The fashion world is speaking in whispers — or should we say, through veils. In the last several days, we had a chance to see three photoshoots with celebrities wearing veils. When three style icons - Eiza González for M Revista De Milenio, Naomi Campbell for V Magazine, and Ariana Grande for Swarovski — all appear veiled within days of each other, we're witnessing more than coincidence. We're watching a trend unfold.
Eiza González for M Revista De Milenio
Naomi Campbell for V Magazine for Winter 2024
Ariana Grande for Swarovski
The Art of Wearing Veils
A veil transforms more than your appearance — it transforms your presence. A veiled face has a magnetic quality — the more it conceals, the more memorable it becomes. A woman whose face is hidden behind the veil cannot stay unnoticed. While it can elevate an outfit to mysterious elegance, success lies in the details.
Madonna attending Dolce & Gabbana show during Milan Fashion Week, September 2024. Courtesy of Ricardo Gomes
Veil is not the easiest accessory to deal with. To understand how to style it, we should look carefully at the part the veil is attached to — a veil's base. Is it a beret? Then you can wear it with everything you would normally wear with any regular, non-veiled beret. Is it a beany with a birdcage attached? Feel free to pair it with casual and even sporty clothes. Little fascinator hat? You might need a fancy dress.
Four Veiled Pieces, Eight Distinct Looks
To give you some inspiration, we selected 4 pieces with veils and styled each of them two different ways. While our veil imagination draws from designer pieces, remember — similar effects can be achieved with budget-friendly alternatives; you might even have something similar in your wardrobe. Also, we are not affiliated with any of the brands, and don't earn any commission from the links.
The Classic Pillbox Hat
Timeless Elegance Redefined
Maison Michel satin pillbox hat with a veil
Pillbox hat is a timeless, classic piece that would look appropriate for any time of a day. Consider it as an important part of your outfit and don't feel obligated to remove it indoors. Actually, all pieces we've chosen for this article can stay on your head (but if you own a wide-brim hat, you might want to take it off when attending crowded places and events).
The key word for the satin pillbox hat we chose is "elegant", so the rest of your outfit should match expectations.
Daytime Sophistication:
Daytime Sophistication
The first look embodies the day-time elegance: a knit dress, comfortable flat mules and delicious monochromatic color scheme in shades of chocolate and praline.
- Satin pillbox hat — Maison Michel, $900
- Knit dress — Altuzarra, $1,995
- Mules — Brunello Cucinelli, $900
- Croc-embossed leather mini bag — Malone Souliers, $1,095
- Smoky quartz ring — Pomellato, $2,450
Evening Drama:
Evening Drama
The second outfit as an evening look. More rich shades added (Seal Brown, Burgundy, Espresso), as well as rich textures: taffeta, velvet, croc-embossed leather. Think of Old Hollywood movies and you'll get where our inspiration came from.
- Satin pillbox hat — Maison Michel, $900
- Taffeta gown — Marmar Halim, $2,580
- Stilettos — Tom Ford, $1,290
- Burgundy clutch — Loeffler Randall, $295
- Pearl drop necklace — Julietta, $225
The Leopard Fur Hat
Elevated Essential
Dolce & Gabbana leopard-print veiled hat
Next is a pull-on fur hat with all-over leopard print. Don't let the fur or the pattern scare you: the shape of this hat is simple which makes it surprisingly versatile. Let's call it the elevated basics. Wear it with your essential winter clothes such as cinched coats, wool turtlenecks and little black dresses.
Tailored Meets Sensual:
Tailored Meets Sensual
Look one plays with contrasts - structured pieces against soft elements. The sheer mesh top subtly echoes the veil's transparency, creating an understated harmony.
- Leopard-print veil hat — Dolce & Gabbana, $1,275
- Double-face cashmere jacket — The Row, $4,950
- Tapered pants — Prada, $1,920
- Wrap tulle bodysuit — Philosophy di Lorenzo Seraf, $475
- Knee-high boots — Toteme, $1,130
- Arc bag — Cult Gaia, $530
- Skinny belt — Tom Ford, $750
- Twisted ring — Monica Vinader, $138.00
Textural Luxury:
Textural Luxury
The second ensemble celebrates coziness and tactile pleasure through luxurious cashmere, silky fur (it's faux, by the way), and smooth leather. Remember: veil adds so much visual interest to any outfit, that you can keep the rest minimalistic if you want.
- Leopard-print veil hat — Dolce & Gabbana, $1,275
- Faux Fur Coat — The Frankie Shop, $495
- Cashmere cardigan — Scanlan Theodore, $500
- Cashmere skirt — Scanlan Theodore, $650
- Ankle boots — Khaite, $1550
- Leather bag — Bally, $1,650
- Link ring — Radbag Studio, $220
- Open ring — Ana Luisa, $55
The Orchid Fascinator
Playful Sophistication
Lele Sadoughi orchid fascinator with a birdcage
The key word for this headband with velvet orchids and a birdcage is "playful". You absolutely can't wear a piece like this when you're in a bad mood! It brings joy, happiness and cheers. Save this as an outfit inspiration for upcoming holidays — it's a perfect party headpiece.
Social butterfly:
Social butterfly
Our first interpretation channels social butterfly energy: red dress! Huge bows! Candy heels! Super fun golden orbs on the clutch! This look is loud, bold and joyful.
- Orchid fascinator — Lele Sadoughi, $125
- Red dress — Carolina Herrera, $4,690
- Red shoes — Prada, $1,220
- Acrylic clutch with golden orbs — Cult Gaia, $498
- Signet ring — Jenny Bird, $118
Refined Drama:
Refined Drama
The alternative approach embraces Hollywood glamour through a velvet gown with a dramatic slit. It would be a mistake to overwhelm this kind of outfit with lots of colors or details, so we chose to keep it sleek and refined, sophisticated and sensual.
- Orchid fascinator — Lele Sadoughi, $125
- Off-the-shoulder velvet gown — Alex Perry, $2,800
- Leather sandals — Christian Louboutin, $895
- Clutch in crushed velvet — Tyler Ellis, $2,950
- Tennis bracelet — Swarovski, $229
The Lace Bunny Ears
Midnight Allure
Fleur Du Mal lace bunny-ears headband
Unlike its birdcage cousins, this Chantilly lace creation belongs to evening adventures and intimate moments. So, we'll save these bunny ears for a bedroom: they are calling to be paired with the most alluring lingerie to lead someone into temptation. Or, they can be styled for nigh-time parties if you dare.
The key word that perfectly describes these bunny ears is "teasing". If you feel adventurous enough to wear this headband, the rest of outfit should support that playful and sexy vibe.
Mysterious and Intriguing:
Mysterious and Intriguing
Picture black velvet against bare skin, with only a crystal lariat necklace catching the light (and worn instead of a bra). Paired with matching trousers and sheer mesh pumps, it's an exercise in refined seduction.
- Veiled bunny-ears headband — Fleur Du Mal, $225
- Velvet tuxedo — Dolce & Gabbana, $3,945
- Velvet pants — Dolce & Gabbana, $1,495
- Sequin net mesh pumps — Roger Vivier, $2,075
- Book clutch — Olympia Le Tan, $1,475
- Lariat — Ettika, $60
Playful Power:
Playful Power
Our final look balances sweet and strong — a body-conscious mini dress and coy velvet choker meet liquid metal accessories: razor-sharp stilettos and architectural bag. Basically, this is a concept of an iron fist in a velvet glove turned into one gorgeous outfit.
- Veiled bunny-ears headband — Fleur Du Mal, $225
- Black dress — The New Arrivals Ilkyaz Ozel, $605
- Metallic shoes — Le Silla, $797
- Scrunch clutch — Cult Gaia, $598
- Bow choker — Emili, $260
- Cocktail ring — Versace, $595
By the way, this is how Sarah Jessica Parker styled similar headpiece — she had mouse ears:
An actress made her mouse ears the only focal point and kept the rest of her ensemble simple. By Cami Zapata/BFA/Rex/Shutterstock
More inspiration how to wear veils:
Anya Taylor-Joy at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party in 2022. Stefanie Keenan/VF22/Getty Images
Bella Hadid walking the runway during Alexandre Vauthier Autumn/Winter 2017 fashion show
Léa Seydoux wearing veiled beanie, plain white t-shirt and red lips. Photographed by Eric Guillemain for Interview Russia March 2012
Styling Notes
Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2020 Couture fashion show
Veil is not the easiest accessory to style. Veil can make you appear more mysterious and elegant, or it can make a person wearing it look ridiculous if it doesn't match the rest of the outfit and the mood of its wearer. But it's aways a statement and a conversation starter.
Veil demands a good posture and self-confidence. So, if you decided to go for it, let the veil's base piece guide your outfit choices, consider the veil's personality (is it playful? Dramatic? Elegant?) and — above all else — raise your head: you are going to be unforgettable!
