Racing outfits are glamourised by the correct choice of headwear.

For the first-time racegoer, a fascinator is the popular choice. However, as the call for these grows weaker, medium to large brim hats make a welcome return to racewear fashion.

Milliners rejoice at this comeback, as their hat-making skills and creativity are brought to the fore.

Fabrics used for autumn/winter hats are felt and velour … never straw!

Colours predominately featured for 2008 are rust, red through to dark burgundy, aqua to teal, purple/violet, chocolate, greys from silver to charcoal, and of course, black.  Pastel shades of pinks and blues add a soft and subtle touch.

’50s and ’60s designs of shallow crowns with medium brims are popular.

Smaller hats see the head-hugging cloche, perky beret and the pillbox as the shapes to wear.  These can be accentuated with hat veiling and soft-textured flowers.

Most hats are worn on a slight angle to the side, and to the front of the head.

A hat must feel secure on the ladies head while adding a wonderful sense of style.

However, the most important way to wear a hat is with confidence.

Article written by milliner Jenny Lyell of The Hat Studio.

Visit Sydney’s The Hat Studio at 168 Victoria Avenue Chatswood, phone 02 9413 4688. The Victorian store is located at 117 Auburn Road Hawthorn, phone 03 9882 9488.