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fascinators

9 best fascinators for a wedding or a day at the races

Elevate your occasion looks with a timeless fascinator...

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Sophie Bates
Commerce Writer
Updated: June 7, 2024
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Royal Ascot is fast approaching, as is summer wedding season, so it's likely you're shopping for the perfect fascinator to complete your formal outfit.

An elegant and royal-approved occasionwear piece that will never go out of style, a fascinator is the perfect accessory for adding a statement touch to your ensemble. Whether you're a wedding guest or you're looking forward to a day at the races, there are so many stylish fascinators around to complement your look.

There are two main styles of fascinators; headband and clip fascinators. A headband fascinator is super easy to keep in place and is a great option for those with longer hair, as the band can be discreetly covered. Shorter hair can also work well with headband styles, but consider a thinner band or opting for clip options, which will give a seamless touch and look stunning from every photo angle. 

How to style a fascinator

split image kate middleton in fascinators © Getty
Princess Kate loves a fascinator for a royal occasion

If you're struggling to decide which fascinator to choose, consider the colour palette of your outfit, and match your fascinator with your shoes for an easy way to tie everything together. On several occasions Princess Kate has made a case for matching the fascinator with the dress, giving off an effortlessly put-together look. If you're going to this, make sure your headpiece is a close match in colour to your dress to avoid clashing. 

How I chose

  • Variety: Whether you want to make a statement or keep it subtle with your headpiece, I've chosen a range of styles, from simple fascinators to sparkly fascinators in pink, cream, black, and more colours.
  • Price: Shopping for a special event can be costly when you take into consideration the price of dresses, shoes, and accessories, so I've selected a mix of price points to suit every budget, with some fascinators costing as little as £12/$16. 
  • Occasion: Unless you're a royal, it's unlikely that you regularly wear a fascinator, which is why I've chosen styles that are best suited to those special occasions – think the races, weddings, and funerals. 

From simple fascinators to style with floral dresses to eye-catching styles to level up an otherwise simple outfit, these headpieces will help you to feel your best for the upcoming occasion.

  • Karen Millen Asymmetric Disc Headband Fascinator

    karen millen pink fascinator

    Karen Millen Fascinator

    Colours available: Pink, Red, Black, Blush, Cobalt Blue, Green

    Shipping: £4.99 Standard Delivery or free with Karen Millen Premier

    Returns: £2 within 28 days or free with Karen Millen Premier

    Karen Millen never misses when it comes to sophisticated wardrobe pieces, and this hot pink fascinator is perfect for the upcoming occasion in your diary. It features an asymmetric disc design with elegant twist detailing, with a headband that will ensure your accessory stays in place all day. The gorgeous pink shade is a great way to inject some colour into your outfit, so style it with neutral shades or opt for a matching pink dress for a statement finish. It also comes in a whole array of other hues.

  • Hobbs Mini Freya Fascinator

    hobbs lilac fascinator

    Hobbs Fascinator

    Colours available: Lobelia Blue

    Shipping: £2.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £150

    Returns: Free within 28 days

    Lilac is a trending colour every spring and summer, and Hobbs' new-in fascinator is just stunning for weddings. Designed with a discreet headband, the fascinator has a slanted positioning, with a sinamay disc and a sculptural bow for a finishing touch.  

  • Phase Eight Navy Fascinator

    phase eight navy fascinator

    Phase Eight Fascinator

    Colours available: Navy

    Shipping: £2.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £150

    Returns: Free within 28 days

    Elevate your occasion look with Phase Eight's elegant disc fascinator. Set on a thin headband, the accessory is designed with delicate twist detailing across the round crown for a statement touch. It's giving major mother-of-the-bride vibes.

  • My Accessories Floral Fascinator

    ASOS fascinator

    ASOS Fascinator

    Colours available: Champagne

    Shipping: Free Standard Delivery

    Returns: Free within 28 days

    If you're opting for a printed dress for your upcoming occasion, a fascinator in a champagne hue is a great way to round off the look without colour clashing. This one from ASOS is so pretty with its oversized floral design, while the slightly sheer mesh adds to the sophisticated feel. The slim band is super subtle and I think it would look lovely paired with a tonal cream outfit or to complement a pastel dress.

  • John Lewis Tilly Upturn Fascinator

    John Lewis fascinator

    John Lewis Fascinator

    Colours: Black, Magenta, White, Sky Blue

    Shipping: £4.50 or free with a £50 spend 

    Returns: Within 30 days 

    John Lewis' stylish Tilly fascinator sits on a classic headband for easy wearing, topped with a tilted disc design and a bow that offers a textural finish. The fascinator comes in several colourways, so there's something for every occasion. 

  • New Look Pink Mesh Flower Fascinator

    New Look fascinator

    New Look Fascinator

    Colours: Seven colours available 

    Shipping: £2.99 for Standard Delivery or free on orders over £50

    Returns: £1.99 within 28 days

    New Look has the prettiest pale pink fascinator with a floral design and a mesh finish - and at £15.99 it's so affordable.

  • Phase Eight Flower Headband

    marks and spencer purple fascinator

    M&S Fascinator

    Colours available: Purple

    Shipping: £3.99 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £60

    Returns: Free within 35 days

    You can shop fascinators from several brands via M&S. This gorgeous Phase Eight flower fascinator features a flexible headband for comfort, with the prettiest petal design and finished with a touch of sparkle. The perfect statement style for an upcoming occasion, wear it with a matching purple dress or trouser suit to complete the look.

  • Accessorize Double Bow Headband Fascinator

    acessorize pink fascinator

    Accessorize Fascinator

    Colours available: Pink, Blue

    Shipping: £3.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £40

    Returns: Free within 30 days

    Gorgeous for both weddings and race days, Accessorize's fascinator is set on a satin headband that's been designed with comfort in mind, complete with a double bow and finished with the prettiest feather detailing. Style it with a floaty maxi dress in a matching pink shade and a pair of espadrilles to complete the look. 

  • L.K.Bennett Melissa Velvet Plaited Headband Fascinator

    lk bennett fascinator

    L.K.Bennett Fascinator

    Colours: Forest Green

    Shipping: £4.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £300

    Returns: Free within 28 days

    L.K. Bennett's fascinator screams glamour with its luxurious velvet headband that features a plaited design, paired with the statement netting. Available in forest green and grey colours, the fascinator would look great teamed with a floaty maxi dress or a pleated midi skirt and fitted bodysuit.

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