The best part about the Royal Ascot has always been one thing, and one thing only: there’s never any risk of turning up overdressed. It’s all about the theatricality and feeling the freedom to express yourself fully. More is most definitely more, so why not lean into that?
When it comes to perfecting the hair and fascinator combo for race day, you might find yourself endlessly doomscrolling: this is where our guide comes in.
If you’re having trouble deciding on what kind of fascinator you want to wear to this year’s races, whether you’ve been eyeing up classic black and white Chanel vibes or channelling your inner royal by stalking Kate Middleton’s updos on Pinterest, we’ve got everything you need to select the right fascinator based on your personal style, hair moodboard, and whether you’ll be turning your day out at the races into a night out on the town. Here’s how to select the perfect fascinator, hat or headpiece for Royal Ascot 2025!
How to Choose Fascinator for Royal Ascot 2025
Choosing the perfect fascinator, hat, or decorative headpiece for Royal Ascot 2025 or any of the UK’s glamour-filled race days is not to be sneered at – it’s practically an art form. At no other event is fashion quite so vibrant or steeped in tradition. From sky-high feathers to jewel-toned netting and avant-garde millinery masterpieces, Ascot racing ladies day is unapologetically fabulous. Whether you're going full Cinderella with a structured Ascot dress or favouring a modern twist with a sleek silhouette, one thing’s for sure: your headwear makes the outfit. You can choose your fascinator based on styles that suit hair down, hair up, which styles compliment sleek buns or curly blowouts, or even floral fascinators for braided or boho themed hairstyles. It’s all about size, placement, and how decorative you truly want to go, all without taking the attention away from your locks.
Each year, Royal Ascot outfits evolve while still nodding to a long-standing tradition of refined, high-society dress codes. The Royal Enclosure, in particular, demands formal headwear and style etiquette that dates back to the early 1800s. Today, race day dresses are chosen with as much care as wedding gowns, and the fascinator is never an afterthought, it's a conversation starter.
2025 Trends: What’s Hot in Hats and Fascinators?
So, what’s trending in the headwear realm for 2025? This year, the mood is maximalism. Designers are playing with oversized bows, sculptural wire structures that resemble wearable art, and even high drama veiling that has whispers of vintage romance. In fact, a lot of this year’s trending looks aren’t far off from your fave looks from Bridgerton.
Feather-forward fascinators are having a serious moment, along with metallic woven hats that catch the sunlight. For the daring, hybrid pieces, part-hat, part-headband, are walking the line between tradition and trend. They're light, easy to wear, and perfect for those attending multiple race days or aiming for something fresh that will grab the attention of the Best Dressed judges.
If you want to take direct inspo from Hollywood, many race-goers and influencers this year are paying homage to their fave 90s queen: Vivian Ward (AKA Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman). Yes, we’re talking about that iconic race day scene. Check out our latest blog on how you can steal this beloved character’s style!
How to Style Your Hair to Compliment Your Fascinator
Here’s the facts. A fabulous fascinator or wide-brimmed showstopper demands a solid base, and that means elevating your Ascot hair game. Ascot hairstyles in 2025 are all about looking polished and sleek. You can’t show up with your bedhead. We’re seeing a revival of the low chignon paired with side-swept curls, and sky-grazing updos with hair-wrapped bases for a clean, powerful finish.
To pull off these intricate styles (especially with the weight or awkward balance of larger headpieces), many racegoers are turning to hair extensions as their secret weapon.
If you're aiming for ultimate authenticity, our human hair extensions are the gold standard. They can be styled, curled, and heat-treated just like your own hair, allowing you to blend them seamlessly into any Ascot hairstyle. Above all, they photograph beautifully and hold their shape all day with the right amount of TLC.
The Magic of Clip-In Hair Extensions
When it comes to looking as glam as possible on the day, clip in extensions are a dream come true. They offer instant volume and length without the commitment, and they blend seamlessly – especially high-quality Remy hair extensions.
If you're planning a voluminous wave or a sleek bun to sit alongside a smaller fascinator or clip-in floral piece, our Seamless Clip In Extensions are ideal. They’re particularly popular for Ascot Racing Ladies Day because you can transform your look in minutes – all without a salon appointment.
Go Big with Permanent Hair Extensions
For those with grander plans, or grander hats, permanent extensions are probably the way to go. Permanent hair extensions, like nano bonds or tape-ins, give you the kind of long-lasting fullness that’s essential if you’ve got more extravagant events in the calendar needing the help of some hair extensions.
With the help of a stylist who specialises in professional hair extensions, you can create a hairstyle that looks natural but has that extra wow factor. And since Royal Ascot 2025 falls in the peak of summer, you’ll want your hair to hold up under sun, wind, and the inevitable Prosecco-fuelled selfie sessions.
Coordinating Your Ascot Dress and Headpiece
When selecting your headpiece, think about how it will work in harmony with the rest of your outfit. Ascot dresses should serve as the canvas, not the competition. If your dress is a bold floral print, a solid-colour fascinator in one of the accent shades is a great choice. For a monochrome look, let your hat be the statement, perhaps a sculptural piece in contrasting texture or colour.
Accessories like gloves, bags, and shoes should also leave the centre stage to your outfit and hat, letting your Royal Ascot outfits read as elegant, not overwhelming.
Mastering the Art of Hair Placement
Hair placement is also key. For hats worn at an angle (which is nearly always the case for Ascot hats), delicately part your hair with a pintail comb to match the direction of the tilt. A deep side part adds drama and helps anchor the fascinator in place, especially when using discreet grips or built-in combs. For clip-in decorative headpieces, a half-up half-down style often works beautifully, securing the piece while allowing the rest of your hair to cascade around your shoulders.
Final Touches and Top Ascot Tips
And let’s not forget the unsung hero of the day: comfort. The best Ascot tips are the ones that remind you to actually enjoy the day. Wear your headpiece around the house for a while before the big event to test its weight and balance. Make sure your clip in hair extensions are secure (especially if dancing is on the cards later) and always carry extra bobby pins and a mini hairspray or pocket-sized silky spray in your clutch – fashion emergencies don’t wait for race intervals!
As race day approaches, think of your entire look as a curation. Your hairstyle, hat, and dress don’t just reflect current trends, they tell a story of timeless British flair that has existed for centuries.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re going all-in with a feathered fantasy or keeping it sleek with a glossy ponytail, the secret is in the styling. With the right combination of headwear and hair extensions, whether they’re clip-ins or permanents, you can be sure your look will hold up under every gaze, photo, and gust of wind Royal Ascot 2025 throws your way!
If you’re curious about last year’s biggest fashion trends at Ascot, you can explore our 2024 blog: This Year's Hottest Ascot Hairstyles.
