An Open Letter to Hat Girls
Packable hat: Nordstrom, 22.75" with string to tighten / Crystal earrings: Amazon / Necklace: Etsy / Stretch belt: Grace Karin, S-XL / Longline cardigan: Amazon Essentials, XS-6X / Tank: Amazon Essentials, XS-XXL / Skirt: Amazon Essentials, XS-XXL
Dear hat friend,
I feel compelled begin this letter with a blurb from Hats: A History of Fashion in Headwear by Hilda Amphlett.
"Since we have now arrived at the second hatless age, the hat has become something of a curiosity. So people go to lectures about hats, dress up for 'old time' evenings in hats, and, when looking through the pages of this history, will realize how flattering a hat is to a woman, how dashing and important for a man. They may even feel deprived, and evince a twinge of envy, realizing that we are, at present depressingly unimaginative about our headwear. [...]
Lectures on the subject of head-adornment are eagerly attended which is surely a sign that deep down in us all is a longing to be crowned with a glorious hat again."
-Greta Raikes
Today's hat girls understand this.
We understand the primal desire to adorn the head. To put a snappy finishing touch on one's outfit. To add an air of mystery by tilting the brim at just the right jaunty angle.
We also understand the struggle.
It takes confidence to wear hats in a time and place when few others do.
Hat girls know the feeling of standing out in a crowd, of attracting comments that start with "You look like a..."
On top of that (haha), it's also hard to find hats that fit.
If you can relate, or know someone who can, this letter is for you.
Keep reading for encouragement and inspiration. Scroll to the bottom for irresistible hat shopping for all head sizes.
TOP AFFORDABLE HAT BRANDS
Green wide-brim: A New Day, 22.75" head size / Blue cropped shirt: The Drop, XXS-5X / Striped cloche: On 34th, similar here and here / Corduroy newsboy: Hats Scarves and More
Black straw boater: Amazon / Cardigan: French Connection / Cloche: Betmar 23" inner circumference / Earrings: Etsy
Straw hat: San Diego Hat Co, 22.25" with string to tighten / Jersey bolero: Amazon, S-XL / Chiffon dress: Amazon, S-XL / Necklace: Etsy
Wool fascinator: Lawliet / Crystal earrings: Amazon / Velvet dress: Adrianna Papell, sizes 4-24 / Pink straw hat: Steve Madden, similar here / Chiffon dress: Amazon, S-XL
Blue turban hat: Headcovers / Silver brooch: Amazon / Teal scarf: Amazon / Gray turban hat: Headcovers / Gray bolero: Amazon, S-3X
Cotton beret in both photos: Parkhurst, orchid purple / Brooch: Amazon / Locket necklace: similar here / Black sweater: Amazon Essentials, XS-6X / Skirt: Amazon, XS-3X
San Diego Hat Co hats are staples in my headwear wardrobe. They check all the boxes: well-constructed, reasonably priced, and comfortable.
Macy's also has an impressive selection of affordable, stylish chapeaus. I especially like their in-house brands like On 34th, Giani Bernini, Vince Camuto, and Steve Madden.
Recently, Amazon has surprised me by turning up two quality hat brands.
Lawliet offers stunning velvet berets, and also affordable wool fascinators. The material, fit, and construction are impressive, especially given the low price point.
For full-coverage hats, I have had consistent luck with the brand Hats, Scarves, and More. The fast, free shipping is a bonus.
This straw boater was another pleasant Amazon surprise. It comes in a handful of other colors which my wardrobe absolutely needs. I love that it shipped in a box with a plastic shapeholder in the crown. (Hint hint to other retailers).
HAT DESIGNERS & ICONS
Brown cloche: Eugenia Kim, similar here / Book Patricia Underwood - How You Wear Your Hat / Black wide brim hat: Amazon, similar here / Book: Audrey Hepburn in Hats
Book: Dior Hats - From Christian Dior to Stephen Jones / Turban: handmade by me, tutorials coming soon!
Black wide brim hat: Amazon, similar here / Plum outfit: made by me / Pearl necklace: Anne Klein
Iconic hat designers Christian Dior and Patricia Underwood created classic hats with stylish brims. Today, Stephen Jones and Philip Treacy create fashion-forward headpieces that redefine millinery.
"I don't want to make old hats, I want to make new hats."
-Philip Treacy
DIY HAT PROJECTS
You too, can be a hat designer...
Handmade hat stand: USAVECO on Etsy / Marzipan floral cotton fabric from Mood
I had a blast designing and creating the above hats. I'm currently writing and filming tutorials so you can make your own, too.
Check back often (or subscribe to the weekly newsletter, which is awesome btw) so you can be the first to know when the patterns launch.
Until then, enjoy these...
HATMAKING BOOKS
Saturday Night Hat by Eugenia Kim
Hats! by British milliner Sarah Cant
From the Neck Up by Denise Dreher
Hat Shop by Susanne Woods
Every hat girl needs a good millinery book. Even if you never pick up a needle and thread, it's fun to see how the magic is made. The books make great gifts, too.
AND FINALLY, THE WISH LIST...
I'll have to make room on my storage rack for the newcomers...
I will sign off this letter to hat girls with timeless wisdom from Christian Dior, who wrote:
"Without hats, there is no civilization."
Thank you for reading
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