By Ann Marie Proudfoot
There was a time when women would not step outside the house without the finishing touch of a hat to any outfit.
Although we are a far cry from the formality of this attire, I do feel a sense of nostalgia for hats. At weddings, they now tend to be worn mostly by the older generation.
I don’t think it’s a case that we dislike hats, rather that we’re simply not sure what suits us or what to wear them with anymore.
So let’s start jazzing up those outfits again, whether it’s for an occasion or just popping out for coffee. If you choose the right hat for your features you can transform an outfit in an instant!
When it comes to selecting a hat your face shape is key. By choosing the right style you will help balance out the proportions of your face.
Oval shaped face
You happen to be very lucky in the hat department because all styles will suit your face shape. So you can be a little adventurous. A captain’s cap is a great look for you.
Round shaped face
If you have a round shaped face like Kirstin Dunst, choose an asymmetrical style with a high crown like a fedora or trilby. This will draw the eye vertically and give proportion to your face.
Square shaped face
For a squared shape face like Jessica Simpson the wide brimmed floppy hat works great for you. The 70’s style floppy hat would look great on you.
Long shaped face
If your have a long shaped like Liv Tyler or Sarah Jessica Parker, you need sharp clean styles. The fedora or trilby will suit you, worn straight and forward to cut the length of your face.
Heart shaped face
With a face shape similar to Reese Witherspoon, you’re best suited to a medium size brim hat. A large brim hat will make your forehead appear wider. The y or slouchy beanie is also a great style to opt for.
There are no set rules for what you should wear a hat with or where. For me, pretty much anything goes! From caps with a military look to cowboy hats on the beach to sexy trilbies by night… it’s just about being a little daring.
Hat Styles
Here are some hat styles to keep in mind and what to wear them with.
Fedora
The straw fedora looks great with a floral dress and cowboy boots. Add a striped tape ribbon to it and wear with denim shorts, biker boots and a breton striped tee.
Floppy hat
Can be worn with a kaftan and flip flops on the beach. For a more formal look with a puff ball dress, high shoes and gloves.
Beret
For a casual look, wear it with a pair of skinny jeans, flats and pretty ruffle tiered top. To keep it more Parisian team it with a full knee length skirt and Chanel style collarless jacket and t-bar high shoes.
Military cap
Wear it with skinny combat pants, killer heels and a military jacket. For a fun look wear it with a denim playsuit and biker boots.
So don’t leave your hat off this season – feel confident and wear it!
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April 26, 2010 at 1:21 pm
I love hats, the problem I have with them is that you have to plan your hair style around them (well I do as I’ve big hair) and this can lead to hat hair issues when you eventually take them off! I know I should leave the hat on, but I’d feel odd wearing a hat all day inside…
I think we are seeing more fascinators at weddings, so maybe the wedding hat will come back in eventually!
April 27, 2010 at 10:56 pm
sounds like a bit of a hair ‘mare Aoifs!
Yes, I love the whole new accessory thing at weddings now, people are getting more daring.
Love my winter hats but summer hats never really featured with me (except for a floppy hat to cover my face in the sun on holidays), but this guide has enlightened me.
April 30, 2010 at 9:40 am
one solution for the crazy hair is to rub a static tumble dryer sheet on the inside of the hat and across you hair before putting on your hat to alleviate some of the static. Worth a try eh!
Glad you have been enlightened AnneMarie.
March 28, 2011 at 9:21 am
Great to see that fedoras / trilbys are still going strong and in the shops this season.
Love them !
March 28, 2011 at 1:04 pm
I agree that the hat needs to come back because I think they look great! The problem I have is that the only time I wear a hat is a woolly one in the dead of winter, or one to shield me from the sun on holiday. How can I work hats into my everyday life?
April 3, 2011 at 11:37 pm
Hi Tala,
Here are some examples of hats you could include in your everyday life:
Casual wear – with jeans and casual tops add a cadet to your look (cadets are the hats that have a peak and a flat top)
Another casual option is wearing an oversized beanie.
A beret can look great with a skirt or dress for that parisian feel!
I’m a fan of fedora’s, in summer the straw version looks great with a dress or just jeans and a tank top.
Hope this helps
January 4, 2012 at 5:14 pm
this is something i can never understand ………………. WHAT HAT SUITES MY FACE…………….. WHEN U HAVE SHORT HAIR AND A SMALL FACE THAT IS ROUND……………. WHAT HAT DO U WEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!