Wedding Hats , Fascinators & Hairstyles

Few women regularly wear hats in the 21st century.

So, trying on and buying the right hat or fascinator is likely to be a new experience.

Even if you feel that you're not really a hat person, there are so many different styles and designs of headwear, that there's sure to be something that suits you.

It's one that you should look forward to and enjoy - there's a hat that's right for everyone, whatever your face shape or hairstyle.

Stylish Hats & Headwear

Hats have always been a stylish accessory, from the cloche hats of the 1920's right through to the stylish designs sports by Princess Diana in her early days of her marriage. Designers like Philip Treacy have brought hats back as the latest style items for top designers such as Chanel, Valentino and Versace.

As hats are now often worn only on special occasions, it's not surprising that few women feel confident choosing or wearing them.

If your budget permits, visiting a milliner will enable you to try on a variety of styles and designs, whilst being shown the right styles and angles of wear for your face shape.

There are different hats for the differing seasons, pretty woven hats for spring and summer, or felt and wool for fall and winter.

Many of the major department stores have a hat department, and this would be a good place to start your search for the perfect hat.

Do take a friend with you - we can often be critical of how we look in different clothing, but friends can take a more objective view and help us try out new and different items with confidence.

Although you're unlikely to want to go with some of the exuberant and lavish designs seen at Royal Ascot, yet these designer looks often inspire the lines that you'll see in your department and formal wear stores.

Some petite women may prefer a small pillbox style of hat, that sits on top of the head, more than the wide brimmed hats pictured here.

One simple way to create the perfect headwear from an everyday straw hat is to add a matching scarf or ribbon - in shades or colors to complement your outfit. This will allow you to use the same hat on different occasions.

If you prefer something to set off your hair, but prefer something small, an inexpensive option is a headband or fascinator.

Fascinators - the Ultimate Hair Accessory

If you really don't like hats, then fascinators are a great alternative to a hat for women who love dressing up formally.

If you've not seen them before, it may be because they've become popular fairly recently.

Essentially they're a dramatic headpieces created with feathers, flowers or beads, attached to a headband, designed to be worn in your hair.

Fascinators make a dazzling accessory, it's possible to customize or dye the feathers or accessories in a color to match your outfit - which can be easier than trying to find something that already matches.

For some examples of some fascinating fascinators: click through for more
http://www.associatedcontent.comimage/360160/index.html

Design & Make Your Own

If you like classic designs such as those you might see in 40's and 50's films, or Jane Austen movies, then you may want to check out the Vogue Vintage sewing pattern range.  They have some classic and stunningly elegant hats that you can make from felt or silk that will look amazing but not cost you an arm and a leg. 

Needless to say, this will require some good sewing skills, but if you are a reasonable seamstress, you may wish to have a go at creating and sewing your own pretty headwear.

Recommended Resources

Trends & Apparel for the Mother of the Bride - cocktail party dresses & evening gowns

Guests - fashions for friends & family of the bride & groom

© Fascinator image courtesy of Stephendl, Flickr