How to wear a hat

All About You online 06.03.2008

Hats are back! Alyson Walsh advises how to make the most of this stylish trend

Woman in a hat Fashionable milliner Noel Stewart (whose gorgeous hats have graced many a catwalk) is championing the return of proper hats. 'The most important thing is to feel both comfortable and fabulous,' he says, 'Experiment and enjoy trying to find a hat.'

Headwear is definitely heading upwards and high street shops are full of caps, baker-boy hats, cloches, trilbies, wide brims and eyecatching feathered headpieces.

Noel offers his expert advice on what to look for when you're hat shopping.

Top three trends

1. Feathers are an easy way of creating a light but dramatic statement

2. Larger brims are always in style because of their classic appeal. Simple, understated hats create a striking yet pared down look

3. If you're feeling adventurously burlesque, cocktail-style hats are hot news - and it's fun choosing something frivolous and unexpected

Weddings, churches and hats
'Traditionally a church wedding always required a hat, but nowadays things are more relaxed,' says Noel. 'There is absolutely no reason why anyone should feel obligated in any way (unless otherwise stated by your hostess!). Generally, I find the modern hat-wearer chooses to wear a hat because she enjoys the experience and finds it adds something to her outfit. This is more of a conscious style decision rather than any kind of obligation.'

If the hat fits
We asked Amanda Slader, chief fashion adviser at John Lewis, for her advice on how to find a suitable hat (if in doubt pop into your nearest John Lewis where you'll get some free advice from their hat experts. For more information, visit www.johnlewis.com or call 0845 604 9049).

There are only a few simple basics to remember. Get these right and your hat will look amazing - no matter what the occasion.

'Be careful if you wear glasses, and keep brim size and hat height in proportion to your frame,' Amanda advises, 'Ensure fascinators [small, usually feathered, headpieces] are correctly and securely placed!'

Taking care of your hat

Follow Noel Stewart's tips to keep your hat in perfect condition.

'A hat is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship and should be treated as such. Always stuff the crown with a ball of tissue paper to help keep its shape. Store in a hatbox, and surround your hat with tissue paper to protect it. One of my clients has taken a different approach - she hangs her favourite hat on the wall! She says it's too beautiful to hide in a box, and in principle I tend to agree: why not display it?'