How to choose and wear a fascinator
A fascinator is a formal headpiece for women, often worn as an alternative to a hat. Fascinators are worn to occasions such as horse racing events and weddings, and may even be worn by brides as an alternative to a veil. A larger fascinator with hat-like characteristics is often called a hatinator. Choosing a fascinator can feel daunting, so we have put together a few pointers to help you find the perfect one for you.
Should a fascinator match the dress?
While it is possible to build an outfit around a statement fascinator, it is often best to choose your dress first. This means you can pick a fascinator that matches or complements the exact colour of the dress. Keep in mind that it can be tricky to find a perfect match, especially if the dress is a more unusual colour. If your dress features more than one colour, you could match the fascinator to an accent colour within it. This gives you more colours to choose from, so a matching fascinator may be easier to find.
Can a bride wear a fascinator?
There are two main types of fascinator: headbands and combs. Comb fascinators are usually small and light, so they stay in the hair easily. For weddings, comb fascinators are lovely for guests who would rather not wear a large hat or fascinator. They are also perfect for bridesmaids, or even the bride. Combs are versatile, as they can be worn anywhere in the hair: at the side of the head, or secured into a bun at the back. If your comb is a little heavier, or you have sleek, slippery hair, try spraying your hair with a little hairspray or texturising spray before putting in your comb to help it grip.
Read more: Wedding Hair Accessories
Headbands are a very popular choice and are generally quite low maintenance throughout the day. There is a greater choice of size too, as headbands can hold much larger decorations, so if you would like a statement fascinator, a headband may be the one for you. It is often easy to hide the headband with your hair if you wish, although most are covered with material which matches the fascinator and can look lovely on show as well. Brides can certainly wear headband fascinators too.
How do you choose the colour of a fascinator?
There are a few options when choosing the colour of your fascinator. 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 creates a beautiful pop of colour and can really tie an outfit together.
Finally, you could choose a fascinator in a contrasting colour to your dress. For example, a navy dress would look beautiful with a contrasting fascinator in red, pink or orange. The contrasting colour does not have to be bright, though. A pink dress would look lovely with a classic black fascinator, while silver-grey fascinators complement turquoise dresses beautifully.
How do you choose the size of a fascinator?
There are no set rules on how small or large your fascinator should be, but there are a few traditional guidelines which you may wish to follow.
If your fascinator is for a wedding, traditionally the mother of the bride wears the largest fascinator of all the guests. It is a lovely time to choose something beautiful and striking. The mother of the groom could also choose a large fascinator. Wedding guests usually choose fascinators smaller than those of the mothers of the bride and groom. Traditionally, the closer the relation to the couple, the larger the hat.
If your fascinator is for the races, such as Ascot, the general rule is the bigger the better. You will see all sorts of large and wonderful creations at the races, so do not be afraid to choose something different and memorable.
How do you wear a hair fascinator?
Fascinators are usually worn on the right side of the head. This tradition is said to date from when women stood on the right side of a man, as his sword was carried on the left, so women's hats tilted to the right so they would not shield her face from him. Although men no longer carry swords, the tradition of wearing hats and fascinators on the right has continued, and this means many fascinators are still designed to be worn on the right side of the head.
However, some fascinators are designed to be worn on either side, and it often looks best to wear the fascinator on the same side as your parting.
How do fascinators stay in?
Headbands are easy to wear, as you simply pop them on and go, but combs can take a little more time to get the hang of. Once you have mastered it, though, it really is simple. If you have smooth or slippery hair, add a little hairspray first for extra grip. Hold the comb upside down against your head so the fascinator is on the inside and the curve of the comb is pointing upwards. Then hold your hair back in the position you want with your other hand, and run the teeth of the comb through your hair away from your face. Flip the comb back over and push it forwards towards your face until it stays firmly in place.
Step-by-step guide:
- Hold the comb upside down against your head.
- Run the comb through your hair away from your face.
- Flip the comb over and push it forwards towards your face.
- When it is firmly in place, you are ready to go.
Alternatives to a fascinator
If you would prefer an alternative to a fascinator, our Crystal Hair Accessories, including crystal hair combs, are beautiful to wear to weddings and the races. Headbands and Alice Bands are always a lovely alternative too.
