Summer has arrived, things are beginning to open up again, and Royal Ascot is going ahead! This means hat season is officially here. But how to choose a hat that is perfect for you?
Choosing a hat can be daunting, particularly if you have not worn one before. These tips from Katherine Elizabeth Millinery can help. Katherine designs beautiful, one of a kind hats, which are all handmade in her London studio.
I love hats and I have a number in my collection. Any of the hats I personally am wearing in this post were designed by Liz Felix, a local milliner whose shop sadly closed due to the economic pressures of Covid-19. All other photographs were provided by Katherine Elizabeth Millinery (for credits please see the photographs) and were used with permission.
Photograph courtesy of Katherine Elizabeth Millinery. Photographer Matt Monfredi, Stylist Sian ODonnell, Makeup artist – Anita Stephens, Model – Alena Tsar, Designer – Katherine Elizabeth Millinery
Inspired by nature and architecture, Katherine uses sustainable fabrics and adornments where possible. She has created hats for Lily Allen, Dita von Teese and designed the hat for the official Catherine Middleton Royal Wedding doll.
How To Choose A Hat
Choose a Style You Feel Comfortable With
It’s important to choose a hat that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. However, at Ascot, it’s definitely okay to push the boundaries – the bigger, the better!
Consider The Shape of Your Face
Different hats suit different face shapes. The hat should compliment but also be the opposite of your face shape. For example, if you have a round face, wearing a round hat can accentuate this. Therefore, it is better to choose a hat which has a more architectural shape, perhaps one that has a bit of a slant to it.
If you have a square jaw as I do, it is best to choose a hat that appears more round, with softer edges and a more feminine shape. This will help soften the angles in your face.
Photograph courtesy of Katherine Elizabeth Millinery. Photographer Matt Monfredi, Stylist Sian ODonnell, Makeup artist – Anita Stephens, Model – Alena Tsar, Designer – Katherine Elizabeth Millinery
Take Your Height Into Consideration
When considering how to choose a hat, it’s a good idea to bear your height in mind. If you are short in stature, a hat can add some height. However, it’s important to be sure that the hat is no wider than your shoulders. If it is, it can make you look shorter instead of taller!
Think About Colour
It’s important to choose the right colour hat for you so that it lifts you and makes your eyes sparkle. You definitely want to complement or match your dress, but the hat also needs to complement your skin and eye colour.
Why Wear a Hat?
Wearing a hat can really enhance your outfit for any occasion and also help you to stand out in the crowd. It can be really fun to experiment with different styles.
When Should I Wear a Hat?
Formal hats are more appropriate for weddings, Royal Ascot, Ladies Day at the horse races or The Henley Regatta. However, a lovely sun hat in the spring or summer or less formal winter hat (such as a fedora style winter hat) can really elevate your style.
Whenever you choose to wear a hat, be sure to have fun with it and let your style shine though!
This is not a sponsored post.
April, your hats are beautiful and they look so lovely on you! I wish we wore fancy hats like that in the states!
Hugs,
Tee xo
Thank you so much, Tee! Hugs xo
I love the top one in pink and the middle right one in ivory. I wish hat-wearing would make a comeback. Good tips about considering facial shape.
So many gorgeous hats! So sad to hear the shop has closed.
It is sad, but I am hoping Liz will re-open another shop one day. She still designs hats, and has some stock she is selling still from the shop, so fingers crossed. I am very taken with Katherine Elizabeth’s hats as well 🙂 You can never have too many hats 😉