Don’t sue me, but fascinators are pretty much dead.
At the very least, they’re dead to me because I just found the accessory I’ll be wearing for Melbourne Cup this year.
Oh, Aussie supermodel Jennifer Hawkins will be wearing it too (she told us in our Spring Racing Fashion video below). Well, probably not the exact same one because mine’s under $20.
It’s the Cotton On Rubi Ascot Boater Hat and it’s $19.95.
The traditional flat top, boater style straw (look) hat comes in three colours – natural with a black band, all black and a peachy rust – and will go with literally all of your race day outfit options.
Side note – one of spring racing’s biggest trends for 2018 is head-to-toe pastel/sorbet tones; the light rust version would look really chic with a peachy, light copper dress, shoes and a tan.
If you're still not convinced enough to close down the 50 million tabs open with exxy fascinators, consider this:
- A boater will provide you with more sun protection than a fascinator.
- A boater can be worn again on wine tours, at summer BBQs and to brunch, so the cost per wear is far more economical than a fascinator.
- A boater won't hurt your head like fascinators tend to behind the ears.
- A boater will cover the 'greasyish' roots of your two or three-day-old hair, which you couldn't wash because your waves would fall out.
See? This is the wise option, my friend.
No worries if the $20 Cotton On hat doesn't quite do it for you. Here are a bunch of other spendy and savey options you might like instead.
Witchery Ascot Boater, $89.95.
Target Holly Boater Hat in Blush, $15.
Tony Bianco Harper Hat, $89.95.
Showpo Far From Home Hat in Natural and Blush, $39.95.
Forever New Ella Round Crown Floppy Hat, $49.
Morgan & Taylor Straw Boater with Tie, $79.95.
Will and Bear Harvey Black Hat, $89.
Ace of Something Caulfield Straw Wide Brim Boater, $69.95.
Showpo Alive Again Hat in Natural, $34.95.
66 The Label NYX Straw Hat in Khaki, $129.
Ace of Something Vicenza Ocean Blue Boater, $69.95.
Which is your favourite style? Or will you be sticking with a fascinator this year?