With Ascot just around the corner and wedding season in full swing, The Resident picks out five of the best London hat shops to top off your formal summer ensemble 

Lead image: Apricot petal mesh disc hat by Rachel Trevor-Morgan Millinery, £1,450

Lisa Tan Millinery, Putney  London-based Australian milliner, Lisa Tan, has taken her love for horse racing and fashion, and combined them to create her unique line of race wear millinery. Fusing flamboyant millinery and classic styling with a modern edge has produced distinct silhouettes that possess a less-is-more aesthetic. As a seasoned Royal Ascot racegoer, and a new addition to this year’s Official Royal Ascot Millinery Collective, Tan’s hats are the perfect choices for this year’s Royal Ascot, or any weddings, christenings or formal occasions you have coming up.

Tit Fer Tat Hats, Richmond Richmond-based hat maker Mary Spiteri specialises in luxury ladies hats from designers such as Philip Treacy, Gina Foster and Marzi, to up-and-coming milliners. She also sells her own bespoke collection – you’ll find delicate pill boxes, floral bonnets and serious statement pieces. While much of her collection is tailored to weddings, Ascot or christenings, in the winter the stock takes on a cosy look with cashmere beanies, fur hats and wraps from the opulent Hockley of London.

Emily – London, Wimbledon London milliner Emily Baxendale, Creative Director and Designer behind Emily – London, has made hats, fascinators and head pieces for brides, royalty and fashionistas. Emily’s collections include ready-to-wear and private commissions, both of which demonstrate her flair for original yet stylish designs. The hats have a fun and fresh feel to them suiting a younger customer and are perfect for Ascot, weddings and other formal occasions.

Rachel Black Millinery, Wood Green  Tired of seeing ‘hats wear women’, London-based Milliner Rachel Black has created no nonsense hats and headpieces that still allow women to feel elegant and stylish when wearing them out. Inspired by her training in theatrical costume designing, Rachel Black has made sure to create pieces that are unique while still combining both traditional and contemporary millinery techniques. Having had pieces worn by celebrities and Royalty, Rachel Black’s hats are sure to be hit no matter where you wear them to.

Rachel Trevor-Morgan Millinery, St James  Since 1990, Rachel Trevor-Morgan has been providing London’s high society with stylish, elegant and unique hats. Drawing her inspiration from her interest in theatre costume and her mother’s love of hats, Rachel has produced hats that are perfect for any kind of formal occasion (or for when you’re simply feeling elegant). In 2014, Rachel was granted The Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen, which basically means that The Queen has been seen wearing one of Rachel’s house on multiple occasions.

Petershams Millinery Supplies, Elephant & Castle Finding the perfect hat can be quite the mission, so if commissioning a bespoke piece is way beyond your budget, how about making your own? Not only is crafting cool again, you can guarantee that nobody else will be wearing your hat! Petershams in Elephant & Castle specialises in vintage hat-making goods and modern supplies with vintage flair – everything from hat bases and headbands to feathers, veils, trimmings and even hat kits for those not feeling too confident.