As the summer season ramps up, it’s not just florists and caterers who are entering their busiest stretch—it’s also a full-throttle time for milliners.
With weddings, garden soirées, and the ever-glamorous British racing season all on the horizon, there’s one event that truly sets the tone for hat fashion: Royal Ascot.
Held from 17–21 June, Ascot isn’t just a prestigious racing event—it’s one of the most fashionable fixtures on the British social calendar.
Attended by royalty including the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and other senior royals, the occasion is just as much about the spectacle of style as it is about the races.
The Rules of the Royal Runway
If you’re heading to Ascot, don’t expect to wing it with your outfit.
The dress code is famously specific, dictating everything from dress lengths and strap widths to, of course, headwear—depending on which enclosure you’re in.
The Royal Enclosure in particular has its own set of high standards.
Back in 2012, the rules got even stricter—fascinators were officially banned, strapless tops were out, and men’s cravats were swapped for classic ties and waistcoats.
One of the key headwear rules? If you’re in the Royal Enclosure, your hat must have a base that’s at least four inches (10cm) wide.
Meanwhile, guests in the Queen Anne and Village Enclosures have a bit more flexibility in their headpiece choices.
Inside the Atelier: Rachel Trevor-Morgan Shares 2025 Trends
To get the inside scoop on this year’s Ascot hat trends, MailOnline caught up with none other than Rachel Trevor-Morgan, the woman who once created hats for the late Queen Elizabeth II herself.
Her atelier in St James is a creative haven—walls lined with exquisite hats in all shapes and styles, ready to inspire both ready-to-wear and custom designs.
Rachel’s work is celebrated for balancing timeless elegance with a modern edge, and 2025 is no different.
This Year’s Look: Understated, Elegant, and Floral
According to Rachel, this season is all about refined simplicity.
Think clean lines, muted tones, and subtle details.
But don’t mistake simplicity for boring—there’s still plenty of drama, especially in the brimmed floral hats that are trending right now.
Her latest collection leans into soft shades like white, beige, and blush pink, but she’s also playing with pops of green and burnt orange.
Styles range from dainty pillbox hats and padded headbands to dramatic saucer shapes and structured boaters.
One standout? A two-tone wide-brimmed disc with a pillbox crown—“clean, modern, sophisticated, and full of drama,” Rachel describes.
Building Your Look: Where to Start
If planning your entire look feels a bit overwhelming, Rachel has a simple tip: start with your outfit.
Whether it’s a dress, a jumpsuit, or even a tailored trouser suit, let that be your foundation.
From there, pick a hat that complements it—either by matching a color in the print or opting for a timeless neutral like nude or white.
“Your hat and outfit don’t have to be identical twins,” Rachel says, “but they should definitely be in conversation with each other.”
For those unsure, Rachel suggests visiting a milliner.
“They’ll help you pull the whole look together and offer advice on scale, shape, and color,” she adds.
Go Bold or Go Home: The Ascot Hat Mentality
Ascot is the moment to wear something bold on your head, Rachel insists.
“Remember, the hat is the main event,” she says. “Pair a simple outfit with a show-stopping headpiece.”
If you’re nervous, don’t go too small—you might regret not taking a bigger swing when everyone around you is wearing eye-catching millinery.
Rachel’s current favorite? Wide-brimmed styles with clean details—they’re dramatic, but still elegant.
The Art of Millinery: Handmade, Petal by Petal
Every piece that comes out of Rachel’s workshop is made by hand.
From blocking the shapes to creating intricate flowers—each petal is dyed, cut, and shaped individually.
It’s this level of detail and craftsmanship that’s attracted a loyal clientele, including royalty.
“It was such an honour to design hats for Queen Elizabeth—Ascot was always a highlight,” Rachel recalls.
Royal Collaborations: Memories of the Queen
Rachel’s very first design for Queen Elizabeth was for her 80th birthday service at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Over two decades, she worked closely with royal designer Stewart Parvin to create the perfect headwear for the Queen’s outfits—though she never saw the full look until the Queen’s carriage rolled in from Windsor.
“She was always charming to work with,” Rachel reflects.
A Crown-Worthy Client List
Aside from the Queen, Rachel has crafted hats for many royals, including the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princess Beatrice.
Her work has graced some of the most-watched heads at Ascot and beyond.
So, if you’re thinking about stepping up your hat game this season, take a cue from the royals: go bespoke, go bold, and don’t be afraid to make your hat the star of the show.