Drum roll, if you please. Are you off to the races this year? If you’ve got Royal Ascot scrawled in your diary, you won’t sleep easy until you’ve found the hat. Dress, shoes, bag, pah! It’s the hat that matters. Lucky for you that we’ve asked a very glamorous girl-in-the-know to choose the best five sites for top-notch millinery. Berkshire-based, Sophie Stone is founder of Luxe in the Country, an online magazine about fashion and lifestyle in the countryside. Trust her to pick the top five sites to find your hat for Ascot.

JESS COLLETT - Rental and purchase
Jess Collett Hats

If you’re looking for an edgy, avant-garde piece, look no further than Jess Collett who has been chosen to be a part of the Royal Ascot Millinery Collective for 2017. Her creations are beautifully made and always with a contemporary twist. Her collections are available to rent, and also to buy on her site, and at Fenwicks of Bond Street.

LIZZIE'S HATS - Rental and purchase
Lizzie Hughes Hats

Based near Hungerford, Lizzie’s Hat’s has been a wonderful find. Being married to a champion jockey, Lizzie knows a thing or two about the racing world and how to look appropriate and stylish at the races. If you want to visit in person, I recommend you call ASAP as she does get booked up. There’s a jewelled red silk beret I have my eye on for this year’s Ascot.

HECTIC HAT HIRE - Rental
Hectic Hat Hire

Hectic Hat Hire was my hat shop of choice when living in London. A little treasure trove on the Munster Road, they offer hats of all shapes and sizes. Rosie is super helpful with her advice. She knows the Ascot dress code like the back of her hand. If you make an appointment, make sure to book soon and don’t forget your outfit! A drop off service is also available at Ascot at the end of the day, reducing the risk of forgetting it in a taxi or in a muddy car park!

ROSIE OLIVIA MILLINERY - Purchase only
Rosie Olivia Millinery

Rosie Olivia’s hats are very popular for the London set and often used for fashion shoots in all the glossies. Her signature lace trim highlights her pieces. I adore her navy and orange Valetta design, striking and fashionable. Her hats are available to buy online or made bespoke.

Updated June 2018