A fascinator is a decorative hair accessory often worn by women at formal events. Unlike a traditional hat, it doesn’t cover your whole head. Instead, it’s attached to a headband, comb, or clip, which makes it lighter and easier to wear.
It’s one of those sensational headpieces that can instantly lift your outfit, but only if it’s worn the right way. If the size or placement is off, it won’t look as polished as you’d like.
This guide will show you how to wear a fascinator correctly, ensuring it feels secure and complements your look.
How to Choose the Right Fascinator
Before styling, the first step is choosing the right fascinator. If the size, shape, or color doesn’t suit you, it won’t look its best, no matter how well you wear it.
1. Consider the Occasion
Always pick your fascinator based on the event. For weddings, a simple and elegant design is usually best, often featuring soft or pastel colors. If you want to explore hats for the same occasion, here’s a simple guide on how to style a hat at a wedding.
At races or derby events, people tend to go for bold and eye-catching styles. If the event is casual, a smaller and simpler fascinator is more appropriate.
For daytime events, light shades and simple designs are a safe choice, while in the evening, darker colors or a slightly shiny design also work well. The most important thing is that whatever you choose should be comfortable and stay in place.
2. Choose a Fascinator That Suits Your Face Shape
Once you’ve decided on the event, the next step is to consider your face shape. If you don’t pick a fascinator that suits your face shape, the look might feel a little off.
- Round face: Styles with a bit of height or angles look good. Avoid completely round or flat designs, as they make the face look even rounder.
- Long face: Fascinators worn to the side or those that add a bit of width look the best. Avoid long and narrow designs, as they can make your face look even longer.
- Oval face: Most fascinator styles will suit you. Just avoid very large ones, as they can overwhelm your face.
- Square face: Soft angles and slightly curved fascinators look good. Placing it on the side or choosing a medium size is a safe choice.
- Heart-Shaped face: To create balance, a wide base or side placement works well. Try a medium-sized fascinator.
- Diamond face: Side-sitting and medium-sized fascinators are best to highlight the cheekbones. Avoid very small or completely flat pieces.
If your face doesn’t perfectly fit these shapes, don’t worry. Placing the fascinator to the side and choosing a medium size is generally a safe and stylish choice. The simple rule is to keep balance and proportion in mind, and choose a style that highlights your features.
3. Choose the Right Size
Size is very important, as it affects both your look and comfort. Large fascinators make a statement at formal events, but sometimes they can feel a bit heavy.
Small fascinators look subtle and elegant, perfect if you want an understated look. Medium size is usually the safest choice and works for almost any occasion.
Tip: If you’re petite, avoid large fascinators. Medium or small sizes look more balanced and stylish, and they harmonize better with your outfit.
4. Consider Your Hairstyle
People often ask, “What hairstyle should I wear with a fascinator?” It’s important that your hairstyle works well with the fascinator. If it doesn’t, the fascinator might slip or the look could feel off. That’s why you should choose the placement and size based on your hairstyle.
Updos (Sleek Buns, Chignon, Ponytail):
If your hair is in an updo, wearing a fascinator is quite easy. Larger fascinators or styles placed to the side work best because they stay secure and look elegant. Sleek buns and side-swept styles are perfect for showing off your fascinator.
Loose Hair (With Hair Down, Wavy, Straight, Braids):
If your hair is down, lightweight or medium-sized fasciantors work best. Large or heavy fascinators might slip or get tangled in your hair. Placing it on the side suits natural waves and braids perfectly.
Short Hair:
For short hair, headband-style or clip-on fascinators, like an Alice band, are a simple and secure option. They’re easy to set and don’t require much styling. If you like hats as much as fascinators, here’s a quick guide on wearing hats with short hair.
Long Hair:
There are plenty of fascinator options for long hair. Headbands, clips, and combs work easily. Placing it to the side with a slight tilt usually looks best, as it stays secure and gives an elegant appearance. If you like, you can also see how hats can be styled with long hair for another look at formal events.
5. Pick a Fascinator That Complements Your Outfit
You might be thinking, “Should my fascinator match my dress or shoes?” It doesn’t need to perfectly match your dress or shoes. It should complement your outfit.
If your dress is simple or neutral, a bold, stylish headpiece can lift your look. If your dress is bright or patterned, a small and simple fascinator will look elegant.
The easiest way is to coordinate your fascinator with one color from your dress, shoes, or accessories. A little contrast can also look stylish and keep the whole look balanced.
How to Wear a Fascinator Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide
If a fascinator isn’t worn properly, it can slip, fall off, or feel so uncomfortable that you keep adjusting it. This makes it hard to enjoy the event. If you follow each step carefully, the fascinator will stay secure and you’ll feel confident too.
Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Fascinator
Fascinators come with different types of attachments, such as headbands, combs, clips, and elastic bands.
Headband fascinators are the simplest to wear, especially for beginners. They sit easily on the head and don’t need extra pins.
For a quick visual guide, here’s a video showing how to wear a fascinator for weddings and formal events.
Combs and clips work well, too, but they need a bit more care to stay in place. If your hair is fine or soft, use a few bobby pins to make sure the fascinator doesn’t slip.
People with short hair usually find headbands or small combs easiest to wear. For long hair, both clips and headbands hold well, while updos stay secure with clip-on fascinators or hairpins.
Some fascinators come with an elastic band, which you can wear behind your ears and hide under your hair for a clean and smooth look. This option is great for keeping the fascinator in place without needing extra pins or clips.
Step 2: Decide Which Side to Wear It On
Traditionally, fascinators are worn on the right side, but a common question people ask is: “Do fascinators go on the left or right side of your head?” The simple answer is that there’s no strict rule. Just wear it on the side that feels comfortable or suits your hairstyle and face shape best. Style experts at Cityline suggest that if your fascinator has a brim, it should be tilted so it doesn’t shadow your face.
Quick Tip: Try the fascinator on before styling your hair. This way, you can see exactly where it sits and plan your hairstyle around it.
Step 3: Prepare Your Hair Before Wearing It
Before wearing a fascinator, it’s important to prepare your hair properly so it stays secure and you don’t have to keep adjusting it. Here’s a simple approach:
1. Wash Your Hair a Day Before
According to hairstylists, freshly washed hair can be too soft and slippery, making the fascinator slide. Second-day hair usually holds accessories better because natural oils give a bit of grip.
2. Backcomb Your Hair Lightly
Tease the area where you’ll place the fascinator. This adds volume and helps the fascinator stay put, whether it’s on the side, at the back, or on an updo.
3. Use a Light Hairspray
After backcombing, a small spray helps control flyaways and keeps the hair neat. Don’t overdo it, or your hair might look stiff.
Step 4: Attach and Secure the Fascinator
Once your hair is ready and you’ve chosen the placement, it’s time to put the fascinator on and make sure it stays in place.
- Headband fascinators: Simply place the band over your head and angle it to the side that suits you. Make sure it feels steady but not so tight that it leaves marks or feels uncomfortable.
- Comb or clip fascinators: Push the comb into your hair or snap the clip in place. If it feels loose, add a few bobby pins that match your hair color for extra hold.
- Elastic band fascinators: Place the band behind your ears and hide it under your hair. Use hairpins if needed to keep it neat and stable.
After securing it, gently move your head to check if it stays in place. If it shifts, adjust the placement or add a few pins. A light hairspray can help hold everything in place.
Quick tip for beginners: If large fascinators feel tricky to manage, try a pillbox, disc, or teardrop fascinator. They are easier to wear and don’t need much styling.
Etiquette and Rules for Wearing a Fascinator
You’ve put on your fascinator, but it’s also important to carry yourself the right way. These small details make you look polished and confident.
- At weddings or formal events, avoid oversized fascinators. They can block the view of people sitting behind you and may also look awkward in photos.
- Don’t wear a fascinator to the theater or cinema, because it’s not easy to take off and it can block the view of people sitting behind you.
- The fascinator should sit just above your eyebrows to keep your face balanced. If it’s too low, it can look awkward.
- Keep your fascinator on during the event, but it’s okay to take it off while eating if needed.
- Respect the cultural traditions and dress code of each event. Sometimes there are specific rules that you need to follow.
How to Clean and Store Your Fascinator Without Damaging It
Fascinators are delicate, so taking care of them is important. If you don’t, the feathers, beads, and decorations can get bent or ruined. Here’s how to keep yours safe and make it last longer.
Check the Material First
Before cleaning, see what your fascinator is made of, because each material needs different care.
Silk or Fabric: Gently dab with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Don’t rub, or the fibers could fray.
Feathers: Use a soft brush or makeup brush to remove dust. Always brush in the direction of the feathers.
Beads and Embellishments: A cotton swab with a little mild solution works well. Just don’t soak it, so the details stay safe.
Quick Tip: Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or strong chemical cleaners. A gentle approach works best.
Handle It Carefully
Always pick up your fascinator by the base or headband. Avoid pressing on the decorations. Don’t spray perfume or hairspray on it because that can damage feathers and fabric.
Store It Properly
Keep your fascinator in a sturdy box, hat stand, or special container. Wrap delicate parts in tissue paper. Don’t hang it, or it could lose its shape. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Extra Tip: If it has dust or small particles, don’t put it in water. Use a soft brush or lint roller to gently remove it.
Conclusion
You don’t want to be remembered for the wrong reasons—like blocking someone’s view at a wedding or having a fascinator that looks out of place in every photo. Small mistakes like these can be distracting and make you feel self-conscious.
Wearing a fascinator the right way is easy: pick the right size, position it just above your eyebrows, and make sure it complements your hairstyle and the occasion. And if you’d like to explore more than just fascinators, here’s a simple guide to wearing hats.
FAQs
Is it still fashionable to wear a fascinator to a wedding?
Yes, fascinators remain a popular choice for weddings, especially daytime events. The key is selecting one that complements the outfit and isn’t too large to block anyone’s view.
What is the fascinator dress code?
It depends on the event. For a formal wedding, experts usually recommend something simple and elegant in soft or neutral colors.
For races or parties, you can go a little brighter or more decorative. The main thing is that it should complement your outfit without overpowering it.
Who typically wears a fascinator?
Fascinators are usually worn by wedding guests, bridesmaids, and sometimes the bride herself. They’re also common at high-profile events, like horse races or garden parties.
When is it appropriate to wear a fascinator?
Fascinators are best for formal or semi-formal daytime events. Weddings, races, tea parties, or garden parties are perfect occasions. Avoid wearing them at casual events or indoors where hats aren’t expected.
Should I take off my fascinator during lunch or dinner?
It’s generally fine to leave your fascinator on during a meal, especially if it’s small and secure. But if it’s large or likely to block others’ views, you can remove it while seated.
Can a bride wear a fascinator on her wedding day?
Yes. Some brides choose a fascinator instead of a veil or hat. It’s a simple and modern option, especially for daytime or outdoor weddings.
