that is in proportion to the length of your hair – smaller fascinators for short hair increasing to larger styles for medium length and long hair.
- Make sure the colour of the fascinator complements your outfit (either matches the colour or highlights a colour detail from it) and don’t forget to consider the colour of your hair when choosing the fascinator.
- Avoid disc fascinator hats if you've got a round or oval face shape and instead opt for a more angular design.
- For heart, rectangular or square face shapes choose a curved fascinator so it complements the angles of your face.
- If you're wearing a fascinator with netting, always pick a coloured netting and try to find a design which has netting that doesn't sit over your face.
- Fascinators are generally worn to the side of your head and it's best to choose the same side as your parting (if you have one!).
FAQs
"A simple low sleek bun can be a great option that suits any headwear, particularly under a large hat, or detailed fascinator. Long hair can also be tied into a simple ponytail which looks great under a wide-brimmed or boater hat."
Should you wear your hair up or down with a fascinator? ›
You can, of course, wear your hair down - it really depends on the wedding and look you're trying to achieve. If the dress code for the wedding is formal, then you might want to follow suit with your hairstyle and go for an up-do.
What is the etiquette for wearing a fascinator? ›
You should wear a fascinator on the RIGHT side of your head
Traditionally, when gentlemen escort ladies, the lady is on his right side. So, if a lady had their fascinator on the left, it could get in the way during conversation, block them from being able to see each other, or worse…
Should your fascinator match your shoes or dress? ›
Firstly, you could match the fascinator to the colour of your dress, a popular choice which looks sleek and classic. Secondly, you could match your fascinator to accessories you will be wearing such as your shoes or bag. This could be done to create a beautiful pop of colour and can really tie an outfit together.
Do you hide the headband on a fascinator? ›
Fascinator Headband
Just like with hair clips, fascinators on headbands are quick and easy to wear and will work with the majority of hairstyles and the narrow width headband can easily be hidden in the hair.
Which is the front of a fascinator? ›
Traditionally, fascinators were worn on the right-hand side of the head. This tradition stems from the fact that women used to wear their hair in elaborate updos, and placing the fascinator on the right side ensured that it would be visible from the front.
Do you wear a fascinator all day? ›
Forget about worrying about where to put your hat at the wedding breakfast. Fascinators can be worn for the whole day.
Are fascinators still in fashion? ›
An elegant occasion piece that will never go out of style, a fascinator is the perfect accessory for adding a statement touch to your formal outfits.
What kind of dress do you wear with a fascinator? ›
For example, a navy dress would look beautiful with a contrasting fascinator in red, pink or orange. However, the contrasting colour does not have to be bright. A pink dress would look lovely with a classic black fascinator whilst silver-grey fascinators compliment turquoise dresses beautifully.
How do I stop my fascinator from slipping? ›
Tie a small amount of hair back with an elastic so that the comb or clip has a solid base to grip into. Ie push a comb DOWN into an elastic band. Place two Kirby grips in a cross shape diagonally through a piece of hair which will be covered by the fascinator.
A fascinator is worn on occasions where hats are customary, sometimes serving as an evening accessory, when it may be called a co*cktail hat. It is generally worn with fairly formal attire. In addition, fascinators are frequently worn by women as a Christian headcovering during church services, especially weddings.
What hairstyle goes with fascinator? ›
"A simple low sleek bun can be a great option that suits any headwear, particularly under a large hat, or detailed fascinator. Long hair can also be tied into a simple ponytail which looks great under a wide-brimmed or boater hat."
What color should your fascinator be? ›
Occasion: The occasion for which you're wearing the fascinator will also influence your choice. For formal events, such as weddings or the races, consider wearing a classic colour, such as black or white. For less formal events, consider a brighter or bolder colour.
What color fascinator with grey hair? ›
BLUE. Sapphire blue looks especially striking with white or gray hair, but navy, light, and bright blue are also very lovely.
What side does a woman wear a fascinator? ›
As long as you're able to securely fasten the fascinator to your head, how you style your hair is up to you. Just keep in mind that, traditionally, they're worn on the right-hand side. Go to a milliner who is experienced with special occasion headwear.
Is it better to wear hair up or down for wedding? ›
Go with Your Gut
At the end of the day, it really is all about what you want, so trust your instincts and choose the hairstyle you love, regardless of your gown's neckline or what you usually do with your hair. If you've always envisioned yourself with long, flowing waves on your wedding day, go for it.
Is it still fashionable to wear a fascinator to a wedding? ›
If the wedding you're attending is a very formal occasion, a hat or fascinator is recommended and it should ideally match the colour of your dress or two-piece - whether it's the same shade or a complementary hue.
