Return to 1997 SUMMER Index
by Anita Hunter
"I never saw so many shocking bad hats in my life" was Wellington's comment on seeing the first
reformed parliament in 1889 but it could well have been a line from 'Four Weddings and a Funeral'
or a bitchy comment from Ladies Day at Ascot. The sun shines, the Season starts and the British
(literally) let it go to their heads. Summer is definitely the season for hats. Whether it's a wedding, a
day at the races or just protection from the sun, hats can add style and panache when chosen
judiciously.
There are no hard and fast rules for choosing a hat. Current fashions are for oversized designs with large crowns, often decorated with swathes of silk or feathers. For cutting edge headwear by a celebrity milliner, look out for hats by 'British Accessory Designer of the Year' Philip Treacy and surrealist designer Stephen Jones. There's usually a basic range of hats available in High Street shops, try Accessorize and BHS for good value. Most department stores have millinery sections. John Lewis on Oxford Street has a particularly good range at reasonable prices. Larger stores will usually have hats from the ready-to-wear ranges of Couture milliners. Hat hire is also an option that's particularly good if you want a hat for a one off event such as a wedding. Check in you local Yellow Pages for milliners and hire shops.
When choosing a style, you want something that that suits your face, figure, hairstyle, personality and
frame of mind. A hat should be part of a complete outfit, which should work from top to toe. Use a
full-length mirror to gauge the total silhouette and balance proportions. Your hat doesn't have to match
your outfit (dressing like the Queen with matching dress, hat, shoes and handbag tends to be overkill)
but it does need to compliment it. If you're buying a hat to go with a particular outfit it's a good idea to
wear the clothes when buying the hat.
Be confident in the wearing of you hat. Milliner David Shilling suggests "Practice wearing your hat. Do
the washing up in it, get used to it's movements, discover it's best angle, it's reaction to the wind or jostle,
and you'll wear it on the day with total confidence".
There are no really strict rules for choosing a hat and confidence is probably more important than the hat itself. Have regard to fashion but don't be ruled by it. Outrageous designs are for the extrovert and confidant. Small hats can look cheeky or chic but are best avoided if you're on the larger side. Unless you're Carmen Miranda, steer clear of too much trim and decoration. Being tall is an asset if you want to carry of a hat with a very wide brim without looking like a mushroom. As a generality, remember that round faces look best in angular hats and visa versa.
To misquote Feagul Sharkey, 'a good hat is hard to find' but once you have found it, enjoy!