John Charles built its reputation on British occasionwear, and the millinery range grew directly out of that. Rather than leaving customers to hunt for a hat that works with the dress, the brand designs both sides together, so the colour, fabric and proportion are matched from the outset.

Because the fabrics come from the same European mills that supply the outfits, a John Charles hat picks up the exact lace, jacquard or satin used in the garment. Prints are designed in-house, which is why the coordination holds up close rather than simply looking close from across a room. The collection favours disc and split-brim shapes, finished with coque feathers, silk flowers or fine lace overlays.

For mother of the bride and mother of the groom especially, this takes the hardest part of the search off the table. You choose the outfit, and the headpiece already exists in the right shade.