Hats Off to Outfits

When you make an ice cream sundae, it’s not complete without the cherry on top. Well, I thought this was a perfect comparison to what a hat can do. A great hat can top off any outfit and change it from bland to brilliant.

Hats are one of the many fashion accessories that women don‘t wear often enough. (A few generations ago, women wore hats whenever they left their house.) Not only do they give sun protection, add flair to any outfit or cover your lazy hair day, but they're also essential for many types of outdoor activities, such as exercising or gardening.

Like any other accessory, there are many different color and style options for hats. Fun examples for this season include plaid, paisley, flowers, stripes, bright shades in pink, yellow, or blue, or even metalics such as a bold striped, metallic floppy from XIIX for $38 at Macy’s.  

Here are the types of hats you’ll find this season:

• Visors — If you feel too warm wearing a full hat on your head, why not try a visor that can take care of the essential coverage, protecting your skin and eyes from the sun.  Try an REI packable visor or a Macy’s packable straw visor for $22 by Nine West.
• Ball caps — Try a "Life Is Good" baseball cap which are available at Sudbury's . You can find a Levi’s Cap at for $7.99. Did you know that they sell waterproof baseball caps?  L.L. Bean carries some for $19.95.
• Sun hats (Crushable/Packable) — Try a higher priced Helen Kaminski packable hat for $79.99 (originally $200) at TJ Maxx. Target is carrying a large selection of sun hats, especially cute floppy hats in all sorts of colors and styles. A great example is a Merona Blue Pattern Floppy hat-natural for $12.99.
• Fedoras — Try an REI summer fedora hat for $24.50 which snaps right back into shape. Or a David & Young hat, Black Band Straw Fedora on sale for $16.99 at Macy’s.
• Urban Military hat/Cabbie hats — Try a modern Cabbie hat for $22.50 with different details like embroidered flowers or a Burton Urban Military hat for $25 both found at REI.
• Bucket hats — Try a Scala aqua blue bucket hat or a Laplein hat at TJ Maxx for $14.99.
• Cowboy hats — These hats look great with sun dresses or a great pair of jeans. Try a Mossimo Supply Co. black for $12.99 at Target or even a white cowboy hat at TJ Maxx for $14.99.

In addition to the terrific hat styles, make sure to check out the variety of hat features:

• Sun-protective fabrics — D&Y UPF 50+ shapeable straw hat with wide brim for $14.99 at TJ Maxx.
• Waterproof hats (Nylon/spandex) — Great for splashing around with the kids. Try a Wallaroo Aqua visor which is meant to be worn in and around the water for $24 at REI. 
• Hats made with Moisture-Wicking fabrics — Great for keeping you cooler and more comfortable on hot summer days.
• Hats made out of Quick Drying Fabrics — Get dryer, faster.
• LED Hats — These hats have not forgotten safety. Try a Trail Cap for $26.50 at REI.

With the amount of choices you have, it’s important to keep some of these tips in mind before making your choice:

• Make sure to consider the shape of your face and skin tone when choosing a hat.
• Consider whether you need a formal vs. informal look. For a more formal event try a Jessica Simpson, Large Bow, Floppy hat at Macy’s on sale for $27.99 or a Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Floppy hat, Signature Ribbon for $38 at Macys.
• Baseball caps are clearly an informal choice but can make you look cute, sporty and clearly an easy choice when running off to and from different activities.
• Larger hats can overpower more petite women. 
• Taller women can get away with really large, floppier hats.
• Dark hats are a better choice for most women.
• You can soften any look by making sure to show a little hair under your hat. 
• There are also different brims to choose from such as rolled, micro-brim, or floppy depending on how they flatter your face.

So, the next time you put on your flowing sundress and a cute pair of flats, don’t forget your floppy sunhat. Who says you can’t protect yourself from the sun and look adorable while doing it?