If there’s one question I hear again and again from women attending Royal Ascot, it’s this: what jewellery can I wear with a hat?
It’s a great question — and not always an easy one. After all, hats are non-negotiable at Royal Ascot (especially in the Royal Enclosure), and while they make a fabulous statement, they also add a new layer of complexity when choosing your jewellery.
Throw in the unpredictable British weather, a variety of face shapes, hairstyles, necklines and dress codes, and suddenly accessorising feels more like a minefield than a treat.
So in this guide, I will walk you through exactly how to pair jewellery with hats for Royal Ascot — or any other elegant daytime event. You will leave with a clear sense of what works, what doesn’t, and how to feel effortlessly chic from head to toe (rain or shine).
Why Jewellery and Hats Can Clash — and How to Fix It
Hats are eye-catching by design — they bring drama, structure and height. Jewellery, meanwhile, should enhance your face, frame your features, and add sparkle or polish.
But too much going on around the face can compete rather than complement — especially with bold millinery.
So the key to pulling it off? Balance. Harmony. And a touch of intentionality.
Start With the Hat: Understand the Focal Point
At Royal Ascot, the hat is almost always the focal point — which means your jewellery should play a supporting (but no less stylish) role. Ask yourself:
- Where is the weight of your hat? Is it wide-brimmed and low? A perky pillbox? A sculptural fascinator off to one side?
- Is it embellished? Feathers, netting, flowers, sparkle?
- What colour is it — and how does it work with your skin tone and outfit?
If your hat is bold, structural or sits close to the face, keep jewellery minimal and elegant. If it’s more understated, you can afford to add more detail in your earrings or necklace.
Match the Hat Shape with Jewellery Type
1. Wide-brimmed Hats
These are elegant, dramatic and classically Ascot. But they can cast shadows on your face and crowd the space around your ears.
Do:
- Choose studs or small drop earrings that sparkle without getting lost.
- Wear a bracelet or cocktail ring to bring detail to your hands instead.
- Keep necklaces minimal — or skip them altogether if the neckline is high.
Don’t:
- Go for long earrings — they may catch on the brim or fight for attention.
- Pair with chunky necklaces — they compete with the breadth of the hat.
Try this: My TWIST hoop earrings — modern, organic, and perfect for soft, sophisticated glow.
2. Pillbox or Beret-style Hats
These are perched delicately towards the front or side of the head, leaving ears and neckline more visible.
Do:
- Embrace statement earrings — think architectural shapes or sculptural drops.
- Add a necklace if your dress has a low or open neckline.
- Try asymmetry if the hat tilts — a single earring or mismatched pair can be striking.
Don’t:
- Overdo it — choose either bold earrings or a necklace, not both.
Try this: My Classic Rose cocktail earrings — graceful lines with a nod to classic formality.
3. Fascinators with Netting
Feminine and fun, but trickier with glasses or dangly earrings. Netting can tangle, and if it’s positioned near the eyes, you don’t want jewellery pulling focus.
Do:
- Go for clean, minimal studs or short hoops.
- A delicate chain necklace can soften a high neckline.
Don’t:
- Choose busy earrings — they’ll compete and may get caught in the netting.
Try this: My CAVIAR textured studs — refined with just enough edge.
Your Face Shape and Earrings — What Works Best?
You probably already have a sense of which shapes suit you, but here’s a refresher to help:
| Face Shape | Best Earrings |
|---|---|
| Round | Long drops or angular styles to elongate. |
| Oval | Lucky you — almost anything works! |
| Square | Round or curved earrings to soften the lines. |
| Heart | Teardrop shapes to balance a wider forehead. |
| Long | Studs or clusters that add width, not length. |
The key here is harmony. Your hat already draws attention to your face, so your jewellery should echo your natural shape or bring contrast where helpful.
Don’t Forget the Neckline
Neckline and jewellery are best friends — or worst enemies, depending on the pairing.
Here’s how to match them well:
- High neckline + bold hat: Skip the necklace, add earrings and maybe a cuff.
- V-neck or scoop neck: Try a pendant that mirrors the shape of the neckline.
- Strapless or bardot: Great opportunity for a statement necklace or bold earrings.
- Shirt collars: Keep it clean with studs or a delicate chain under the collar.
Remember — if your hat is doing a lot, your jewellery should whisper, not shout.
Consider the Hair & Weather
Royal Ascot is glamorous — but it’s also held in June in Britain. Translation? Rain, wind and frizz are not out of the question.
Hair Up or Down?
- Hair up: More room for earrings and open neckline. Think drops or clusters.
- Hair down: Keep earrings more prominent or clean-lined so they don’t get lost.
Weather Realities
- Sun: Metal jewellery heats up. Opt for pieces that don’t sit directly on skin if you’ll be in direct sun.
- Rain: Humidity and moisture can tarnish some metals. Stick with high-quality silver or gold finishes — and dry your pieces carefully after.
Bonus tip: secure your hat with a discreet comb or clip. Nothing worse than chasing it down the grandstand!
A Few Ready-to-Wear Pairings
Let’s get practical. Here are a few chic combinations to inspire you:
💎 The Classic Sophisticate
- Cream wide-brim hat, structured linen dress, court shoes.
- Jewellery: Pearl studs, silver bangle, no necklace.
🖤 The Bold Minimalist
- Black pillbox, asymmetric jumpsuit, red lipstick.
- Jewellery: TWIST mismatched earrings, sleek silver ring.
🌸 The Romantic Revival
- Pastel floral fascinator, soft chiffon dress, vintage heels.
- Jewellery: CAVIAR delicate studs, pink tourmaline pendant.
Final Thoughts: It’s All About You
Ultimately, Royal Ascot is about celebrating style and individuality. So don’t feel boxed in by rules. Use them as a framework — then add your own twist.
Whether you’re wearing a statement hat or an understated fascinator, your jewellery should make you feel confident, elegant and like yourself.
If you’re still not sure what to pair, or want a custom piece to match your outfit, I’m always here to help — just reach out.
And remember: Forget fashion. Embrace style.
