Hat Hunt: How to Find the Perfect Winter Head Wear
We all know that winter is the season of layering and all things warm.
Unlike summer where we’re stripping things back, we begin wearing many more clothing items (sometimes all at once) and their complementary accessories – be it scarves, tights and in some cases a hat.
How many of you would like to wear a winter hat but don’t quite know where to start?
It can be challenging when trying to work out the right style, shape colour and even having the confidence to wear a hat when the sun isn’t out.
So I’m calling it: the winter hat is back in Australia.
No it’s not just the perfect bad hair day cover-up, the winter hat still includes the faithful woolen beanie but has also evolved to offer an array of fedora’s, panama’s and felt floppy hats.
When considering how to wear your hat, face shape comes first.
Like your clothes, a hat should not add any further bulk to your face. It should complement your outfit through colour or contrast and even offer the practicality of being warm in the cooler months.
In terms of fit, it needs to be secure to avoid you’re your hat flying away, but not so tight as to bring on a headache or hat hair.
So whether you’re looking for an alternative to your sports cap or a more chic version of your knitted beanie, today we’re presenting a series of style tips on choosing the perfect hat for your face shape.
Now before we begin, if you’re self conscious, it’s probably best not to wear a hat or it will end up wearing you.
But for the willing, we’ve ventured through Chadstone to source some of the best hats of the season and would love to see some of you at least trying to overcome any self-conscious thoughts of wearing one.
Heart
• Don’t choose a hat that is too wide or you’re overwhelm your face
• Keep the hat similar to the rest of your look in terms of colour or similar fabrics etc.
Square
• Opt for a higher hat – you can even sport this seasons Wild Wild West hat trends
• Try a stylish trilby hat – a very popular style for celebrities
• You can opt for a wider brim
Long
• Wear hats with a wider brim, a floppy hat is even an option. (Remember this for summer for your wide straw hat)
• Wear a hat with a lower crown. Anything too high will make your face appear longer
Round
• Have a medium brim
• A small fedora or décor can bring the attention up top. Go a step further and opt for accents that stands vertically to add a little length to your look.
• Avoid a hat that sits wider than your cheekbones.
Oval
• You lucky things, you were made for the hat with most styles suiting you.
• If you’re not a hat wearer, give it a go.
Now as always, I would love to hear from you. Do you have any photos of you wearing a hat? Remember beanies, berets and turbans are all included!
Being small, I find that while I love a large hat, they do overwhelm me but this doesn’t stop me from trying.
Here is the only hat I own and I must say it lives in the car most of the time as an add-on. I also do love a good beanie on long walks.
Please upload a picture of you in your favourite head-dress to our Facebook page – we could all use some hatspiration!
P.S. On a final note, while it may seem stylish for some, I’m not into hats being worn inside (e.g. a shopping centre or a restaurant). Call me a traditionalist, but I consider it outside wear 🙂
Jackie Green says
Love this Cindy. I love hats & beanies headbands…..All accessories.
I have a bought a few winter hats and haven’t worn them yet. So I will post A pic x
Cindy Newstead says
Great Jackie, I would love to see a picture! xo
Jo says
A very dear friend of mine is recovering from breast cancer treatment which caused her to lose all of her hair. When I met up with her again recently I didn’t realise as she wears gorgeous hats and wears them so well. Please remember this if you see women wearing hats indoors – they can make a stylish and much more comfortable and discreet alternative to a wig. And thank you for covering hats in your blog – have always been a fan but not had a lot of confidence to step out in them.
Cindy Newstead says
Thanks so much Jo, I truly appreciate your comments and really, I was not thinking about that as I have many clients in the same situation as your friend! I’m so pleased you like my blog!! xo
Lisa says
Although we never discussed hats in any of the shops we’ve done together, I’ve actually added this to my style on my own 🙂 I actually wear hats more in winter than in summer these days! I absolute love hats and am always on the lookout! Picked up a fantastic one in Vinnies the other day for $5 – gorgeous! Must say though … once the hat has gone on – it doesn’t come off regardless of whether I’m in a restaurant … too much opportunity for “hat-head”.
Cindy Newstead says
Great to hear from you Lisa! Ha…….I completely understand about the hat hair!!! 🙂 Can you post a photo on FB on you wearing the hat pleeeeease? xx
Kim Kennedy says
Thanks Cindy that was a really helpful blog post, especially for all your stylist students! It takes a lot of courage to wear hats doesn’t it. I heard a quote that said by wearing a hat you ate telling the world that you are confident and self assured. I think that’s true. I always feel a bit more stylish in a hat. Xx
Cindy Newstead says
Great Kim, so pleased you enjoyed the blog! I love just one hat, I don’t think they love me however I do love a good beanie when its really cold and I’m super casual. I agree that a hat worn well is a sign of confidence! xo
Nikki Casey says
Hi Cindy,
What a great lesson in face shape and suitable hats…makes a lot of sense and explains why some people wear the look brilliantly and others don’t get it quite right. Now they can!!
Here’s a challenge……what about a “mop top’ like me? I LOVE hats but haven’t had much luck with them unless I straighten my hair and we all know what a drama that is! And then I don’t look like me. Any ideas?
Nikki x
Cindy Newstead says
I know what you mean……..try one like mine, it does mean squashing the hair down 🙂 x