British occasionwear is like no other.
Weddings, race days and regattas call for dramatic plumes of feathers, ruffles galore and extravagant headpieces. The latter is typically split into two defining categories, fascinators and hats.
While fascinators continue to divide opinion with their bird-like constructions and candy-toned colourways, hats never fail to impress. From Audrey Hepburn’s operatic look crafted by Cecil Beaton for My Fairy Lady to the Princess of Wales’ wide-brimmed Philip Treacy pieces, hats are essential pillars of any smart summer soiree ensemble.
Occasionwear hats have the ability to take any wedding or race day attendee look to new heights. The accessories are closely associated with high-octane glamour, which is echoed by archival footage of female racegoers attending Ascot in 1920s England.
The Roaring Twenties oversaw the rise of flapper garb such as drop-waist silhouettes, intricate beading and swathes of fur stoles. The cherry on top of the look? Cloche hats, which dominated the stands at Ascot with their bluebell-shape and felt construction.
While trends have moved on from the speakeasy forms of the flapper era, summertime events are still about presenting oneself to society. And what better way to do so than with a statement hat to command attention?
The key to sourcing the right hat for the occasion is practicality. You’re set to be in the headpiece all day, so something light, complementary and comfortable is imperative. Wide brims are brilliant for creating a sense of grandeur, while oval disc designs are more subtle. Cloches radiate retro glamour and cloak the wearer in an air of mystery. Floppy raffia pieces are hyper-versatile and suitable for a matter of chic summer events. Consider your outfit and desired effect and select accordingly.
It’s worth mentioning that well-made hats are an investment. Pieces by Eliurpri, Eugenia Kim and Emily London range from £400 to over £1000, yet the craftsmanship behind each design is exceptional.
Not to mention, when do you ever throw away a hat? Hats are sustainable by nature as one keeps a hat forever or passes it down. They create an impactful element of drama for very little fabric, with prolific milliners such as Stephen Jones starting his career by using scrap fabrics and upcycling methods.
Discover the best hats to shop for weddings and days standing trackside and invest in a stunning heirloom to pass through the generations.
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Gucci Wide Brim Straw Hat with Ribbon
Ooze summertime sophistication in Gucci’s straw boater. Complete with a lustrous, blossom pink sash featuring blooming florals, the timeless piece will complement any occasionwear look.
Buy now £520.00, Gucci
Lack of Color Straw Scalloped Dolce Hat
Cottagecore but make it couture. This scalloped headwear dream merges Bo Peep's beauty with a beachside straw design. The broad brim promises ample sun shielding, while the pale ribbon sash adds an element of girlish glamour.
Buy now £140.00, Harrods
L.K. Bennett Rosemary Natural Raffia Wide Brim Visor
Opt for a more contemporary piece with a smart visor. L.K. Bennett’s natural raffia hat has a vintage-inspired aura. Black tie ribbons and trims contrast the natural colourway of the piece. Ideal for racegoers and wedding attendees who believe less is more.
Buy now £59.00, L.K. Bennett
Eliurpi Straw Maxi Boater Hat
Spanish label Eliurpi offers a range of beautifully tactile designs. The brand is based in Barcelona and creates highly romantic, rustic headwear that wouldn’t look out of place in a Degas painting. The Wood Art Fascinator is one of many that tickled our fancy - featuring a thin wide brim and crisscrossing ribbons that streamline the neck.
Buy now £560.00, Harrods
John Lewis Chloe Sheer Occasion Hat
Showcasing a wisp-like construction in champagne gold, John Lewis’ ethereal headpiece is suitable for any smart summer bash. A sleek ribbon is positioned at the back, while a curving silhouette shapes the face.
Buy now £115.00, John Lewis
Zimmerman Straw Floppy Sunhat
Radiate retro romance with a grand headpiece that’s inherently feminine. Zimmerman’s chic floppy design can be tied under the chin using the sunny floral sash, creating a vintage-inspired aesthetic.
Buy now £395.00, Harrods
Eliurpi Straw Ribbon Sailor Hat
Turn out a true My Fairy Lady look with Eliurpi. The esteemed hat designer is replete with coveted designs for those with cash to spend. Ensure your Ascot look is second to none with the brand’s beautiful monochrome number.
Buy now £365.00, Harrods
Christys' Panama Wide Bucket Ribbon Hat
Elegant yet simple, Christys’ monochrome Panama hat is set to stand the test of time. Pair yours with a colourful look to add a sense of calm to the ensemble, or use the piece to top off a sleek black race-day look.
Buy now £135.00, Liberty
Eugenia Kim Mirabel Raffia Hat
Shroud yourself in an air of elegance with Eugenia Kim’s collection of luxury hats. The Mirabel is a raffia piece complete with a sunset-toned sash, which will inject any outfit with a dose of summer-ready vibrancy.
Buy now £445.00, Harvey Nichols
& Other Stories Classic Straw Hat
Prep the parasol and slip into the kitten heels, because & Other Stories’ classic straw hat is the cherry on top of a classic race-day look. Stand trackside while channelling golden age glamour in your uber-wearable headpiece, which features a dreamy cream ribbon sash and a woven construction.
Buy now £35.00, & Other Stories
Agua by Agua Bendita Raffia Sun Hat
Perfect for summer garden parties and al fresco weddings, Agua by Agua Bendita is an artisan choice replete with pretty detailing. Floral accented ribbon ties nod to quintessential femininity, while a raffia design is a traditional take on wedding guest headgear.
Buy now £217.00, MyTheresa
