Are you going to Royal Ascot or another race meeting this summer? It can be a tough (but fun!) job to find a hat that not only wows your friends but also works with your outfit. That’s why we’ve put together these tips to help you choose the perfect hat or fascinator for the races.

Think about proportions

When choosing your hat, try to keep in mind it’s proportions in comparison to you! You may be surprised that a taller or larger lady can carry off a larger hat that perhaps a smaller or more petite person cannot wear. Keep your hat balanced with your height and you will be on to a winner.

See here for more tips on which hat shape will suit you best

Colour is key

Colour is one of the most important things to look for when choosing a hat. If you go to your local boutique to buy your hat and outfit together you will find a better match than if you buy the finished items separately. Boutiques will often have chosen their millinery in complementing colours to match the outfits that they stock, so you will be sure to find something that works. If you have found a hat you love elsewhere then see if it can be made especially for you and colour matched to your outfit, for a seamless look that is sure to impress.

Remember that your hat or fascinator does not have to be in the same colour as your outfit. You could choose a floral print dress and pick one colour from it for your hat, shoes and bag. Alternatively you could have a simple black dress and pair it with a silver hat and other accessories for a stunning contrasting look. Come back over the next few weeks to see our favourite outfits and the colours we would accessorise them with!

Ask if your boutique stocks the Boutique Collection by Richard Designs as we offer a complementary colour matching service for our Boutique Collection Hats & Fascinators. Your local boutique can send in a swatch or your entire outfit and we will choose the perfect combination of colours to work with your look.

A small selection of our thousands of colour combinations available

Make a statement!

A day at the races is the perfect opportunity to wear an unusual or flamboyant style and really make a statement! Try something different and be confident! If you want to keep it simple and timeless, choose a classic shaped hat or fascinator with a twist.

See our gallery of hats and fascinators perfect for the races, chosen by our milliner Kelly.

Try different fabrics

Experimenting with textures is a great way to add some interest to your hat. This is especially true this season with designers incorporating ruffles and pleats into their outfits. Hat or fascinator trims don’t have to be silk and feathers, but can be crin, lace, sequins or even crystal encrusted.

Ruffles and texture is key in our latest collection. See the trends for the current season here

Make sure you are comfortable

You will need to wear your hat or fascinator for a good few hours and it would be a shame to put all of this effort in choosing only to take it off after you arrive.

A fascinator mounted on a band really is the best way to wear it. A band makes sure that is is comfortable and easy to wear in the correct position. The best thing is – no one need know your fascinator is even on a band! It is very easy to push the fine band into your hair, and we can even make them in the colour of your hair so that they are invisible.

Our fascinators are so easy to wear with the most comfortable bands around, which can be made in a colour to blend into your hair. If the fascinator is too big, gently pull the ends of the band towards each other to make it sit snugly on your head.

Experiment with your hair

Wearing a hat or fascinator doesn’t mean you are resigned to hiding your hairstyle. If you have long hair, try a side bun or curled side ponytail for an up-to-date look. Loose, soft waves can also sit comfortably and stylishly under a hat.

Get some advice!

Go to your local womens’ wear boutique and spend some time trying on different styles with your outfit. Outfits at boutiques come in all price ranges and come with the benefit of advice from experienced staff.

Call or email us now for details of your local Boutique and make the most of their expertise!

Look out for more blogs in the coming weeks with our favourite past Royal Ascot outfits, and a virtual tour of our millinery department!

Tags: Boutique Collection, Colour Matching, Fascinators, Hats, Headdress, Ladies' Day, occasion-wear, Royal Ascot