By Jasmine Proctor (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: March 13, 2013
Hats are peculiar things. They have a certain quality to them, something that is classy, sophisticated, and yet edgy, in an odd way. They possess this ability to pull together an outfit, balancing the top with the bottom, making you look put together. Maybe it is this characteristic about them that I like so much. Or perhaps it’s that they are this simplistic item that people have loved for centuries. Either way, they can work wonders on your outfits, and I—quite recently—have discovered just what hats work amazing for different seasons and looks.
First and foremost, there is the bowler cap. Not quite sure what that is? Well you’re not alone. The bowler hat is not one of the most common types of hats out there, but let me assure you, that is going to change.
This little angel is one of my go-to head pieces if I am looking for a fun, hipster-y, yet chic aspect to put with my outfit. Pretty much an all-season item, I can pair it with a combination as simple as a printed pant, a plain white t-shirt and a denim vest and come out looking like a Forever 21 mannequin. Something about the roundness of its form adds a child-like quality that is both cute but somehow classy at the same time. You can virtually find them anywhere, too. I own a simple black one from Forever 21 that goes with everything. I highly recommend getting one in a neutral tone, too, which makes it much easier to pair with outfits. That being said, though, there is always room to mix things up, and Topshop has a number of them ranging in colours from light seafoam to eccentric purple.
Next is the fedora. Oh, the fedora. Critiqued by many, this style of hat has been around since pretty much forever and—despite some opposition—it is not going away. In my personal opinion, the straw variety is the way to go, especially in the hotter months. Pair it with a breezy white sundress, some gladiator sandals and a pair of aviator sunglasses and you are ready to go. This is the perfect hat for spring and summer because it is light weight, so you won’t feel weighed down or over-heated.
With that in mind, large, floppy hats are also a great piece to have in your closet. Wear them any season, and you will ooze chic. Black ones with a velvet texture look great in the winter or spring time when paired with something like a maxi skirt or an oversized sweater and skinny jeans. They’re elegant, sleek and make you looked like you just stepped off a runway. Some may say they are a bit over the top, but I beg to differ. If you feel great, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
In the summer, again, floppy hats made out of straw are a great essential to have, as they not only keep the sun out of your eyes (and protect your face from those harsh UV rays), but they also can complete an outfit by giving it that laid-back, beach-y feel. They are definitely a throwback to the ‘70s, and I think they are just brilliant. Vintage is always a good thing, in my books.
So treat your head to some style – wear a hat!
