The hat lady: Which hat style is your favorite?
When talking about Summer style, I believe in hats. While summer heat requires minimal hair style, a hat always helps to elevate every look.
As Christian Dior said, “Without hats there is no civilization.” They add style, they complete outfits, and they protect your eyes and skin from sun rays that can do damage to you. Even though we love to be in the sun, it is still smart to protect your face with some kind of hat. Of course, hats also are a handy way to hide a bad hair day. To all the hat ladies, which hat style is your favorite?
Here are a couple of my favorites:
1.Baseball caps seem to be everywhere, and it is smart to have a few really nice ones in your closet to top off casual looks and for outdoor activities.
{What I Wore: Balenciaga Baseball Cap // Maje Cardigan // J.Brand Selena Jeans // Sezane Silk Shirt (old, like this new style) // Mini Lady Dior Bag }
2.Bucket hats are another important fashion item. I like them in straw or wool, mostly, because they keep their shape well and look a little dignified. Bucket hats give outfits an elevated look, even maybe some French or 50’s vibe.
{What I wore: Sister Jane Dress // Necklace // Zara bag // Raffia Mules // Burberry Hat (similar here) // Linda Farrow Sunglasses // J.Crew earrings }
3.Straw or wool fedora. We have to have the classic shape of the fedora, originally a man’s style, but it can add a bit of edge or mystery to a lady’s appearance. Once again, I like the substance of straw or wool. most of the time.
{What I wore: J.Crew Loafers(sold out, similar here) //Jeans: (old, similar style and on sale here) // Blazer: (from last year, also love this wool blazer in classic plaid) // Denim Shirt // Cashmere Sweater //J.Crew Hat (old, similar here)
4.Broad brim hats come in different looks and serve different purposes, mostly according to just how wide the brim is. The boater hat, with a flat brim and usually a wide ribbon, looks a little sporty, while a hat with an upturned rim looks more feminine to me. And really wide brim hats make a big statement when you wear them, attract attention, and give you tons of shade — but be careful, they can blow off in a big wind!
{What I Wore: Kalita Maxi Dress (the same style has sold out, and I also love this one) // Sun Hat // Sunglasses // Oversized Earring (old, similar here) }
5. Foldable fabric hats, like cotton and canvas, can be rolled or folded up to stuff in a tote, luggage, glove compartment, etc. This category, to me, refers more to the fact they can be crushed, squashed, and shoved into small space, ready to return to form, more than the style. I have had such hats in bucket style, brimmed, and every other configuration. But they are almost indestructible and ready to wear at a moment’s notice.
{What I wore: Loewe Hat(from 2 seasons ago, like this new style) //J.Crew Polo Tee// La Double J Bag// Linda Farrow Sunglasses Chain }
6. Class berets instantly add a hint of France to any outfit, and are always feminine. And the right one can add a lively spot of color to even the most neutral outfit.
{What I wore: J.Crew Tartan Cape //Sweater Dress//Beret//Celine Sunglasses (similar style and budget friendly version here) //Chanel Two Tone Slingback (found a pair of similar version but under $35 here)//Chanel Tweed Bag //Dior Pearl Earrings (similar here) // Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick (Dream Huge) }
To build a versatile wardrobe in a planned way, I suggest getting a few hats of these different styles. Mostly I like natural colors for straw (and when I say straw, I include palm and other plant fibers woven into a hat), almost always with a hatband in a neutral color. By the way, you can change or add hatbands yourself very easily, just by finding some ribbon or fabric you like. Another tip, with straw hats you can have them in almost any color, if you just spray paint them! I would not do that with an expensive designer hat, but it is always an option depending on your style and mood.
There is another tip I can share based on my experience. You can steam your hat, too, to extend its life if it gets a little misshapen! But be sure to use steamer and avoid high temperature. — I save & restore a lot of straw hats by using this method.
As the famous Hollywood gossip columnist, Hedda Hopper said, “I can wear a hat or take it off, but either way, it’s a conversation piece.”
Hallie Swanson is a Chinese American stylist, fashion consultant, blogger, and digital creator, renowned as the first public winner of the Vanity Fair International Best-Dressed List, in 2013.
