Classy hats for Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot plus Royal Enclosure equals a hat. It is in fact part of the stringent dress code (and all the better for that).

Not a publicity-hungry monstrosity but a supremely classy number that’s subtly eye-catching but still very elegant. A headpiece that complements an outfit and draws the compliments. Flatters the features. (Hats to match the Royal Enclosure dress code need to have a solid base that is 4″ or 10cm in diameter.)

We’re not talking off the peg here. Rather a work of art that’s probably made just for you. Heaven forbid you should see somebody else wearing the same ..

Choose any of the following hats for Royal Ascot and you can be confident that you’re wearing something perfect  … Prices usually on application.

 Merve Bayindir

This masterpiece will get the crowds talking — and not in a ‘Ladies Day gallery of shame in the tabloids’ kind of way. Headed up by Merve Bayindir herself, the company originated in Turkey but is now based in London, describing the women who wear the brand as “chic and self-confident”.
Visit: mervebayindir.com
Price: enquire for price

Lock & Co

Lock & Co is one of the world’s oldest hat shops and has two Royal Warrants. So you can be confident that when it comes to studying the form, you’ll be judged positively. Mind you, although this is an old family business the designs are innovative and up to date.  Where better to have a couture hat for the Royal Enclosure created just for you?
Visit: lockhatters.co.uk
Price: On application

Jane Taylor

Where the Duchess of Cambridge leads, hat aficianados follow. The Duchess chose to wear a Jane Taylor design for her sister Pippa Middleton’s wedding recently— and you can see why. Our current favourite is this hand-painted straw cocktail hat, complete with hand-painted feathers and a rose detail.
Visit: janetaylorlondon.com
Price: £1,138

Bundle Maclaren Millinery

Bundle Maclaren’s designs are all handmade in a Fulham studio in central London — including this striking navy silk-covered ‘percher’, adorned with navy veiling at the front and back, and finished with neon green feathers.
Visit: bundlemaclaren.co.uk
Price: £235

Camilla Rose

This eye-catching royal blue textured fabric headpiece with a fun silver mesh detail, from south-west London-based Camilla Rose, handily meets the Royal Enclosure size requirements for Ascot. Maybe kissing people hello won’t be such a problem after all?
Visit: camillarose.co.uk
Price: £315

Iona Montgomery

“Sculptural femininity, Parisian sophistication” is at the heart of Iona Montgomery’s designs — and we’ve fallen in love with this show-stopper, clad with gold silk ivy and crystals.
Visit: ionamontgomery.co.uk
Price: £355

Laura Cathcart

Racegoers will struggle to keep their eye on the horses with this butterfly creation in the mix from Laura Cathcart, made in her workshop in a converted coach house in Shropshire (which she shares with two pugs).
Visit: lauracathcart.com
Price: £645

Philip Treacy

Philip Treacy is one of the world’s most in demand hat designers — so book early.
Visit: philiptreacy.co.uk
Price: enquire for price