This year at Ascot a fascinator was only acceptable at the event if it covered 4 inches (note 4 inches minimum) of the head. Kate Henry on the Hat Academy site asks a question to define universally what is a fascinator/cocktail/headpiece?

According to one response " Pieces made with combs etc which are less than 4 inches in circumferences are HEAD PIECES plain and simple. A fascinator is a headpiece, a style of millinery. The word originally referred to a fine, lacy head covering akin to a shawl and made from wool or lace, but mostly feathers. In the modern usage, it refers to a woman's alternative to hat for formal attire; it is usually a large hair decoration on a band or clip with elaborate trimmings and decoration like a formal hat and it can incorporate a base to make it a miniature hat. Today, a fascinator may be worn instead of a hat on occasions where hats were traditionally worn—such as weddings—or as an evening accessory, when it may be called a cocktail hat. It is generally worn with fairly formal attire."

Personally, I feel the line between a fascinator, cocktail hat and headpiece has become blurred. In recent years (after Kate), fascinators became increasingly popular for the Kentucky Derby. However, if you are going to Ascot be certain to check on the requirements for head "apparel"! Kathi HAT-A-TUDE.COM

Posted by HAT-A-TUDE