Furry or floppy, brimmed or banded, hats have always been there to give fashionistas a boost even on the worst hair days. Now, with hats coming back into everyday style, there is no need to wait for the day when hair has no volume or bangs are beastly.
This season, designer runways brought out all forms of hats. From classic to reinvented shapes, the hat spoke volumes while bobbing down the runways atop six-foot models.
Wool hats took all forms on the Fall/Winter runways, from slouchy, grunge-inspired caps to tall shapes reaching unexpected heights.
Eliza Doolittle transformed from foul street peasant to elegant society woman in “My Fair Lady” with a visible change in headgear. So stash that old baseball hat you throw on for class and try one of the new chic shapes inspired by Vivienne Westwood and Vera Wang.
Fedora – In recent years, the fedora hat has become a favorite of celebrities from Lindsay Lohan to Kate Moss. Not to be confused with the trilby hat Frank Sinatra often wore with a shorter brim, the fedora often conjures up images of gangster trend. Communications junior Victoria Romano says she follows celebrity trends when it comes to hats. Wearing a tan fedora with black band from Urban Outfitters, she says she liked the look on Britney Spears.
Beret – The beret has always been incredibly chic for the fashion world. Whether you’re headed to a poetry slam or just dreaming of Paris, the beret is a fun topper that goes beyond the simple black puff of fabric on the head. Now, different colors and embellishments such as sequins and unique stitching bring a fresh look with this trend. What better excuse to grab a baguette?
Floppy knits – The grunge-inspired nonchalance of these sagging knit hats combine style and comfort in headgear. Museum studies junior Charis Lee sports a red floppy knit hat from Forever 21 that has also been described as a slouchy beret. Though she doesn’t wear hats often, she says when she does, comfort is key.
Cloche – This ’20s style hat fits snugly over the head and covers the ears like a bucket. It used to cover the cropped hair of women in the early 1900s to show the new style for women. This flapper trend has moved to modern times with hats available at Urban Outfitters and Target. The bell shape of the hat can add inches to height and be embellished with art deco elements.
Vintage-inspired Cocktail Hats – Looking for a unique way to accessorize an outfit, nothing could be more decadent and theatrical than cocktail hats. These small hats are usually attached to the head with a comb and are generally accessorized by feathers and a netted veil. Authentic versions of these hats can be found at vintage and antique shops and more modern versions can be found at Urban Outfitters.
Reach the reporter at jvanzale@asu.edu.