Give harmony to your face with the right hat. Remember: the model you wear definitely affects your appearance, as a result you can elevate your look to the nth degree. Be careful, however, not to “out of tune” with the lines of the headdress which will have to interact with those of the face. We need to find the right balance.
The reason? Not all hat models look good on everyone, it goes without saying, and with the right outfit you need to choose the right hat. For this reason each one has its models keeping in mind 3 fundamental elements: the crown (part that adheres to the head), the brim and the structure (soft or rigid).
Table of Contents
Round face
Goal number one for those with a round face? Streamline and lengthen it visually. Yes, but how do you do it when you have to choose a hat? First of all, prefer asymmetrical models (or in any case worn on the bias).
The pitch must be of medium width, but you will have to avoid the very wide one which makes it feel even smaller. The crown must be high enough and square (avoid the round and flattened one on the head). Opt for a tone-on-tone headband. The reason? The contrasting one, with its sharp horizontal line, can further mark the face line.
Which models to prefer? Never without the classic Borsalino – especially if worn a little on the bias – or a beret for a more casual choice. The cap with pom poms, on the other hand, will help you elongate your face. Avoid models that are crushed on the head such as flat caps and tight-fitting headphones.
Square face
Soften the lines with hats that go well with your square face. Which models to prefer in this case? A beret – from the softest to the most structured – worn on the bias, introduces a diagonal line that cuts the face. But not only. Also a cloche hat, with a wide and soft brim in felt with flowers and other applications for a decidedly feminine touch.
Oblong face
Is pronounced height the feature of your face? There is no doubt: you need horizontal lines that can give you harmony. Which hat will you have to choose to achieve this? Green light for models with a straight brim – parallel to the eyebrows – but not only. Also medium-high so as to introduce a marked horizontal line. The crown better be rounded (it needs to fit snugly against your head).
Triangular face
Minimizing the forehead is the goal you will need to achieve to create harmony. So let’s move on to narrow- brimmed hats and angular lines. Avoid soft and shapeless ones instead. Go for the Fedora – the classic hat worn by cowboys – and the Panama.
Oval face
If you are lucky enough to have an oval face, you can wear as many hats as you want. The reason? There is no doubt: it is the most harmonious of all forms and you will not need to rebalance anything. You will simply have to enhance it and leave it uncovered. You can also have fun with the hat model: from the more masculine like the Fedora to the feminine with a wide and soft brim. But not only. Even the beret, the flat cap and the fisherman’s hat. The brim should be straight, parallel to the eyebrows. Now you know perfectly well which hat goes well with the lines of your face. Are you ready to choose your model?
The etiquette for wearing it with style
Until a few years ago it seemed that the hat was a démodé accessory, a fashion creature of the past that can only be seen on the Royals or in TV series such as Downton Abbey. At most, it was worn on the beach, but let’s face it: over time we have lost our mastery in managing the basic rules of headgear, an accessory that symbolizes elegance and bon ton with a very specific label.
Hats: when to wear it
Even Coco Chanel claimed it: a woman should never go out without a hat. Yes, for the most refined ladies, the headgear has always been considered an integral part of the outfit, as well as an indispensable touch of style and elegance. It follows that, for women, the same rules that are at the basis of the etiquette of the male hat do not apply.
The female headdress is in fact subject to far fewer constraints and restrictions: a woman can wear her hat almost anywhere and, only rarely, will she be forced to take it off. The hat for ladies is in fact absolutely approved in formal ceremonies – such as a wedding – but also for a super glamorous party, for shopping, for a theatrical show or for a lunch in an elegant venue. And believe it or not, in all these cases there is no obligation to take it off by the one who is showing it off, as long as it does not disturb those present in terms of size and bulk.
When to take it off, when to avoid it
We have said that the headgear for women has few restrictions of use, but obviously there are occasions or places where it is a good idea to take it off (or even avoid it). First of all, let’s talk about the workplace: when you arrive in your office or for a formal appointment indoors, it is best not to wear a hat, or take it off together with the outerwear at the entrance.
But that’s not all of course. While the hat is allowed for lunches in worldly places (as long as it is not wide- brimmed or too bulky), it is not so for informal domestic gatherings with relatives and friends. Therefore – it may seem obvious – if you receive guests at home avoid welcoming them with a Kate Middleton style hat. If, on the other hand, you are the one being invited, you can also show up wearing a hat but you will have to leave it at the entrance along with your coat.
Sizes and models
It may seem trivial but, when we talk about hats label, the size and model of the accessory are the fundamentals to take into account. If it is true that a woman is allowed by etiquette to wear a headdress in many places and occasions of various kinds and sorts, it is also true that the difference is precisely the type of hat worn.
So let’s start with the basic rule, which generally concerns the size of the hat: it decreases as evening approaches. Did you know that? And therefore green light for important and elaborate models, as long as they are daytime occasions and preferably outdoors because the encumbrance must never be a hindrance for the other diners or for those who take care of the service. Specifically, the wide brim is appropriate until the early afternoon, when the sun is still high. So beware.
The most important restrictions are on sports and unisex models – such as caps with visors, bucket hats, woolen caps or rain hats – which must always be removed when entering an enclosed place. As well as worn exclusively on casual and daytime looks. On the other hand, for evening appointments – such as a dinner at a restaurant or an aperitif – the label requires you to focus straight on small shapes, such as baschetti or cloche. You can’t go wrong.
All the models of hast to know and recognize
Hair, joy and pain of every woman. Indispensable in winter and a whim of beauty 365 days a year. But are you sure you really know him? Too often we use only and exclusively the word hat to define many, indeed, many models that differ from each other for a thousand and more reasons. Find you own personal style and with it the right hat for you.
Baseball cap
The name itself says it: the baseball cap takes inspiration from the sports world and, for years, has been relegated to that area. Today, however, it has conquered street style and has been declined in many colors and materials. To characterize it is the flap which, in this case, must be curved while, the caps coming from the hip hop culture, you recognize them precisely for the straight and rigid visor.
Basque
Tres chic! When you say Basque it is impossible not to think of the Eiffel Tower, the croque madame and a ride on the Seine. If there is a hat that has become a symbol of both, culture and a style, it is definitely the beret. Declined in many different materials, today it returns to depopulate in its most classic version: wool.
Beanie
In every country it is defined in so many ways that it is almost difficult to identify it, the fact is that the beanie or cap is a great classic that never leaves us. Must have for autumn and winter, this hat becomes a sweet cuddle at the lowest temperatures thanks to the wool and cashmere with which it is made. Over the years it has evolved and transformed, enriching itself with motifs, applications and, why not, veils.
Borsalino
It is the classic hat for important occasions, seen and revised both on elegant looks and to break the monotony of jeans and biker outfits. However, if it has a 6cm brim it is a borsalino, if the brim increases to 8cm it is called a fedora and, finally, the trilby which has a very narrow brim.
Bucket hat
Literally the bucket hat better known, too, as the capello alla pescatora. In the fashion shows of the biggest brands, this model is back, usually declined in technical material. A real return to the 90s where, sooner or later, we all had one. Are you ready to wear it with an urban look?
Ushanka
Cold rhymes with ushanka. The typical hat used during the cold Russian winters, today, it becomes a must have look of the sport. To characterize it the side portions to protect the ears and the padding, basically, in fur. The news? It absolutely has to be maxi!
Cloche
To better understand what a cloche is we have to go up to the 1920s. In that decade, in fact, women used this type of headpiece a lot, reminiscent of a bell dropped on the face.
Boater
In English it is called a boater hat, while in other countries it is known more as a boater and, for this reason, it is evaluated only for the warm period. Today, also available in a winter version made of wool, it is one of the hats sported especially by those who love extra large sizes.
Pamela
If there is a hat for the summer, it is called Pamela. Usually in straw it is characterized by a flat and very wide brim: ideal for those who do not want to be hit by any sunlight.
Pillbox
Do you feel royal blood coursing through your veins? Don’t the royals have any secrets for you? So if the right person to wear the pillbox: a small rigid hat that is placed on the head. Super chic and with a vintage allure.
Military hat
It resembles the Sicilian flat cap, but is slightly more structured and with an exposed visor. The military hat, is now one of the must-haves for fashion lovers. Also perfect for those who sport a short and masculine cut.