Hats for Royal Ascott

(Inspiration: Actress Eleanor Tomlinson attending Royal Ascot 2017, source)

In a few weeks I have tickets to the Saturday races of Royal Ascott and I am quite excited.  If you have never heard of Royal Ascot  it is the special week of races held annually in June each that is attended by The Queen and royal family, hence, Royal Ascot.  You may recall  I went to Ascot earlier this year for just regular races but I am excited to go back in nicer weather (it was January and freezing when I went) and also to have the chance to dress up.   

Unlike the early races I went to in January, these have a dress code.  Depending on which section you buy tickets in, the required attire changes, but for my section for the ladies are asked to take note of the dress code which says, “A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times. Strapless and sheer dresses and tops are not permitted. Please note our definition of strapless necklines include off-the-shoulder, Bardot and one shoulder. Trouser suits must be full-length and jumpsuits should fall below the knee. Both must adhere to the neckline regulations above. Midriffs must be covered. Shorts are not permitted.” 

Now luckily I have the dress taken care of, a pretty white number, but the hat / fascinator is what has me stumped! I looked up photos from the past few years and here is a handful of inspiration of my favorite Royal Ascot Hats: 

Sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 

Now on to hats, here are some of my top contenders and luckily with my white dress I can pick nearly any color!  In my online shopping I cam across so many gorgeous Philip Treacy hats but the “price on request” tag dissuaded me.  I also weeded out anything under 200 pounds because that is not quite realistic for something I will likely will only wear once, though this Emily London one is gorgeous! Here are my top

Debut Pink Two Tone Feather Trim Hat

John Lewis & Partners Amelie Loop and Quills Occasion Disc Hat, Cobalt

John Lewis & Partners Jess Up Turn Swirl Disc Occasion Hat, Platinum Grey

Snoxells Teardrop and Loops Fascinator, Black

Star by Julien Macdonald – Blue Statement Stitch Feather Fascinator

John Lewis & Partners Kira Swirl Fascinator, Magenta

Phase Eight Betsy Lace Top Pillbox Fascinator, Ivory

John Lewis & Partners Amy Feather Fascinator, Navy

John Lewis & Partners Margo Loop Occasion Hat, Chalk Pink

It is bound to be a fun day with the gates opening at  10:30am but the first race not starting until 2:30pm – I imagine people will be sufficiently buzzed by then – and the last race at 5:35pm but what I really need your help with is which hat should I wear?  Please let me know in the comments what you think of my hats for Royal Ascot!