How to Choose a Hat That is Perfect for You

Summer has arrived, and Royal Ascot starts this week. This means hat season is officially here. But how to choose a hat that is perfect for you?

How To Choose A Hat

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 – Top Tips

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.

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!

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. And of course, here in the UK, there are some events where hats are required as part of the dress code.

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 or fun fedora in the spring or summer or fur hat, cloche or a fedora in the winter 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.

How To Choose A Hat