I have had many customers that feel a bit shy and uncertain about wearing a fascinator. Especially if it is the first time wearing a headpiece. Fascinators are like spices – if added in the right proportions and at the right time they can make your meal perfect. In this blog post I will explain how to choose and wear a fascinator to compliment your outfit.
Choose a fascinator that compliments your outfit - shape, materials, trimming details
Before choosing a fascinator it is always advisable to put on the outfit that you will wear – clothing, shoes, jewelry. Look at the colors, shapes, patterns, textures. When working with my clients I recommend using some of the attributes also for the fascinator – colour and shape or colour and texture.
Accessories like shoes, clutch and jewelry play a vital role when creating a balanced and consistent appearance. If you are wearing silver/ gold/ copper tone jewelry match this also with the metallic accents in your fascinator.
If there are bold patterns and textures in your clothing, you would like to keep the fascinator simple – smooth, elegant shapes, one or two colors. Less is more! Try to keep this is mind when choosing your fascinator.
If your outfit is simple you can go for a bold statement fascinator in bright colors, unusual shapes, extraordinary trimming.
Long, evening gowns also require larger fascinators, small pillbox hat fascinators will not look good together with this type of outfit. Unless the small fascinator base is decorated with large, statement feathers or other extravagant details.
It is always nice to match the materials of the fascinator to the season – felt, wool, silk fabric covered headpieces for the colder seasons and lighter materials like straws (sinamay, pari-sisal), silk etc. for summer.
Fascinators can also help to reflect the fashion era and style of the outfit – Art Deco, flapper style, 50s, minimalist, Hollywood Glamour etc.
Does a fascinator have to match the colour of the dress?
Many of you try to match the colour of the clothing to the colour of the fascinator. In some situations this is advisable but I always encourage my customers to try other colours that would compliment the outfit. In many cases it is the color of the shoes or the clutch that helps to make the final decision about the colour of the fascinator.
Keep in mind that bright colours in your clothing should be matched also with a fascinator in bold colours. Pastel coloured fascinators will compliment outfit in softer, neutral shades. Try to match the shade of white in your clothing and in the fascinator. If your clothing/ accessories are in bright white try to avoid cream or ivory colors in your fascinator as these shades will look dirty in comparison to the bright white.
When purchasing fascinators in the Internet pay extra attention to choosing the right shade of color. Every PC has a different color scheme. There may be some differences how one shade of red or blue or brown is named in different countries. If in doubt contact the seller and ask for more pictures or more detailed description of the color. When working with my online clients, I usually e-mail colour charts or close up pictures of the materials used.
How are fascinators worn?
Sometimes it is worth contacting the shop to ask if the fascinator was made to be worn on the right, left or either side of the head. I usually include this information in the item description. There are fascinators that can be worn on either side of the head but mostly there are fascinators that were made to be worn either on the right hand or left hand side. If your fascinator is made to order please inform the milliner about your preferences.
It is also wise to know that bridal fascinators are usually made to be worn on the left hand side as the bride walks along the aisle on the left to the groom.
Fascinators look best when worn just above the eyebrow or at least so that it covers a bit of the forehead. Wearing it too far to the back will make it look out of place. Experiment with different positioning in front of a mirror and see how the position affects your face shape and the overall outfit. If your fascinator has a birdcage veiling, arrange it so that the veiling covers your eye (or both eyes if the veiling is longer).
Your fascinator should not only look beautiful and compliment your style but it should also be easy to secure and wear. Read my blog post “How to secure a facinator?”
Hi I am interested in purchasing one of your felt fascinators. Do you have a price for these?
Kind Regards
Rebecca
Dear Rebecca, please visit Hat Shop section (https://rubinamillinery.com/hat-shop/) for the currently available hat designs or contact me at rubinamillinery@gmail.com if you are looking for a custom made headpiece.
best wishes,
Rita