Heading to Royal Ascot and still not got a hat? Here are 28 options to complete your outfit

The best hats for Royal Ascot not only comply with the strict Royal Ascot dress code but make you stand out from the crowd and feel glamorous, too. Everyone loves to dress up for a day the races, but the Royal Ascot meeting (which takes place between Tuesday 18 and Saturday 22 June in 2024) is synonymous with fashion, elegance and style, which makes your outfit choice even more important. The best hat should complement your dress for Royal Ascot, too, putting the finishing touch to your outfit.

Raceday hats can be awkward to greet friends in, there’s a high chance of ending up with a glaring, sweaty forehead, and at some point during the day your heart will skip a beat as you make a dash back to the loo where you left it. So if you’re going to put yourself through the trial of choosing and wearing a hat to go racing this summer, we say make it a goody.

How to choose the best hat for Royal Ascot

For most equestrians, Royal Ascot is an opportunity to ditch the horsey attire and don a posh frock (or a top hat for the men). For the ladies, a hat can add personality to an outfit, but what are the secrets to getting it right?

The meeting famously has strict dress codes to adhere to – particularly in the Royal Enclosure where hats or headpieces should have a base of at least four inches (10cm) or more in diameter. You might think this rules out a lot of options, but there are plenty of fascinators that are designed with these dimensions in mind.

Unless you are fortunate to have access to a personal stylist, choosing an exquisite hat can be a tricky decision, so here are some tips for choosing the right hat for you…

1. If you’re petite, a delicate feather fascinator or smaller headpiece (not wider than your shoulders) tilted to one side will work well.
2. Tall ladies will carry off a larger brimmed hat more easily.
3. If you have a round face, opt for a headpiece that sits at a slant (such as a beret) with a design, such as long feather quills or flowers, to add height and elongate your face.
4. Ladies with a heart or oval-shaped face are lucky enough to be able to wear almost any shaped hat.
5. If you are choosing a hat that is made on a hairband, opt for one that can easily be disguised in your hair — this is often achieved by having silk that matches your hair colour wrapped around the band.
6. If you have a side parting, wear your hat on the side that your hair parts so that you have the fullest side of your hair on show.
7. If you want to be the centre of attention, bright against blocks of darker tones will definitely turn heads. No one shies away from bright at Royal Ascot, but there are plenty of softer pastel options available, too.
8. Botanical leaf and floral designs are always popular and are well-suited to this outdoor occasion.
9. Avoid going overboard with accessories — a statement necklace with a detailed headpiece will look fussy so opt for one or the other.

Best hats for Royal Ascot 2024 for all budgets and styles

LK Bennett Ayla Pearl Fascinator

Phase Eight Blush Fascinator

Colours: Blush pink | RRP: £69 |

In the UK? View now at phase-eight.com

Tushi Round Fascinator

Colours: 64 options | RRP: From £28.99 |

In the UK? View now at etsy.com

John Lewis Carina

Colours: White, oyster or bluebell | RRP: £59 |

In the UK? View now at johnlewis.com

Accessorize Penelope

Colours: Pink, navy, pale pink or ivory | RRP: £49 |

In the UK? View now at accessorize.com

Karen Millen Pleated Spiral Trim Fascinator

Colours: Navy, ivory, black or blush | RRP: £109 |

In the UK? View now at karenmillen.com

LK Bennett Eileen

Colours: Pink, lavender or red | RRP: £99 |

In the UK? View now at lkbennett.com

Karen Millen Feather Detail Fascinator

Colours: Pink, navy, cobalt, blush or black | RRP: £129 |

In the UK? View now at karenmillen.com

Hats By Cressida Large Hat

Colours: 16 options | RRP: £225 |

In the UK? View now at etsy.com

The Head Bloomer Millinery Pink Flower

RRP: £145 |

In the UK? View now at notonthehighstreet.com

Hats By Cressida

RRP: £250 |

Available in 40 colours, this ostrich fascinator on a headband is a great choice if you can’t find what you’re looking for in a particular colour.

In the UK? View now at etsy.com

You might also like:

Our pick of dresses for Royal Ascot – all still in stock

Dressing for Royal Ascot – avoid a fashion faux pas with H&H’s complete guide

Off to the races at Ascot? Here’s where to stay

A beginner’s guide to betting

If you fancy having a flutter on a horse race but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

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Georgia Guerin

H&H’s head of e-commerce

Georgia is Horse & Hound’s equestrian products expert and our favourite shopping guru as she knows about all the latest products, often before they hit the shelves. She is here to help you make the right purchases, whatever your budget, and manages all the ecommerce opportunities that allow us to give you easy access to the best products at the lowest prices. Georgia has first-hand knowledge of all the equestrian brands and their ever-evolving product lines, having been working with them closely since she started in equestrian media in 2015. She is also editor of H∓H’s sister site, PetsRadar.