Even the most confident fashionista can be at a loss come Spring Racing season.
What is the dress code for Oakes Day? Can you wear a coloured hat on Derby Day? Are fascinators in or out?
So many questions, so many rules.
For us, the term ‘fascinator’ conjures up images of those Fountain Lakes fillies, Kath & Kim, so we asked some of Australia’s most qualified fashion experts to weigh in on what we should be wearing on our heads this year.
David Jones Racewear Ambassador (and racing royalty), Emma Freedman:
So I guess the term ‘fascinator’ conjures up images of lots of mix matched fluffy feathers, heaps of different trims like netting and flowers and straw all rolled into one mismatched monstrosity… but it doesn’t have to be like that.
I think fascinators have evolved into headpieces.You can still wear something smaller than a hat (a fully fledged hat might not go with your outfit) but it’s all about editing the trims and keeping it simple. Choose something with one kind of feather, or that only uses flowers. I wore a piece to the Caulfield Cup on Saturday that I would deem to be a headpiece – it was on a headband and only used one kind of feather. Similarly, for Derby Day I am going to wear a piece that is quite simple in structure but will work really well with my outfit…Less is more sometimes!
Television presenter, columnist, fashion & beauty expert, Charlotte Dawson:
I love fascinators! Nothing worse than donning a big ol’ hat on a crowded course and having it knocked off your noggin’ exposing hat head hair and the telltale red rim around your forehead. I’ve seen some really cute headpieces lately (Jen Hawkins with the fluffy bunny ears was deeeevine) and even just little ribbons or mesh adorning racegoers heads. I will hurl myself into Nerida Winter for a piece this season, I love how each year she designs the most intricate and cute designs.
Style commentator, Paula Joye:
Fascinators are back. Not sure they ever really went away but they are having a renaissance this season. The newest styles are Nicole Richie inspired and nothing like the more common feather duster varieties. I predict lots of delicate gold headbands wrapped through plaits or draped over the forehead. Also lots of crowns in matte metallic and rose gold – check out Mimco and Kookai for cool versions – and ornate floral headpieces. Think Midsummer Nights Dream with large exaggerated blooms.
One more tip: If you’re not going to be trackside this year but will be celebrating in the office or at a restaurant a hat or OTT headpiece is probably going to be too much. Instead opt for a floral headpiece, head jewellery or simple fascinator.
Heading to the races this weekend? Shop our Spring Racing favourites below.
The Iconic Ella Fascinator BUY HERE.
Mimco Sacred Bow Veil BUY HERE.
Mimco Dino headband BUY HERE.
Mimco Plisse and Pleats headpiece BUY HERE.
Morgan & Tyler aqua headpiece BUY HERE.
PL by Peter Lang rose gold headpiece BUY HERE.
Gregory Ladner Belle fascinator BUY HERE.
Max Alexander headpiece BUY HERE.
ASOS Bunny Ears Fascinator BUY HERE.
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Top Comments
i'm loving the 'flower crowns' this year. Picked up a real bargain at sportsgirl, with simple big black roses for derby day. I love the spring carnival!
I need some hairstyle advice to go with my fascinator, it's similar to the Gregory Ladner Belle fascinator above - it has a big flower that sits to one side of my head. I was going to pull my hair to one side, with messy curls or a messy bun, but which side do I pull my hair to - the same side as the flower sits, or the other side? Will it look funny if my hair is pulled to the same side as the fascinator sits? Thanks for your help!
I usually go opposite side to head piece (or side fringe) then its not all party on one side, nothing on the other. It balances it out I think!
Side-pulled hair is a great choice, I'd go opposite but try it on and have a play around. Check out this gallery from 2013 Caulfield Cup for inspo: http://www.mamamia.com.au/s...
Opposite side or otherwise have your hair down but with plenty of volume (either straight with lots of lift at the crown or with large barrel curls).
As a general rule you should wear a hat on the SAME side you part you hair so you don't end up all forehead.
Hats & fascinators - unless it's a centre head one - are designed to sit either side and people will put a headpiece on and tip it to one side naturally (usually the side with the part)
There is NOTHING worse than seein people with a hat made for the right hand side being worn on the left - it just looks odd (usually that the head is off balance).
When you put hats on if you look at it & it dips down to the left it should be worn on the LHS. The highest point will generally be in the middle if your head.
But try lots on! And just plonk one on your head and see which way you naturally want to tip it - always go with your first gut instinct NOT what you 'think' it should be. Your first gut instinct is usually right. Same with the colour or shape - if you put something on you think you should get and you don't get that instant happy gut feeling its not right. Same with trying on something a bit different to your usual style - if you put it on & love it - go with it!