I am fully aware there are far more pressing issues going on in the world than my disdain for fascinators, but humour me. With the wedding and events season in full swing – from Ascot and English country weddings, to town hall nuptials (yes, Dua, you have brought a renaissance of the chic town hall ceremony, thank you), to dressed-up garden parties if you’re very, very posh – I thought it was high time I waxed lyrical on the matter.

If you’re in the market this summer for a piece of headwear, bypass the tragic cluster of feathers at a 45-degree angle and embrace the utter chicness of a hat. Here’s why I find an outfit topped off with a fascinator anything but fascinating…

Fascinators all sit in the same camp, and it’s a camp I have no desire to visit. Hats, however, are fabulous. Whoever says hats don’t suit them just hasn’t found the right one.

Astrid, Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor

There is a caveat, of course…

When I say I hate fascinators, I should clarify that not all are made equal. I’m talking about the headband with a noncommittal cluster of feathers or similar. There are some fascinators (by definition) that actually have substance – ones that sit at the front of the head, or a little off-centre, in a disc shape or beautiful sculptural form, that feels more like a hat, even if it’s only secured with a band. Frivolous fashion talk, I know. But to look truly chic, and for an outfit to feel finished, the piece has to be sizable, not just an Alice band with a little zhuzh.

Dua has brought a renaissance of the chic town hall ceremony, and the return of fabulous bridal hats.

They have no substance…

Facinators are so flimsy, they may as well not be there. The slightest blow of wind and a couple of feathers dangling from a piece of wire bobbing about feels sad. I want something with structure, presence, and drama. And if hats are just not for you, a hair accessory adds the final touch to a look – I’m thinking Simone Rocha pearl vibes, Jennifer Behr’s jewelled barrettes, or a simple plump velvet bow at the back of the head can be simple but so chic. 

They feel a bit like a Royal Wedding 2012 hangover

I don’t want to say “mother-of-the-bride”, but mother-of the-bride. Fascinators, sorry, just are not cool. They were kind of acceptable back then, but now they feel sad. A hat, however? Iconic. Just think of Julia Roberts in that Pretty Woman scene in her polka dot-trimmed straw boater. It was charming and cool; it gave the outfit a little bit of edge, but still felt elegant and appropriate. Channel that and you’re on the right track. 

Tthink of Julia Roberts in that Pretty Woman scene in her polka dot-trimmed straw boater. It was charming and cool, but still felt elegant and appropriate.

A fascinator is an afterthought

A hat feels part of an outfit. Sometimes it feels like the whole look. It makes it. Takes it from a 6 to a 10/10 instantly. A fascinator? It feels like an afterthought and not part of the whole concept (not to be a dramatic fashion editor or anything). A tiny waft of feathers or faux flora doesn’t give impact.  I get it, a hat can feel like a commitment, a scary accessory if you’re not used to wearing one, but it also feels cool and mysterious, chic and put together. Plus, a fabulous hat is always a great conversation starter. 

You can hold a hat 

If you’re not used to wearing things on your head (and let’s face it, how often do you?), sometimes it’s nice for a little relief from the headgear. A hat – especially one of sizeable proportions – can be taken off, held, and still feel like part of the look; it looks chic and cool. But a fascinator in the hand? Well, that feels like you’ve brought a very sad, unwell bird to the party. 

Hats are fabulous, and there are so many options to choose from

Fascinators all sit in the same camp, and it’s a camp I have no desire to visit. Hats, however, are fabulous. Whoever says hats don’t suit them just hasn’t found the right one. You can go coquettish and charming with a straw boater – it pretty much goes with anything. You can add drama with something architectural, minimalist and lampshade-like (bear with me here), something in shape that echoes a bucket hat but with elegance. 

Then there’s this season’s hat du jour: the pillbox. I personally think this goes with just about anything. It’s a final flourish to a look, but still so understated, giving Audrey Hepburn, ‘90s Chanel, or Jackie O elegance. Or, you could choose a huge, “I’m here!” kind of wide-brimmed Jacquamus number that deserves its own postcode. Even paired with a minimalist LBD, it adds such drama and an interesting silhouette you just wouldn’t be able to wear day-to-day. Embrace the fun of wearing a hat. Come Monday, you’ll be back to your usual jeans, sans hat combo. 

…And they are practical 

I’ve never met a fascinator that’s going to shield your face from the sun. Hats are a sartorial SPF. 

The verdict… 

Go big or go bareheaded. A fascinator screams, “I wanted to wear something on my head, but I really didn’t want to commit”. Instead, embrace brims, structure, drama and actual style. There was a time and a place, but… RIP the fascinator. A hat? Iconic. 

Shop these fabulous event-ready hats…

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