Choosing a headpiece can feel overwhelming. Size, shape, angle and colour all change how it looks on you. The good news is that a few simple rules make it easy to find the most flattering style.

In this guide we explain how to choose a fascinator for your face shape, with tips you can apply to any piece. We use our handmade Mystery Ross Melbourne Cup Women Headwear as an example: a red tulle bloom with fuchsia feathers and netting.

At a glance
  • Find your face shape first
  • Use angles to balance your features
  • Choose scale to suit your height and hair
  • Featured piece: Mystery Ross, red tulle with fuchsia feathers and netting

Step One: Find Your Face Shape

Pull your hair back and look straight into a mirror. Compare the width of your forehead, cheekbones and jaw, and the overall length of your face. Most people fall into one of five shapes: oval, round, square, long or heart.

The Best Fascinator for Each Face Shape

Oval

Lucky you. Almost every style suits an oval face. Experiment with size and angle.

Round

Add height and angles. Upswept feathers and pieces worn tilted on the side lengthen the face. Avoid wide, flat shapes at cheek level.

Square

Soften strong jawlines with curves: round blooms, soft tulle and netting work beautifully. Wear pieces higher on the head.

Long

Add width rather than height. Pieces worn low at the side, near the temple, or with netting across the brow balance a longer face.

Heart

Balance a wider forehead with pieces worn lower and to the side, and avoid very tall styles.

Mystery Ross red tulle fascinator with fuchsia feathers and netting
Shop the look
Mystery Ross Melbourne Cup Headwear
A red tulle bloom with sweeping fuchsia feathers and red netting. Angled, airy and flattering on most face shapes.
$38.99 AUDShop Now

Why the Mystery Ross Flatters Most Faces

Its soft tulle bloom adds curves, the fuchsia feathers sweep upward for height, and the netting adds softness near the brow. Worn on the right side and tilted forward, it balances round, square and heart shaped faces alike.

Other Things to Consider

  • Height: petite women suit small to medium pieces; taller women can carry larger statement headwear
  • Hair: wear hair back on the side of the headpiece so it is not hidden
  • Glasses: choose pieces worn higher so they do not crowd your frames
  • Colour: pick a shade that flatters your skin tone, near your face it matters most
Stylist tip: Try it on with the hairstyle you will wear on the day. A fascinator can look completely different with hair up versus down.
Mystery Ross fascinator side viewMystery Ross red tulle bloom front viewMystery Ross fascinator with red netting
Mystery Ross: red tulle, fuchsia feathers and red netting.

Product Details

ProductMystery Ross Melbourne Cup Women Headwear
DesignTulle bloom with feathers and netting
ColoursRed and fuchsia
FitHeadband
OccasionsMelbourne Cup, race days, weddings
Made inQueensland, Australia

Ready to shop? Browse all handmade fascinators or read how to match headbands with your outfit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which side should a fascinator go on?

Traditionally the right side, tilted slightly forward. Choose the side that suits your hair part and best profile.

What size fascinator should I wear?

Petite frames suit small to medium pieces, while taller people can carry larger styles. Balance is key.

What fascinator suits a round face?

Pieces with height and angles, such as upswept feathers worn to the side, lengthen a round face.

Can I wear a fascinator with glasses?

Yes. Wear it slightly higher on the head so it does not crowd your frames.

Fascinator Guide
Find your perfect headpiece
Red tulle, fuchsia feathers and netting, handmade in Queensland.
Shop Mystery Ross Melbourne Cup HeadwearBrowse All Headpieces