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Cool Hats for Cool Cats! The Royal Wedding caused people all over the world to discuss not only the pomp and circumstance of the British but their choice of hats as well. There were so many designs on exhibit as guests made their way into Westminster Abbey. Everything from small and bird-like with feathers, to large and almost face obscuring. The only thing that comes close in the United States might be the Kentucky Derby. What is it about hats that causes such a stir, and why aren’t there more opportunities to wear them?
The last time I checked in our region, very few people wear hats beyond a baseball cap. But I do think the tides are turning. Hats are being seen as a personality statement. A casual hat can be reinterpreted into a great accent to an outfit, as well as adding that all-important protection when the sun is strong.
Whenever I shop at the Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center near me, I see lots of cool hats -- some vintage, some brand new -- that could definitely “turn heads” in a good way! Let’s look at how to wear this hot trend and incorporate it into what you’ll be wearing this summer.
Fedoras
Celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Zac Efron, Jude Law, and Ashton Kutcher have all been seen sporting fedoras in a wide range of styles and fashions. But like so many things in fashion today, the style actually started with women in the early part of the twentieth century. Now everyone can wear this style with jeans and a t-shirt or even a cute sundress.
Straw Hats
I found this new wide brimmed straw hat in a brilliant red at the Goodwill near my house. This hat has personality and class and was priced at just $1.99. It looks awesome with the big movie star sunglasses and could be worn with a simple Audrey Hepburn sheath dress. I paired it with some sunglasses here that were also $1.99. This hat could also go casual for a picnic or beach outing. The fedora that I mentioned above is also being done in straw this year, so keep your eyes peeled for some of these styles when you’re out shopping!
Vintage
For that romantic look of the past, we have vintage era hats of all kinds. I found this Adolfo Paris/New York hat at the Goodwill nearby also for use on a photo shoot priced at $1.99. This vintage hat is a little more of a formal look but could still look great with a dress or suit. The light color makes it wearable year round, even though it’s made of wool felt. Maybe this would be wonderful for a late spring wedding. Whatever the occasion, you can’t lose when something as pretty as this hat is framing your face.
Lightweight Cowboy
This look has been popular lately when done in a straw treatment. It has been seen on rockers like Bret Michaels, who likes to sport his cowboy hat with a cotton bandana worn underneath. This hat also works well for a beach vacation because it is ventilated and offers great protection from the sun. Look for one that has a worn in look or distress a newer one with a little sandpaper and creative distressing.
Military/Fisherman
This is a flatter type of cap sometimes called a “chauffeur’s cap” that can look wintry when done in dark blue or black wool. For now, think in terms of cotton and military-inspired details. When it’s made of a more loosely woven fabric, this silhouette is referred to as a fisherman’s cap. I love this with a simple t-shirt, jeans and woven sandals on men or women for summer.
Bucket Caps
These downward turning hats are the best of all for the beach. Add some cool sunglasses and, not only will you look great, but you’ll get some pretty fantastic sun protection as well. This one by Kangol is terry cloth, but they can be cotton and madras plaid as well. Top stitched brims make them interesting.
Hats off to your spring and summer looks, no matter what you’re wearing. Maybe with a chapeau you get from the Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center near you!
askbjorn@goodwillsew.com
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