Hats for Ascot: Kate Middleton’s milliner gives us her tips for buying a hat

Whether you’re off to a day at the races or a formal wedding, hat season is officially upon us. 

But given that most of us are not accustomed to shopping for millinery, finding chic, event-appropriate headgear can often feel like a daunting task. 

To get some tips on headwear dos and don’ts we caught up with Chelsea-based milliner Jane Taylor, who’s made hats for everyone from Beyoncé to the Duchess of Cambridge.

Here are her 10 top tips…

1. Pick an appropriate material

Much like you would when choosing a summer outfit, it’s important to look at the materials for your hat and choose the right one for the summer. Straw and Sinamay are popular summer choices, as well as transeasonal fabrics like crepe and satin. 

2. Be event appropriate

Ensure your selected piece is suitable for the event you are attending. Ascot has strict dress code guidelines, other races are more relaxed which changes the types of head piece options. As a wedding guest attending a church wedding you may wish to opt for a more traditional cocktail hat, as opposed to a more informal country or abroad wedding a casual hat may be more fitting. 

3. Skip the shades

There are some hat faux pas, one of which is to not pair an occasion wear hat with sunglasses. Keep your sunglasses for wearing with a summer casual!

4. Think silhouette

Always consider the silhouette of the outfit and your figure. If your outfit is fitted then ensure your hat is in keeping, perhaps pairing it with a structured design such as a cocktail hat. If you have a flare skirt with a narrow waist, a wider brimmed hat will balance the skirt perfectly and show off your waist.

5. Get the hair right

Consider how you would like to wear your hair for the occasion. Often hats look their best with your hair worn in an up-do, or some of your hair delicately pinned up. Headbands look beautiful when styled with your hair down or pinned. 

6. Colour blocking is cool

When it comes to colour choices, hats are worn close to the face so it’s vital to choose a shade that flatters your skin tone to give you a healthy glow rather than drain your natural colouring. Having a piece that is hand dyed to pick the perfect colour for your skin is the best option. Colour blocking is on trend this summer, an entire outfit in the same shade adds a dramatic, bold statement. Clashing colours is also a great way to make a statement. Bold block contrasting shades such as pink and orange. 

7. Avoid pattern on pattern

If your outfit has a busy pattern or is highly detailed then keep your hat simple. Conversely, if your outfit is plain and simple it’s a great opportunity to add some elegant trimming, such as flowers, feathers or veiling.

8. Match your personality

Ensure your hat suits your personality! If you’re having a hat made, it’s a great opportunity to have a piece that reflects your character. If you’re fun, make sure your hat reflects that. By doing this, you will enjoy wearing your piece and feel comfortable on the day. 

9. Tip it to the right

Make sure your hat is on correctly. Always wear it tipped to right, just over your right eyebrow. For Jackie O styles and pillboxes, your hair should be inside the hat. If your hat comes with a hat elastic then this should at the back under your hair line – never under your chin!

10. Carry an umbrella

Never let your hat or headpiece get wet! Hats are produced by steam shaping them around a block, so rain will be sure to misshape them. If your hat does get misshaped it may be possible for your milliner to reshape it. On that note, remember your hat can be worn over and over again! Consider having it re-trimmed to give it a new style and life – ensure your headwear is a truly sustainable fashion piece.