Fashion face-off: Trendy hats vs fascinators
Though hats are no longer worn the same way as in their heyday, putting one on can be an expressive fashion statement and an instant recognition of the occasion. But there currently are many overlapping designs to choose from (sometimes, too many). That’s when you may find yourself at a crossroads as to whether you should wear a hat or a fascinator.
Unique hats and fascinators can be anything you envision them to be. They can be dramatic accents, compact accessories or little treasures to keep from your once-in-a-lifetime event.
So, which is a better choice for that upcoming occasion, and what should you consider when making the decision?
When the winner is a fascinator
If you are on a budget or want to get more wear out of a single fashion item, go with a fascinator. The affordability of fascinators has made elegant headwear available to a larger audience and can become an overriding factor in the choice of the accessory to elevate your look. With their budget-friendly price points, fascinators are less likely to leave you frustrated over choosing between the two items you love. Admit it: finding a perfect headpiece is easier when you can afford a few instead of just one.
Affordability aside, fascinators have more styling versatility than hats. This allows you to:
- Enjoy more flexibility to accommodate potential changes to your outfit
- Easily match your headgear to a specific colour, detail or texture in your look
- Ensure the most flattering fit for any face shape or colour
- Emphasise your haircut, whether a fascinator is worn on the right or left side
- Adjust your headwear on a whim, which is convenient if you wear glasses
Fascinators offer fantastic versatility, especially if you opt for neutrals and pieces with subtle highlights or colour accents. This way, they can be matched with brighter and darker outfits for formal or informal events.
When a hat works better
Hats have more seasonality and coverage, which can be an advantage for certain occasions. Simply put, they make for headpieces worn mainly as fashion statements but can also perform a function, like reducing exposure to cold or direct sunlight. That’s why hats can be an excellent option for:
- Outdoor event locations in Australia
- Situations when more coverage is preferred for privacy and personal space
- Structured outfits that involve many layers
- Dress codes that require less dressy headwear than fascinators
That said, hats can sometimes be a no-go. Before making your choice, consider whether wider brims may get in the way of conversation, greeting others with kisses on the cheek or having a decent view of the event.
What about fit and ease of wear?
With hats, achieving the right look and level of comfort depends on a precise fit. If you pick the wrong size, you just have another item to keep track of and not lose.
Fascinators are more of a one-size-fits-all option when it comes to staying in place throughout the day. This is ensured by a clip-on design, a comfortable headband or a small comb for extra support.
Why this matters: You can buy fascinators online with a focus on style/colour/detailing and no concerns about the fit or your headpiece coming loose. Choosing a hat is, ideally, an in-person affair. You should always try it on before buying.
Can you have the best of both worlds?
Deciding between a hat and a fascinator is also a personal experience. One may work better for your appearance simply because you find it more appealing than the other. For example, you are unlikely to be talked out of covering up with a hat if a wide brim gives you more confidence. The same goes for those who view fascinators in Australia as the best opportunities to play with their royal-like look.
If you have difficulty choosing and want the best of both worlds, that is an option. Instead of taking sides, you can marry the two headwear types by opting for a hatinator. It makes for the perfect middle ground between larger formal designs and the stability of a headband style. A hatinator is a secret to keeping sculpted shapes and intricate loops perched on the side of the head and positioning them at the most flattering angle.
