How to Wear a Fascinator 2026 | Hobbs UK

Whether you're attending a wedding or preparing for the season of elegant races, a fascinator is the perfect way to add that final flourish to your event look. Read on to discover how to choose the right one, and how to style it.

SHOP FASCINATORS

A sartorial staple among high-society, a fascinator is a hair accessory traditionally worn at formal occasions, such as weddings and horse races, and serves its purpose as a decorative alternative to a hat.

Wondering if you can wear a fascinator with short hair? Absolutely! It's all a matter of balancing proportions. Complement a short hairstyle with a smaller headpiece like a mini pillbox shape.

If your hair is long and you're wearing it down, offset the volume with a bigger style such as a brimmed hatinator.

A woman wearing an occasion outfit in head-to-toe butter yellow.

For a harmonious head-to-toe look, opt for a colour that matches the rest of your outfit. If you're wearing a print, ensure it picks up one of the tones within the design. Hobbs fascinators for weddings, and more, are colour-matched to coordinate with all our occasionwear, so you'll always find something to complete your look.

Alongside butter yellow and chocolate brown, a pink or navy fascinator is forever timeless.

SHOP MATCHING ACCESSORIES

Begin by backcombing your hair where you're going to put the fascinator, before spraying with hairspray to ensure that section stays teased – even if it’s part of an updo. Then slide the headband behind your ears, securing with hairclips if necessary.

The most flattering way to wear a fascinator is in a slanted position, on the right or left side of your head. Place it towards the front of your head so it sits just above your right or left eyebrow.

From choosing the right colour to styling it, our guide on how to wear a fascinator has all your questions answered.