Fascinators, yes or no? Three experts tell.

Even the most confident fashionista can be at a loss come Spring Racing season.

What is the dress code for Oakes Day? Can you wear a coloured hat on Derby Day? Are fascinators in or out?

So many questions, so many rules.

For us, the term ‘fascinator’ conjures up images of those Fountain Lakes fillies, Kath & Kim, so we asked some of Australia’s most qualified fashion experts to weigh in on what we should be wearing on our heads this year.

David Jones Racewear Ambassador (and racing royalty), Emma Freedman:

So I guess the term ‘fascinator’ conjures up images of lots of mix matched fluffy feathers, heaps of different trims like netting and flowers and straw all rolled into one mismatched monstrosity… but it doesn’t have to be like that.
I think fascinators have evolved into headpieces.

You can still wear something smaller than a hat (a fully fledged hat might not go with your outfit) but it’s all about editing the trims and keeping it simple. Choose something with one kind of feather, or that only uses flowers. I wore a piece to the Caulfield Cup on Saturday that I would deem to be a headpiece – it was on a headband and only used one kind of feather. Similarly, for Derby Day I am going to wear a piece that is quite simple in structure but will work really well with my outfit…Less is more sometimes!

Television presenter, columnist, fashion & beauty expert, Charlotte Dawson: 

I love fascinators! Nothing worse than donning a big ol’ hat on a crowded course and having it knocked off your noggin’ exposing hat head hair and the telltale red rim around your forehead. I’ve seen some really cute headpieces lately (Jen Hawkins with the fluffy bunny ears was deeeevine) and even just little ribbons or mesh adorning racegoers heads. I will hurl myself into Nerida Winter for a piece this season, I love how each year she designs the most intricate and cute designs.