Plume crazy

(Michele McDonald/Globe Staff)

A flurry of feathers. A cluster of blossoms and wisps. A gathering of tulle, rhinestones, berries, or quills tucked into tresses. They're called fascinators. And these days, they offer a welcome bit of flirtatious diversion.

Let's begin with a definition. While there's no rule as to their design or composition, the whimsical pieces must live up to their name.

"It's got the name because it's fascinating to look at," says Boston-based milliner Marie Galvin, noting that any observer should be rightfully "mesmerized" by the hair accessories. According to Galvin, the combination of materials is endless. "As long as there's some sort of swirly movement," she says, anything goes.

More demure feathered headbands and barrettes have recently begun showing up at retailers from Urban Outfitters to Barneys New York. Think of fascinators as their exuberant and eccentric British cousins who wouldn't mind indulging in a Pimm's Cup or two.

Headwear has long been more popular in England than here, and it got a boost in the '80s thanks to a certain stylish royal. "I have to say Princess Di was an integral human being in the fashion scene," said Galvin, who believes Diana and her affinity for hats energized the millinery trade for a generation.

Fascinators, at first adopted in Britain by the younger set as a hat alternative for haute social affairs, are now seen on anyone at most any type of occasion. Fluttering vintage or modern pieces can be spotted in the wild at Boston-area house parties or dance nights. Artifaktori owner Amy Berkowitz, along with plenty of artsy shoppers, rocked feathery flourishes all day during SoWa Open Market's recent "Baked Fresh" event. A friend is considering fascinators for her vintage-style wedding.

Which, by the way, exists as a huge market. As head-turners that are comfortable to wear, fascinators have grown quite popular at nuptials - for bridal parties and guests alike - on both sides of the pond. Galvin recalls a mother of the bride who ecstatically donned one for a ceremony. "It's kiss-friendly," she explains. "People can greet you without a brim in the way."

Still, there's no reason you can't perk up an everyday ensemble with a fanciful fascinator. With restrained budgets now the norm, a small playful poof - perfect for a multitude of occasions - may be a good move. "By changing your accessories, that's all you need to make a new outfit," says Galvin. And with the holidays approaching who couldn't use a gorgeous trifle?

Whatever the event, confidence is crucial. With a fascinator perched on your crown, you've got to own the look.

After all, they are - as Rebeca Oliveira, designer behind OliveTree Designs, says - accessories with attitude "or ovaries, as the case may be."