Whether you prefer a hat, a fascinator or a hairband, there are so many ways to change up your entire outfit with a statement headpiece
Wearing a beautiful headpiece for a big occasion does not have to cost a fortune. Whatever your budget is, there is a huge array of choice available to you, from hat hire to high street options or a serious style investment.
Rent
Choosing to rent a headpiece for a special occasion is a great way to experience an extravagant look at a fraction of the price. It’s also a very sustainable approach to fashion and means you can change up your look with different hats as often as you like without worrying about where to store them!
There are several hat hire options available around Ireland, including these two that continue to add stunning pieces to their rental collection:
Marc Millinery – Douglas, Cork
Marc Millinery has a fantastic selection of hats and headpieces for hire. Anyone looking to hire a hat, who lives close by, is advised to book a consultation appointment and bring the occasion outfit to try on a selection of headpieces with it. Alternatively, you can send a booking enquiry for the hat you want and you will be advised from there. Prices start from €20.
Alison Roe Millinery – Roscrea, Co Tipperary
Alison specialises in designing classic, elegant headpieces and hats for Ladies Day at the Races, weddings and mothers of the bride/groom. The top floor of Alison’s studio houses the very popular hat hire gallery featuring a collection of her signature style headpieces. With new pieces regularly added, you have the opportunity to hire a hand-sewn headpiece to really bring your look together in a unique way. Prices start from €25.
Save
If you’ve left it to the last minute or simply need to keep things under a certain budget, there are plenty of affordable headpiece options on the high street or online.
Where possible, buy it in a neutral shade or plain block colour so you can wear it with as many outfits as possible or match it to your accessories when wearing a colourful outfit.
Suzsa Boutique Paula Fascinator – €49.99
This elegant, green headpiece with mesh detail and dramatic feathers is a fabulous option for any special occasion. It includes a headband for easy wearing.
Pamela Scott Grey Pillbox Fascinator: €49.99
Add a touch of class to any race day outfit with this chic pillbox fascinator. The slightly off-centre positioning adds height and sophistication and the neutral colour means it can be paired with almost any colour or print.
Invest
Depending on the occasion, there will come a time when you will want to invest in your millinery. Luckily for you, Ireland is teeming with outrageously talented headwear designers so prepared to be spoiled for choice!
Here are just a few to get your started on your search:
Aoife Mullane Lilac Roses Hairband – €89
Aoife is Wicklow-based and continually inspired by her surroundings there. Starting the business at just 25 years of age, it has developed and grown with her. In this gorgeous piece, each rose is hand made and individual so that no two are the same! Made using a lilac satin, it will work beautifully for any event.
Aoife Harrison Nude Diamond Hat – €100 (sale price)
If you’re in the market for a beautiful hat right now, this exquisite one is on sale!
Dublin-based milliner Aoife Harrison has been creating bespoke hats since 2008. Pieces can be made to order according to your bespoke specifications. Aoife expertly combines sparkling detail with delicate fabrics and intricate beading to create a timeless collection.
Deb Fanning High Feathered Headpiece – €165
Deb Fanning is a sustainable luxury wear millinery brand, known for its eclectic and colourful mix of original designs. Each piece is lovingly handcrafted in her Dublin studio. However, if you fall in love with one, you will need to act fast as the majority of the pieces are limited edition.
Emily Jean Atelier ‘Ariana’ – €435
How beautiful is this epic floral headpiece? And while it is on the higher end of the price scale, it is one that is sure to stand out at any Ladies’ Day event and perhaps, help you get the top prize!
Founded in 2007, Emily Jean Atelier now has over 15 years experience in hat styling and guiding clients through every aspect of their appearance for special occasions. If you’re struggling to put an outfit together, she has established an online consultation service, where direct styling advice can be provided.
