A hat can be an easy, yet dramatic addition to your look.
Sometimes, an outfit alone just doesn't make the right statement, or might feel incomplete. In these instances, hats act as either a bold accessory to an underwhelming outfit or even a practical barrier against heat and cold.
The Wide-brimmed Hat
A floppy, wide-brimmed straw hat blocks the sun at the pool.
A wide-brimmed classic is the Audrey Hepburn-inspired, solid black hat with a brim that sticks out about 4 to 5 inches away from the head. For a more casual look, opt for a floppier straw hat at the beach or hat made from felt or wool model during the winter.
The Newsboy
Adding a newsboy cap to this outfit gives it a touch of playfulness.
Though this cap got its name from the young boys who wore it to sell papers in the early 20th century, it's now popular with men and women for its style and its usefulness. Its small brim provides some sunblock, while its puffy top adds some youthfulness to an outfit.
The Beret
Berets in bold colors pop when paired with neutral coats.
A beret is a soft, flat or wool cap that can either lay flat on the crown of your head or be puffed up like the newsboy cap. The beret is usually associated with French avant garde culture, though, according to the U.S. Army, it acts as "a symbol of excellence of our specialty units."
The Fedora
This fedora has an eye-catching, embellished ribbon, though not all styles are as flashy.
Though popularized in the mid 20th century, fedoras continue to be worn everywhere, on both men and women. Fedoras feature a crease on the top, over the crown, and usually a ribbon or other detail around the hat above the brim. They are most commonly worn in felt or straw material.
The Cowgirl
A cowgirl hat is less about function and more about fashion.
These hats, made of straw or leather, aren't just for girls who know handle cattle. A cowgirl hat, unlike a wide-brimmed straw hat, usually features sides pulled up close to the head and metal studs or woven leather braids for detail. A cowgirl hat can also have a couple of leather strings to be pulled up, under the chin to keep it in place.
The Skull Cap or Beanie
This beanie, with added puff ball and ear muffs, keeps your head warm in the wintertime.
Popular with men and women, skull caps or beanies are brimless and fit close to your head. They're commonly worn during the winter, as they trap body heat close to the head. Fashion-wise, crocheted or knit cotton hats can be found in most colors and patterns.
The Military Hat
The military hat is most often found in army fatigue green, khaki and camouflage.
Like a baseball cap, the military hat has a long brim in front. Unlike a baseball cap, its defining feature is its square head and twill or cotton material. The cap is also sometimes called a "Castro," or "Fidel." According to a 2007 Reuters article, "The Fidel cap is selling like hot cakes to tourists visiting Cuba . . . in [a] fashion statement that has little to do with politics."
The Bell or Cloche Hat
This updated, plaid cloche hat can be paired with solid colors for a vintage-inspired look.
Cloche hats (from the word for "bell" in French) fit close to the head, with a brim that falls down over the tips of the ears. These hats were popular in the 1920s and 1930s, but are still worn today by girls of all ages.
Tags: close head, your head, 20th century, brim that, commonly worn, during winter
