Everything You Need to Know About Fascinators

While there may be no royal wedding in the works right now, we're still dreaming about royal nuptials past. One of our favorite fashion details (besides the wedding dress, of course)? The royal wedding guest attire. And more particularly, the fascinators.

It's hard to pinpoint the fascinator's exact origins, but they can perhaps be traced back to the 1770s when Marie Antoinette frequently placed feathers in her updos. In the 19th century, fascinators became known as lightweight knitted headpieces, and in the 1980s, the style was popularized by London-based milliners Stephen Jones and Philip Treacy who often created pieces for British celebrities.

Americans became obsessed with the word "fascinator" during and after Kate Middleton and Prince William’s royal wedding. It was mentioned in every report from the extravagant day that was as much about fashion as the new royal couple themselves. Their obsession continued well into Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding seven years later. Viewers worldwide were given a window into how people dress for weddings in England, and the world became enamored with fascinators.

What Is a Fascinator?

A fascinator is a high-society headpiece that is often worn by women at weddings and other events in the U.K. It's an alternative to a hat and usually consists of a large decorative design attached to a band or clip.

Fascinator FAQs

Why does one wear a fascinator? What does it symbolize?

For some women, it represents a status symbol or honors tradition; for others, it's pure fun. Depending on the event, there’s often an unspoken competition for the best fascinator or headpiece, and that’s where the fun ensues. Some of my customers wear them as a form of self-expression, especially the more elaborate and artistic pieces.

What differentiates a fascinator from other types of headwear?

Not everything that is worn on the side of one’s head is considered to be a fascinator. Usually, it's created with some feathers, veiling, crib, and a wide array of embellishments that have mass appeal.

Are there certain fascinator styles that are more appropriate for a wedding?

It all depends on the requirements set forth by the couple on their invitation. If you’re invited to a wedding in the British Isles, it will be specified in the dress code. Often the word “encouraged” is used. It has, however, become a tradition to at least embellish your head with something chic and classic, and that’s why fascinators have become so popular for weddings. For wedding season, fascinators are typically made with sinamay straws, paradisal straw-like structures, which are beautifully elegant and impeccably adorned.

What is typically worn with a fascinator?

It depends on the intricacy, embellishments, and overall design of the headpiece. They look great with a dress or a sophisticated, well-fitted pantsuit. I like to assist my clients with the final details. I always take a photo of my clients wearing the fascinator correctly for their reference later. One should have a cohesive look from head to toe—there is nothing worse than a fascinator as an afterthought.

How should I style my hair while wearing one?

As long as you're able to securely fasten the fascinator to your head, how you style your hair is up to you. Just keep in mind that, traditionally, they're worn on the right-hand side.

Are there any fascinator trends we should know about?

Anything from perchers to bold and unusual architectural shapes will be in demand for weddings. Head-to-toe monochromatic color palettes are always on-trend, and, of course, there are many variations of the classic disc-like structure—from wide to upswept shapes with twists and turns.

How have the fascinator styles evolved over the years?

There are many new and innovative millinery materials and techniques available. There are also many creative couture headpieces designed in interesting and modern fabrications. Truly, the sky’s the limit.

Ahead, we've rounded up some of the best royal fascinators in history.