Ladies - fascinator hats.

[beaujolais]

Frivolous topic, but perhaps fun and certainly a change of pace. Since I have a kinda broken body now and am basically relegated to fan/spectator status (sigh . . . ), I decided I need to go to more stakes and get a fascinator hat (something kinda small, black and simple, for starters). (Well, and also, since Shammy has had me/us start an old, broken raceway safety helmet business.)

Do any of you have one? Describe and/or link? Suggestions on how to make it stay in place beside lots of bobby pins? Hair spray?

I’ve found they have a good selection of very affordable ones on Amazon (no, none at Costco, though).

Apologies for this question. I don’t know if I’m quite feeling it, either. (Getting ready to hit the delete button.)

[mht]

Following this topic. Going to the Derby this year. First time!

[beaujolais]

Have a blast, MHT. What else is planned for your KY trip?

[mht]

Probably a lot of ‘adult sitting’. There are five of us going, two of whom are Irishmen. Maybe a visit to the Ramsays’ farm, as said Irishmen are acquaitences. Still have a mare in Georgetown that foaled out at Castle Park, and just waiting to be bred to Fort Larned, so if she hasn’t made it back to Canada by then, we will go visit her, as well. I’m sure we will find lots to do.

[Laurierace]

I have a couple, mine are on a thin headband so they stay on just like any headband would. I bought one at the KY Derby Museum and one at Macy’s.

[Palm_Beach]

My preferred headgear is a Stetson, although I understand it may be a bit out of place at the Derby. I’m under the impression that you can get fascinators with attached headbands and then pin it if it wobbles. Have fun at the Derby!!

[Mara]

Have fun! I’m not really a hat person except for the occasional ball cap, so I can’t offer any tips.

But if you decide to go to Royal Ascot (a dream of mine), keep in mind that their dress code bans fascinators!

[LaurieB]

I bought one at Macys last year three days before the Derby. Most of the good hats were gone by then (I live in Lexington) but luckily I was able to pluck it off a mannequin.

It’s black and has a headband to keep it in place. And after I cut off the big feather sticking out of the top, it was pretty small and simple.

[Shammy_Davis]

@Mara

Have fun! I’m not really a hat person . . .

But if you decide to go to Royal Ascot (a dream of mine), keep in mind that their dress code bans fascinators!

Maybe not for long.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.the…nation-say-mps

[jennywho]

I’m glad you brought this up. I am not a hat person and always wondered where to find fascinates being that I live in a rural area far from ky.

I saw some nice ones at the BC but the price tag left me in a state of shock.

[beaujolais]

Thank you all for your help and comments!

[nelson]

I love to dress for stakes days, and am a fan of fascinators. I find great ones on Etsy all the time. There are several sellers on Etsy that have really beautiful hats and fascinators that would be amazing for the derby. That’s where I got mine for this year! Happy shopping, and have a great time at the Derby!

[goodhors]

Not sure of etiquette regarding hats vs fascinators at races. My thought is you might want a bit of sun protection with racing all being done outside. It seems the few Royal articles and photos show them being practical with wider brim hats in sun, fascinators on with activity both inside and outside buildings, drest up not casual locations.

As for keeping hat on, pinning is good if the pins do NOT show. Something the Driving ladies do, is run elastic from hat sweatband area down under hair at the back of your neck. Elastic is covered by hair, helping keep hat firmly on your head despite breezes. Smaller brims don’t catch the wInd lIke wide brims will. Trailing feathers, flowers, scarves, will also catch breezes, pull on your hat, get in your way.

If you wear a hat, plan to keep it on until you are done to avoid showing “hat hair” to the world. My hair is curly, never looks good after having a hat on!! Perhaps your hair will stay nice, but you will want a mirror and privacy to learn the truth upon removal. Ha ha

Hat makers, Miliners, I know are Hats Off Botique with Sherri Lower. Hats By Katie, with designs by Katie Whaley. These are aimed mostly at the Driving and Coaching folks, but they both will work with you to create what you want in colors and flattering shapes. I am sure they could create lovely fascinators for evening showing or day wear. Lots of gorgeous hats from both places! One maker I saved for wide variety of hats on their site is, Salmagundies of Boston . I had fun wandering thru the pictures. Sorry no links on this tablet, but a search should let you find them easily.

You might consider creating your own hat or fascinators from a basic hat form or wide band, add desired decorations yourself. Quality head gear is not cheap. Looking at hats in a shop can give you ideas, show construction details for making your own. Practice wearing it so you are comfortable with it on, find any lumps or pinch spots to fix before having to wear it all day.

Best of luck with your head covering and have a great time at the races!

[Shammy_Davis]

Read on another chat board that a rumor is afloat that Churchill Downs, for the same reasons as Ascot, is considering banning fascinators from the Oaks and Derby.

[Laurierace]

I don’t know why Royal Ascot banned fascinators so have no idea why Churchill would consider following suit but it seems ridiculous that in this day and age anyone would care what anyone else wore on their head unless it was like a rocket launcher or IED.

[toady123]

Try Etsy. Lots of nice stuff on there!

[Palm_Beach]

Ascot has a strict dress code in the Royal Enclosure. Not the entire facility, and it varies by meet.

https://www.ascot.co.uk/royal-ascot/style-guide

https://www.ascot.co.uk/dress-code