Welcome to a comprehensive guide on how to choose the perfect fascinator for a traditional British wedding. You will find everything you need to know about the stylish accessory that has taken the wedding scene by storm. It’s not just about wearing a fascinator; it’s about making a fashion statement. We’ll guide you through selecting the best fascinator that complements your outfit, matches the wedding theme, and represents your unique style.
Understanding the Fascinator
Before embarking on your shopping venture, it’s crucial to understand what a fascinator is and its history. A fascinator is a stylish, decorative headpiece that is attached to the hair by a clip, headband, or comb. Unlike traditional hats, fascinators are lighter, ornamental, and offer a more modern twist to your outfit.
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Fascinators trace their origins to the 16th-century headpieces worn by high society women. Today, they have become a staple accessory for royal events and traditional British weddings. Images of the Duchess of Cambridge and other royal figures donning fascinators have popularised this accessory, making it a must-have for any formal occasion.
Choosing the Right Colour
The colour of your fascinator is an essential aspect to consider. It should ideally complement your outfit rather than match it exactly. A good rule of thumb is to have your fascinator in a shade that’s in your outfit. For instance, if you’re wearing a floral dress with blue, pink and white flowers, you can opt for a blue or white fascinator.
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Choosing a neutral colour like black, white, or grey is also safe as they can easily fit with any outfit. However, if you’re feeling bold, a brightly coloured fascinator can add a pop of colour to your ensemble and make a memorable style statement.
Selecting the Right Style and Size
The style and size of the fascinator will significantly influence your final look. If you want to honour tradition, larger, more elaborate fascinators are the way to go. However, smaller, understated fascinators can add a touch of elegance to your look without being too overbearing.
The style of the fascinator should also enhance your facial features. For instance, if you have a round face, a tall fascinator can add some height and create a balanced look. On the other hand, if you have a long face, a fascinator with some width will work best.
What’s Your Hairstyle?
Your hairstyle plays a crucial role in deciding the type of fascinator you should wear. If you’re sporting an updo, a fascinator with a headband might be more comfortable to wear. If you’re wearing your hair down, a fascinator with a clip or comb may be better suited.
Remember, a fascinator should add to your overall look, not take away from it. So, it’s essential to choose a design and style that won’t overshadow your hairstyle but instead, enhance it.
Where to Shop for Fascinators?
There are several places where you can shop for fascinators, both online and at physical stores. You can browse through countless options on websites like Amazon, Etsy, or specialised millinery shops. Many department stores also have a vast selection of fascinators in their accessories section.
When shopping online, be sure to check the description and reviews for information on the size, fitting, and colour. Also, check the return policy in case the fascinator doesn’t meet your expectations.
In conclusion, selecting the perfect fascinator for a traditional British wedding requires careful consideration of many factors. From understanding the history of the fascinator, choosing the right colour and style, considering your hairstyle, and knowing where to shop, each step is essential in picking out the perfect accessory for the big day. Remember, the best fascinator is one that represents your unique style, complements your outfit, and makes you feel confident and beautiful.
How to Wear a Fascinator
When it comes to adorning a fascinator, there are several approaches. The customary way to wear a fascinator is on the right side of your head, which harkens back to the days when women would be escorted to social events and the gentleman would stand on their left, leaving the right side prominently visible. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. Nowadays, fascinators can be worn in any way that complements your features, hairstyle, and personal style.
If you’re sporting a fascinator with a headband, ensure that it sits comfortably around your head. Aim to secure it at a slight angle instead of wearing it straight across the top of your head. If your fascinator comes with a clip or comb, position it securely in your hair where it feels most comfortable and looks the most pleasing.
For a wedding hat or hat fascinator, the same rules apply. Balance is key. Ensure the hat doesn’t overpower your frame. If you’re petite, a smaller hat that doesn’t drown you would be ideal. Larger hats can work wonders on taller frames.
Attending a royal event like the royal ascot or a royal wedding? Take a cue from royal figures like Meghan Markle who are often seen in elegant fascinators. Remember, at such events, the more elaborate, the better!
How to Care for Your Fascinator
Once you’ve successfully selected and worn your fascinator, understanding how to properly care for it will ensure its longevity. Store your fascinator in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If your fascinator is made of natural fibres like sinamay (a type of straw), moisture can cause it to lose its shape.
Cleaning your fascinator requires delicacy. Lightly dust it or gently use a damp cloth on the areas that need cleaning. For any stubborn stains, it’s best to consult with a professional milliner or dry cleaner who is equipped to handle such delicate items.
With the right maintenance, your fascinator will remain a timeless accessory in your wardrobe that you can pull out for any formal occasion.
Conclusion
In the world of traditional British weddings, a fascinator is more than just a hair accessory. It’s a statement piece that speaks volumes about your style and personality. Whether you’re inspired by the Duchess of Cambridge’s elegant fascinators or prefer to carve out your own distinctive style, there’s a fascinator out there for every woman.
Finding the perfect fascinator involves understanding its history, selecting the right colour and size, considering your hairstyle, knowing where to shop, and finally, understanding how to wear and care for it. Be it a sky blue number from HouseOfHats aqua collection or a piece you stumbled upon during a sale, it’s all about feeling confident and glamorous.
Remember to check out the regular price and sale price of various fascinators before settling on one. With a clear budget in mind, shopping for fascinators can be an even more enjoyable experience.
At the end of the day, whether it’s a royal wedding or a regular wedding, donning a fascinator should make you feel like royalty yourself. And with this guide, we’re confident you’ll make a memorable fashion statement at your next traditional British wedding.
