Best Hats — Style Statements in Every Season
Some people think of hats as a winter item used to keep warm in freezing temperatures, but hats can also be quite stylish. Here are some suggestions for the best hats to make a stylish statement in any season.
In the summer, the goal is coverage – you want to keep the sun out and keep cool – but you also want to look cool. The original shade hat was probably some form of cowboy hat. They’re still popular and come in every variety from traditional felt to summer straw to a straw lime green hat or a beaded turquoise. All of these will keep the sun out and can set the mood for a relaxing evening tubing down a river, riding horses out on the range or just covering the shade in your own backyard.
On the beach, an oversized floppy straw hat works well to keep the sun out of your eyes and provide shade over your beach read. Lately these straw hats have come in oversized, multi-colored, and even retro styles. In a city, Fedoras and Bushwick hats are a good way to keep the sun out while keeping in style as the days grow hotter.
As the weather grows colder, keeping the sun out and keeping cool is less important, whilst warmth and cozy fall color becomes more important. As the seasons change, a driver hat done in cotton herringbone or houndstooth looks cool. Felt is also a good choice for material for a warmer Fedora or even wool. Wool felt baseball caps, or an old classic felt riding hat can really bring in the cozy feeling of fall. And as those first snowflakes begin to fall, a wool, merino or cashmere knit beanie can take off the chill.
In winter, hats become a necessity but you don’t have to look like you just emerged from the North Pole to keep warm. Beanies come in every style — from cotton to cashmere, felted wool to fleece. They keep the wind out and your hair out of your face. You can buy them in department stores, sporting goods stores or have your best friend knit you a beautiful mohair cap. And there’s always the variation — a loose-knit mohair cable knit hat with a beret feel can keep you warm and fashionable at the same time.
Tired of regular beanies? Why not try one with flaps or a brim? They make every variation. You can also get a beanie in a trendy color or one that is styled a bit longer for a new twist on the old hat. You can wear a wool tartan baseball hat or a fur-lined bomber hat. Fleece can keep one very warm. If you’re looking for something more classic, an old-fashioned wool cap with side flaps, a curved peak and a domed crown always fits in as you gather around the fire to drink hot chocolate.
Spring hats are fun and the occasions to wear them are varied. Think straw, raffia, pastels and color — lots of it — but navy and white always go a long way toward conveying the crisp fresh days of spring. There’s always the Easter bonnet — pastel colors, wide brim, straw, sometimes even feathers. These can also work well at weddings to keep the sun out of your eyes when sunglasses won’t do.
In springtime you also need a rain hat. There are lots of cute choices these days: everything from an artist’s painting to leopard print rain hats. Finally in spring with baseball season opening, a baseball cap with your favorite team’s logo is an option that never goes out of style.
With options for every season of the year, hats can be fun. Keep your head warm and really show off your unique style.