Fascinators and hats aren't what they used to be. With wedding and races season right around the corner, there's never been a better time to shop the bold colours and modern blooms hitting the hat racks.
Fascinators and hats are the crowning glory of any occasion outfit, and they’re no longer stuck in the dark ages. You only have to look at the catwalks to know that fashion veils and headdresses are in season, see Marc Jacobs SS14 and now Jean Paul Gaultier AW14. Hoorah.
Traditionalists will love the current fixation with lace and botanicals as classic hat styles receive a high-fashion makeover with 3D blooms and textured finishes. But for original style pieces, take inspiration from the red carpet, where the celebrities are putting their stamp on the hatwalk, including Nicole Richie’s fierce cat ear piece veil and Anna Friel’s Goodwood heart hairpiece.
Fascinators and Hats
So if it's chic and unorthodox styles like cat hats or bold floral headbands that tickle your fancy, or forgotten style revivals like bowler hats and even visors, it's safe to say that hat styles are nothing short of daring this year. Check out our favourite styles.
Rosie Olivia Millinery Feather Dome Hat, £470
Colour-lovers will fall for the Rosie Olivia Millinery Feather Dome Hat with a lime green hit and just a dusting sparkle.
Eugenia Kim Open Weave Sunhat, £320
Adding a sports luxe touch to the classic sunhat option, Eugenia Kim choose a cool cut out weave for a striking hatwear look.
CA4LA Cat Hat, £333.41
The cat hat has certainly made its mark on the hats and fascinator world, naming Elle Fanning, Rihanna and Nicole Richie as a-list fans. Make your fashion statement in this kooky headwear option.
Eugenia Kim Lolita Floral Embellished Headpiece, £330
Veils are a new season hit for occasion headwear. Try this truly stunning Eugenia Kim Lolita Floral Headpiece to inject colour into a classic ensemble.
Eugenia Kim Woven Sunhat, £330
Updating the traditional sunhat with a wider rim and a bolder ribbon, the Eugenia Kim Woven Sunhat looks like a suitably-refined headwear option for SS14 races days.
Nerida Fraiman Pearl Fascinator, £385
Fall for the subtle petal detail on the Nerida Fraiman Pearl Fascinator. Steeped in fine pearl detail, this hatwear option is a gloriously polished addition to your elegant occasion look.
Justine Bradley-Hill Blossom Hat, £340
Throw out the rule book because Justine Bradley-Hill just changed what you though about fascinators and hats. The Blossom Hat is striking whilst still being classically understated.
Boticca Clara Hat, £187
Keep it classy in the Boticca Clara Hat, with a bow atop the gold mini style.
Gabriella Dumitran Organza Headdress, £645.67
Lace is key to SS14 styling - we saw it everywhere from Burberry to Ellie Saab on the catwalks and it makes an easy transition into headwear with the Gabriella Dumitran Organza Headdress.
Maison Michel Heidi Veiled Lace Headband, £310
Think Nicole Richie, the style-savvy Masion Michel Heidi Veiled Lace Headbead is the finishing touch to any fashionista's truly fabulous ensemble.
BHS Black Spot Crin Bow, £22.50
Maintaining an 80s vibe, the BHS Black Spot Crin Bow Fascinator is the ideal addition for styling out a vintage outfit.
Boticca Kitty Hat, £146
For something fashion-forward the Boticca Kitty Hat is tres chic for any special occasion.
Jane Taylor Millinery Alyssa Cocktail Hat, £790
3D blooms are our new season fixation having been featured on every lust-worthy catwalk accessory at Katrantzou. Wear the Jane Taylor Millinery Alyssa Cocktail Hat to give the trend a try.
Hatbox Ivory Bow Hat at Debenhams, £35
If you're keen to wear a hat to your special occasion, we suggest you go retro in the Hatbox Ivory Bow Hat at Debenhams. This style is perfect for a day at the races.
Boticca Lise Hat, £145
With a simple pom detail, the Boticca Lise Hat is fashion-forward with a sophisticated touch.
Nerida Fraiman Pearl And Crystal Headpiece, £360
If you're not fond of the traditional hat styles, Nerida Fraiman gives hat styles a high fashion makeover with a flat Pearl And Crystal Headpiece to sit elegantly atop quiffed hairstyles.
Jane Bailey Kiki Coral Fascinator, £290
A structured shape like this Jane Bailey Kiki Coral Fascinator will finish your outfit to great effect. It's both striking and stylish.
Sarah Cant Couture Millinery Fascinator, £330
Wear it high-rise in the Sarah Cant Couture Millinery Fascinator. The finish is sharp and metallic for that new season futuristic feel.
Stella McCartney Woven Straw Visor, £315
Trust Stella McCartney to do something original with hatwear for spring/summer. She's singlehandedly bringing the visor back. Hooray for Stella.
Jenny Packham Fascinator at Debenhams, £28
Kate Middleton's occasion favourite Jenny Packham presents this perfect hair accessory for the new season. We love.
Rock ‘N’ Rose Frederika Sequin Headband, £42
For a gothic edge, try the Rock 'N' Rose Frederika Sequin Headband to give you outfit that added edge.
Maison Michel Rita Fascinator, £143.86
Soft and subtle, the Maison Michel Rita Fascinator injects a little feminity to a short, textured hairstyle.
Debenhams Fascinator, £120
In spring/summer we're keen to add florals from head to toe. So let's do it, with the Debenhams Blue Floral Fascinator.
John Lewis Snoxells Disc Tear Drop Hat Fascinator, £50
Who says you can't wear black to a wedding? As a guest you'd prefer to be fashion-savvy in this classy John Lewis Snoxells Disc Tear Drop Hat.
Beth Morgan Silk Rose Hat, £695
If you can't choose between this season's elegant veil detail or bold blooms, opt for the Beth Morgan Silk Rose Hat that ties the two beautifully.
Stephen Jones Fascinator At Debenhams, £85
Perfect fascinators for short hairstyles are hard to find. But, with a large, oversized shape, the Stephen Jones Fascinator will only enhance your cropped style.
Coast Shivi Hatinator, £45
Go bold in a big bow this season for something that's truly chic.
William Chambers Millinery Gold Peony Coolie, £725
For a touch of sophistication, opt for the subtlty of William Chambers' Millinery Gold Peony Coolie hat with a low brim and soft spiral detailing.
Philip Treacy Pale Pink Hat, £585
In a soft blush colour, the Philip Treacy Pink Hat will match well to any occasion outfit this spring, adding just that final touch of glamour.
Bottica Velvet Flower Pillbox Hat, £109
Occasion hats don't have to be oversized. We love the new mini style if you're keen to wear a hat but don't want all the attention that goes with it.
Rachel Trevor-Morgan Pillbox Hat, £599
If your taste falls between fascinator and hat in the occasionwear department, a pillbox hat is the one for you. Rachel Trevor-Morgan's sweet starbust style is perfect for the understated dresser.
Jane Taylor Millinery Cocktail Hat, £975
In a departure for this season's floral fixation, the Jane Taylor Millinery Cocktail Hat features a leafier structure for clean lines.
Kristina Dragomir Sculpted Hat, £270.76
Kristina Dragomir keeps it classic this season with the taupe-coloured Sculpted Hat, featuring a run of gorgeous 3D blooms as if fresh from the catwalk.
Philip Treacy Distressed Tipped Dome Hat, £975
Minimalist dressers will love the Philip Treacy Distrissed Tipped Dome Hat that will create a chic, refined look with a tipped rim and a bold bloom.
Victoria Grant Pillbox Hat, £450
A splash of teal and some gorgeous occasionwear sparkle is all it's going to take to set off your races day dress.
William Chambers For Coast Gold Hat, £85
Alongside a hat that sits elegantly on one side, the William Chambers Gold Hat is topped off perfectly by a bold black bloom.
Victoria Grant Veil Fascinator, £808.61
A colour contrast of black and white is the ultimate combination for spring but throw a little red into the mix and you have yourself something really chic. We recommend the Victoria Grant Veil Fascinator.
Noel Stewart Magnolia Hat, £640
Featuring the hottest palette for spring/summer, pastels, the Noel Stewart Magnolia Hat will be easy to mix and match with the new season occasion offerings.
Gina Foster Ostrich Feather And Silk Rose Hat, £560
Gina Foster's Ostrich Feather And Silk Rose Hat will make the perfect finishing touch to an occasion ensemble.
Siggi Feathered Veil Pillbox Hat, £280
The Siggi Feathered Pillbox Hat uses a feminine netted veil to soften a boxy hat style, creating the ultimate war of masculine and feminine for SS14.
Dion Bowler Hat, £195
The Dion Bowler Hat is a bowler hat with a twist, seeming more Audrey Hepburn than Charlie Chaplin. We love.
BHS Black Spiral Fascinator, £30
A happy medium between hat and fascinator, the BHS Black Spiral headpiece will sit gracefully atop any crop or bobbed hairstyle to set off a shorter hair 'do.
Topshop Straw Edge Detail Floppy Hat, £25
Races day has never looked more chic. Top off your occasion dress with this sophisticated Topshop Straw Edge Detail Floppy Hat.
Jane Taylor Millinery Calla Straw Beret With Handmade Silk Rose, £665
Beautifully contrasting awua greens with cool blues, the Jane Taylor Millinery Cala Hat can be worn elegantly on the side of any hair 'do and makes for a great outfit-matching palette.
