Skip to main contentSkip to footer
best fascinators for women - inspired by Kate Middleton© Getty Images

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

Elevate your occasion looks with a timeless fascinator...

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Read our full commerce guidelines here.

Leanne Bayley
Director of Lifestyle & Commerce
Updated: 7 days ago
Share this:

How exciting! 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. 

Maya Jama attended Royal Ascot back in 2022 optin for a pink floral design© Getty Images
Maya Jama attended Royal Ascot back in 2022 optin for a pink floral design

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.

Best fascinators for 2025

  1. 1/10

    My Accessories Light Pink Fascinator

    My Accessories swirl twist fascinator in light pink© ASOS

    ASOS Fascinator

    Colours available: Light pink

    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 light pink hue is a great way to round off the look without colour clashing. This one from ASOS is so pretty with its oversized bow 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 pink outfit or to complement a pastel dress.

  2. 2/10

    Lele Sadoughi Floral Veil Fascinator

    Lele Sadoughi fascinator© Lele Sadoughi

    Lele Sadoughi Fascinator

    Colours available: Blush and emerald

    Shipping: Spend over $75 and you get free shipping. Another country? They ship internationally free to almost every country within 2 - 10 business days

    Returns: Free within 14 days

    Lele Sadoughi's best-selling fascinator is versatile for weddings, afternoon tea, and special events. It is made with a custom fit band and these fascinators are rated the most comfortable. Designed in NYC there are plenty to choose from. 

  3. 3/10

    Karen Millen Feather Detail Fascinator

    Karen Millen pink fascinator© Karen Millen

    Karen Millen Fascinator

    Colours available: Pink, Ivory, Red, Navy, Black, Blush, Cobalt Blue

    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.

  4. 4/10

    John Lewis Aimee Pillbox Fascinator

    John Lewis Aimee Pillbox Fascinator© John Lewis

    John Lewis Fascinator

    Colours: Black, Pink

    Shipping: £4.50 or free with a £50 spend 

    Returns: Within 30 days 

    John Lewis' stylish Aimee fascinator sits on a classic headband for easy wearing, topped with a tilted pillbox-style fascinator which offers a classic retro vibe. 

  5. 5/10

    M&S x Accessorize Corsage Headband

    M&S Corsage Headband© Accessorize

    M&S Fascinator

    Colours available: Champagne

    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 Accessorize corsage headband features a flexible headband for comfort, with the prettiest petal design. The perfect statement style for an upcoming occasion, wear it with a matching dress or trouser suit to complete the look.

  6. 6/10

    L.K.Bennett 'Emma' Powder Blue Fabric Bow Fascinator Headband

    LK Bennett Emma Powder Blue Fabric Bow Fascinator Headband© LK Bennett

    L.K.Bennett Fascinator

    Colours: Blue, Red,

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

    Returns: Free within 28 days

    L.K. Bennett's bow headband is a modern take on the fascinator with its fabric bow crafted from  high-quality material for a standout, sophisticated look. Available in blue and red, the fascinator would look great teamed with a suit or a pleated midi skirt and fitted bodysuit.

  7. 7/10

    New Look Light Pink Mesh Flower Fascinator

    New Look Light Pink Mesh Flower Fascinator© New Look

    New Look Fascinator

    Colours: Pink, Black, Blue, Cream, Burgundy, Orange

    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.

  8. 8/10

    Hobbs Eugeni Fascinator

    Hobbs soft petal pink Eugeni Fascinator© Hobbs

    Hobbs Fascinator

    Colours available: Soft petal pink

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

    Returns: Free within 28 days

    Lilac/soft pink 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.  

  9. 9/10

    Phase Eight Twist Back Statement Fascinator

    Phase Eight Twist Back Statement Fascinator© Phase Eight

    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 twist back 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.

  10. 10/10

    Accessorize Woven Bow Feather Headband Fascinator

    Accessorize red woven fascinator© Accessorize

    Accessorize Fascinator

    Colours available: Red, Black & White, Navy, Fuchsia, Pale Pink

    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. 

Sign up to HELLO Daily! for the best royal, celebrity and lifestyle coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information please click here.

More Shopping

See more