The race for Ascot hats

Just thought I’d make a brief diversion off course in case you’re in the running for Royal Ascot this year. Not suggesting that you choose a nautical theme for your day (or days) at the races, but here are some ideas for Ascot hats that will definitely make heads turn – though what type’s your best bet may well depend upon the weather.

Last year the rules were relaxed slightly, allowing fascinators at Royal Ascot for the first time ever, but I noticed that some members of the Royal Enclosure managed to gain access without any hats at all – and others with seemingly little regard for the official dress code.



In case you do want to follow the new trend for fffffascinating headwear, ShopCurious has a selection of fabulously minimalist titfers by British designer Gil Fox. Of course, we also have a larger selection of more substantial hair accessories to choose from, ranging from quirky hairbands and floral headpieces by talented young milliner, Sandra Bamminger, to vintage Philip Tracey and elegant 1940s feather numbers. All of these hats are perfect for summer weddings too.


If you’re looking to save a few bob, we’re also offering our timeless raffia hats at a bargain price (I seem to recall that LK Bennett were selling the same in some rather odd colours last year at £69 a pop). These hats are also great for holidays and travel to hot climes, since you can scrunch them up and shove them in your suitcase – so you’ll turn out looking shipshape, however far-flung round the world you’ve been...



And they're also plain enough to dress up with your own choice of floral corsage, or even add a fascinator for more of an individual look.


Ultimately, it’s the unique accessories that really make an outfit. How about a statement hat that's also a work of art - like one of the curiously collectable stamp hats by Laura Wellington.





By the way, I think this stylish lucky horse shoe of a bag by Timmy Woods of Beverly Hills is simply perfect for a day at the races.

Odds on it's going to rain, so don't forget to take your brolly too.

Will you?

Racy lady

I hear they are clamping down on the dress code in the Royal Enclosure at Ascot this year - better put the ra-ra skirt on hold and get out a bolero to cover those naughty shoulders.


'Her Majesty’s Representative wishes to point out that only formal day dress with a hat or substantial fascinator will be acceptable.

Off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch and / or mini skirts are considered unsuitable. Midriffs must be covered and trouser suits must be full length and of matching material and colour.





Gentlemen are required to wear either black or grey morning dress, including a waistcoat, with a top hat which must be worn at all times when you are in the Royal Enclosure.'


So if you're wanting to look special and stand out from the crowd, how do you find something suitably original that isn't going to scare the horses?


Kate Middleton pushes the code to its boundaries with her ffffffffffffascinating hair accessories. It used to be the case that one had to cover the crown of one's head. It seems that this rule at least has been relaxed.




I suggest you play it safe on the dress front and express yourself with curiously quirky accessories. - like this horsy handbag, available in the UK exclusively at ShopCurious. I took one of these to a polo match recently and got photographed by Country Life, who zoomed in on my handbag... let me know if you see the pic.






Or perhaps you could wear an unusual pair of shoes - but do make sure you choose a pair that you can walk comfortably in on a variety of terrain - from soft to firm depending on the weather. You don't want to be having to ditch your shoes half way through the day... Not sure if it even mentions footwear (or baring shoeless feet) in the dress code though?
Are you?