How to Choose a Great Hat

It’s National Hat Day so let’s talk about how to find a flattering hat.  There are so many options and it can feel overwhelming!  Start by considering the color, material, shape and how you will style your hair. 

Color is always the first place I start when looking at clothing and accessories.  If you want a neutral, go with one that coordinates with your hair color.  Look how lovely the soft brown looks on the beautiful redhead above.  You can also go with a pop color for a real statement.  Pay attending to the details like hatbands and accents to be sure they suit your style.

Material is an important consideration.  To wear the wrong material during the wrong season of the year will look silly.  For the cooler months you want a winter fabric like wool, felt or a cozy knit.  The photo grid below shows common styles in winter fabrics in colors that look great.

Used with permission, Styled by Serena

Now on to finding the best shape.  It’s all about creating balance in your look. If you are tall choose a shorter crown.  If you want to add height chose a tall crown or upturned brim.  If you’ve got a round face you need an angular hat, whereas an angular face is more well suited to a rounded shape.  It’s a process of trying on different styles.  Try different angles too as most hats are most flattering when they aren’t straight on your head. 

Below is a chart from my friend Serena Johnson showing which hat styles suit which shapes best.  Use this guide as a starting place for which styles to try.

Used with permission, Styled by Serena

One more thing to consider is how to style your hair when wearing hats.  Too much volume can be overwhelming with hats so try your hair tied back or tucked behind your ears.  For us girls it’s good news that we don’t need to remove hats indoors.

One common concern with wearing hats is the dreaded hat hair.  Make sure your hair is completely dry before wearing a hat and when you take it off flip your head upside down and run your fingers through it to bring back some volume and movement.

Accessories are just one part of dressing your best.  Wearing your best colors and dressing your shape are important too.   A Personal Style Appointment teaches you these three keys to dress you best every day plus trends and more.

Virtual Personal Style Appointments are done via email and phone for $60. You will have your completed style analysis, a set of virtual swatches you access right from your smartphone and the confidence to dress you best every day.  Contact me below to schedule your Personal Style Appointment.

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