Regular readers I’m sure will know that I’m a huge fan of hats, so a post featuring ideas on ways to wear classic hat styles was probably long overdue. I wear just about every hat style going, but I’ve chosen what I think are the four most wearable (and classic) styles: the fedora, the Panama, the beanie and the floppy hat.
There are several more styles I couldn’t leave out so I’ve thrown some more in at the end (I simply can’t manage without a lot of choice). If you’ve always wanted to wear hats more but weren’t sure what to wear them with, then I hope you’ll find a little inspiration here (as well as the courage to don a titfer or two now and then).
Interesting fact: my dad always used to say that I should have been a “hat model”. Not quite sure that there is such a thing(!), but he meant that there wasn’t a hat style that didn’t suit me. I’ve yet to find one, I must admit 😉 SO – Are you a fan of hats – and if you are, what’s your favourite style? Do share in the comments!
Fedora hat
The classic black felt fedora can be worn with just about anything, especially in the colder months. An absolute must-have style for winter.
Fedora 1. With neon brights and black and white, and classic dark denim. (original post)
Fedora 2. With cozy layers: chunky snood, checked boyfriend-style coat and funky animal booties. Aviators optional. (original post)
Fedora 3. With a skirt or dress and chunky boots – plus drop crystal earrings to add an extra touch of femininity. (original post)
Panama hat
The Panama hat is the summer version of the felt fedora: in white it will see you all through the summer, being both practical and adding a touch of the modern classic.
Panama 1. Apart from sandals it’s all you need to add to a summer maxi. Dress, shoes, bag, Panama hat – done. (original post)
Panama 2. Dressed down with layered tanks, loose cotton trousers and sneakers. This is a perfect way to keep cool without resorting to a dress in the summer. (original post)
3. With a retro style summer dress: these two were made for each other. I doubt there’s a vintage style dress that a Panama hat doesn’t suit. (original post)
Beanie
What probably started as a skull cap has turned into a floppier, often looser knit style in recent years. If anything they simply keep your head warm in the winter.
Beanie 1. I’ve featured this outfit before in my tan boots round up, but it’s a great example of how the addition of a floppy beanie and huge sunglasses instantly give you a European look. Add some faux fur and you could pass as Italian…! (original post)
Beanie 2. The same beanie as before but with the edges rolled up to give it a different look. Added to a long black coat and a tartan scarf it’s practical and smart. (original post)
Beanie 3. With double denim and bright skinnies: The beanie just adds another piece of knitwear to the outfit – so that’s a beanie, cardigan and wool shoes. (Yes, woollen shoes!) (original post)
Floppy hat
A 1970s style classic. They’ve been popular again for a few years now and add a touch of the hippy to your outfits – they work in every season throughout the year.
Floppy hat 1. With lots of autumnal brights. Being more of a camel/taupe colour this looks a little less 1970s and more ranger-style. (original post)
Floppy hat 2. With a faux fur statement coat. This coat just wouldn’t look right without a hat, and the floppy hat is perfect for it. Doesn’t detract from the coat but it definitely complements it. (original post)
Floppy hat 3. A great example of how the floppy hat works just as well in the summer. An outfit of a sleeveless dress, skinnies and cute heels is pulled together perfectly by the hat. (original post)
Special mentions to…
The flat cap, trilby, bowler hat and baseball cap. My wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without them.
P.S. Like this post? You might enjoy the rest of my Ways to Wear series!
Linking up to: Visible Monday, Let It Shine, Share in Style, Monday Mingle, Style Sessions, Trend Spin Link-Up, What I Wore Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, Passion for Fashion Friday, Fashion Friday, Friday’s Fab Favourites
Hello Catherine,
A top hat changes your face so much more than any other garment"
you luk awesome with Floppy hat.
really nice collections of sun hat.
I am looking for an outdoor/safari/ best sun hat this summer which will be quite warm. I am having trouble finding a sun hat which:
– Blocks the sun
– Has an all-round brim
– Has a 'western/outback' style to it
– Not too bulky
Somehow hats and I don't seem to agree. Sigh. Such a shame. Especially the fedora hat has my love. Tried them in numerous shops. They just do not look good on me. And…. they ruin my hair.
Still love that outfit (and cap) of you at the bottom right. So good.
Greetje
I think the kind of hair you have has a lot to do with it, Greetje – when I was thinking of chopping mine off into a bob my hairdresser asked if I wore hats, which of course I do… she said a lot of hat styles look funny if your hair is too short. So – I still have long hair!!
And yes, they do ruin your hair. But they're also good for when it needs a wash, hehe!! Thanks for your lovely comments x
You do rock a hat particularly well Catherine!! I have quite a few styles, but don't have a big floppy '70s style, so that's on the list for sure! x
It really surprises em you don't have a big floppy hat, Porcelina – it would look perfect on you!!! Go get one now…! ;))
Thank you so much my lovely x
I love hats too, what a fB collection you have
Lauren
livinginaboxx
From hat girl to another… Thank you, Lauren!! x
Hi Catherine!
I think I am your antithesis to hat wearing : NO hats look good on me! In these photos, I especially love your look in the fedora and the floppy hat …
Btw, I just started following your blog, and as my 40th birthday approaches… I see your story and I read your posts and it is really inspiring! Thank you! I feel much better approaching that birthday (this March!) I look forward to reading more from you!
-Marjorie
Awww Marjorie thank you thank you! Though I bet there's at least ONE style that suits you. Some people just don't feel right wearing them and I think it comes across in your hattitude (hehe see what I did there?!!!) that's all.
But it's lovely to have a new reader, so welcome to NDaL and I hope you continue to find lots of inspiration. Welcome also to the over 40s! We're the best ;)))
C x
Hi there Catherine! 🙂 You look so damn good in hats that even I want to try one. 😉 Usually I stear clear of hats or any headgear for that matter. 😉 On another note, I hope you dont mind me asking but do you know of a good community site for 40+ stylebloggers? Im finally coming of age, hehehe, turning 40 this year and would love to interact with other bloggers my age. I guess my style is not to everyone`s taste, uhm childish one might say, but thats me, take it or leave it. 😉
Hi Monica – nice to meet you, and thank you so much for such a sweet comment!! It's no problem asking… the best site to interact with other bloggers is Sylvia's 40+ Style: Sylvia’s 40+ bloggers community. She has an actual forum as well as the comprehensive list of 40+ bloggers (so get yourself on there)!
You should also link up to Patti's Visible Monday link party – whilst not restricted to the over 40s, many of her followers ARE 40, 50 and 60+: Patti’s Visible Monday
Finally check out my posts for features about over 40 bloggers! Lots of great bloggers to connect to and make friends with… I always maintain it's being part of the 40+ community that's made me enjoy blogging so much. I really feel like I'm "part of the gang" – albeit a really lovely, friendly one…!
Why It's Great Being An Over 40 Fashion Blogger
The Ultimate Resource Guide for the Over 40 Blogger (and Over 40 Woman)
8 Over 40 Fashion Bloggers You Should Know
(I'm sure that's plenty for you to be getting on with…!!)
Good luck and say hello on Twitter (and all the other social media platforms) to all of us – see you there :))
C x
Doh! I've just realised you're izzywizz on Instagram… my bad!!
The floppy hat is my favorite and I have been meaning to buy one! Oh and I also love wide brim fedoras 🙂
-Jan
janmloves.blogspot.com
They're so popular now, Jan – I bought mine quite a few years ago and very few people wore them. It goes to show trends always come around again!! x
Boy, it is hard to choose a favorite. I love hats, I particulary like the beanie, panama ( and the dress) and the black hat. You look great in all of them!
from the link up
please stop by, jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com/
Hehe you've pretty much picked them all, Jessica…!! Thank you so much, fellow hat-wearer 🙂
I just love hats and wear one nearly every day from Fedoras to berets.
Sounds like you're a girl after my own heart, Josephine!!
I love all these hats, you look so good.
Gaby
Stylish-Salat
Awww Gaby thank you!!
Catherine – you look great in all of these different type of hats. I am a huge fan of hats too but just don't have enough opportunities to wear them but on the weekends.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
I know what you mean about the lack of opportunity to wear them during the week if you're going to the office every day, Alice. It used to be the same for me till I worked at home; maybe that's why I wear them so much more! Thank you hun xx
Wardrobe essentials! The perfect finishing touches too an outfit!
♥♥♥
Jeanne
http://fashionmusingsdiary.com
Thanks Jeanne – I'd have to agree with you there…! x