Love Hats? Make a Date for Royal Ascot
You'll Need Style, Confidence and an Amazing Topper to Stand Out
Jun 23, 2009
One of the most famous horse races in the world and a major event in the British social calendar, Ascot is where fashionistas come to strut their chic.
The champagne and Pimms flow, the guys are dashing and the horses are among the most beautiful creatures on the planet. What's not to love about Great Britain's ultra-posh Royal Ascot horse race?
Make Your Plans for Royal Ascot Now
It's not too early to start making travel plans for next year. Royal Ascot takes place on the grounds of Windsor in the outskirts of London at the end of June so you still have plenty of time to prepare. The most important thing to pack besides a gorgeous dress and a pair of super-high heels? An incredible topper.
Here's What to Look for in a Royal Ascot Hat:
- Bold Color - This year, pinks, oranges and yellows were big, eclipsing the tried and true creams and beiges traditionally worn by the old guard. The sweetest look? A trio of young women arrived in enormous, Quality Street candy-inspired purple and emerald head wear which while deliciously chic, proved to be almost impossible to keep upright in the wind.
- Good Fit - Make sure the hat you choose stays on your head. Take it for a spin in the store and then wear it outside with the hairdo you plan for the big day. Hats with a deep brim are the easiest to wear and can be anchored with pins if needed. (Have a look at Queen Elizabeth II's choices; she's known for her hat-wearing finesse.)
- Weather Friendliness - June in England can be windy; make certain your topper is up to a hearty gust or two. Rain is another frequent attendant at Royal Ascot. Keep feathers, fruit, paper and other perishable decorations to a minimum.
- Ease of Wear - Those with small faces, tiny heads or Ascot beginners may want to go with a fascinator (a plume, ribbon and/or flower strewn headband). Easy to put on and take off, fascinators are increasingly the choice of young British trendsetters like Kate Middleton who wore one to a recent wedding.
- Fabulousness - No sense going half hog here; if you're going to do it, do it. One of the most luscious hats at this year's Ascot was worn by Joan Collins. The impossibly chic and long-legged actress kept her palette to black, white and extremely sexy.
- A Dose of Wit and/or Charm - A rim of painted ponies, a nod to Barack Obama, there's plenty of room for fun at Royal Ascot. Whimsy and a sense of humor are as required as a ticket.
With prices for flights to London from most American cities hovering around $250 one way, there's never been a better time to shop for your new hat especially with Harrods summer sales starting soon.
See you at the races.
The copyright of the article Love Hats? Make a Date for Royal Ascot in Hats/Scarves is owned by Karen Dawson. Permission to republish Love Hats? Make a Date for Royal Ascot in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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