Top Trends at Ascot: A Milliner’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Hat

LONDON — At her studio, Merve Bayindir is busy crafting beautiful hats for the Royal Ascot horse racing event. This event, held in Ascot near London, isn’t just about racing; it’s a major fashion showcase, especially for hats.

For Bayindir, this is the “biggest runway,” akin to the Oscars for milliners like her. She describes it as a unique opportunity where hats take center stage, with an incredible variety on display all at once.

The Royal Ascot kicks off on June 17 and lasts five days. Guests dress up, and hats are a key component of the fashion scene. The strictest dress code applies to the royal enclosure, where a hat must have a minimum diameter of 10 centimeters. Bayindir emphasizes that women need to avoid wearing small decorative pieces known as fascinators in this area.

Different enclosures at the event have varying rules. While the royal enclosure is strict, other areas allow a mix of headpieces, including fascinators.

In terms of trends, Bayindir notes that pale pink and blue are perennial favorites. Recently, shades like fuchsia, sage green, and lilac have also gained popularity. She points out that in this vibrant setting, the bigger the hat, the better. “Be outrageous,” she encourages. “Royal Ascot has a big personality, and attendees should match that energy.”

The social media buzz around Ascot often reflects this boldness in fashion. Users share photos of their extravagant hats, creating a wave of inspiration for next year’s designs.

A recent study found that large hats and bold colors are likely to dominate fashion trends this season, indicating that big, standout pieces resonate with attendees and fans alike.

With Ascot’s rich history dating back to 1711, it continues to blend tradition with modern flair, ensuring that the spirit of creativity and fashion remains alive.

For more on the event’s history and dress code details, you can check out Royal Ascot’s official page.

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merve bayindir, milliner, royal ascot, racing event, hats