When was the last time you wore a hat? … Chances are, this year, you might be invited to a wedding or be planning a special event like Glorious Goodwood. And, more importantly, it may actually go ahead! So, what better way to celebrate than going to town with your outfit. One of the best ways to make it extra special is to wear a hat or headpiece. This is especially key if it’s a more formal wedding or you’re off to the Ladie’s Day races. So, in this article, I thought I’d share some tips on how to find the perfect hat!
How to find the Perfect Hat!
So how do you find the perfect hat? Here are a few key things to consider:
Shape and Scale:
If you have a very rounded face, a hat with an angled brim works well. Conversely, if you have more angular features, a softer style might work better.
If you’re petite, beware of the over-size brim as it can swamp you. And, on the other hand, if you’re very tall and statuesque, a tiny little fascinator is likely to look a bit ‘lost.’
Colour:
It’s always best to choose a colour that flatters your skin tone, hair, and eyes. But also make sure that it works with your outfit.
Style:
You can really go to town here and embrace your style personality. It’s usually best to start by choosing your outfit; then take it along to match up the headpiece to finish the look.
More Tips from Local Milliner – Bella Cobby:
Local milliner, the brilliant Bella Cobby, owns Isabella Josie Millinery in Arundel. She says, “When choosing a hat, be open minded – you need to try on lots of different shapes of hats until you get one that wants to make you ‘stand a little taller.”
Bella is great at creating bespoke pieces and ones that can versatile too.
A hat can be an investment, so why not get something you can wear more than once. Last year, I attended Goodwood Revival and a vintage-themed wedding the week after! Bella made me a hat to match my outfit, and it was perfect. When I want to wear it again, she can simply change the feather to tie in with any new outfit or die the hat itself.
Bella’s other tips:
- View yourself in a full-length mirror – you need to make sure the hat balances your body proportions.
- If you are wearing glasses, how will they work with the brim?
- Try positioning the hat at different angles – worn horizontally, a straight brim can be harsh, but at an angle, it can bring height.
- Think about the occasion; is it formal or casual? Check out the dress code – some race meetings have a minimum hat base size. Will people need to see ‘over your head/hat’?
- How will you have your hair? If you have an elaborate hairstyle for your event, you might prefer a smaller cocktail or saucer shape hat that perches to one side to avoid a full crown squashing your hat.
If you have a hat question or fancy commissioning your own bespoke hat. Get in touch with Isabella Josie; check out Bella’s beautiful creations or contact her via her website; she would love to hear from you.
And finally, if you need some help working out which colours or styles of hat might suit you, I can help. My Style Confidence Package is a great way to start. You’ll receive a personal colour assessment, and we’ll also explore body lines, proportions, scale and face shape. Find out more about this package HERE. Or contact me for a totally bespoke styling session.
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