How to choose an autumn hat?
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When you want to wear a hat in autumn, the question of choice arises quickly.
And when it comes to choices, you’re in luck. Because there are autumn hats, there are thousands on the market, each promising to add character to a mid-season outfit. From the elegant wide-brimmed hat to the classic Fedora, not to mention the timeless cap or the historical beret, the models are multiplying. It’s hard to make an informed choice when you’re not used to wearing a hat.
And I know what I’m talking about. I’ve never had a hat face (they told me), yet today I can’t live without one.
So, if like me before, you’re wondering which model will make you swoon this autumn, but you’re feeling lost, read carefully the lines that follow.
I’ll simply explain how to choose an autumn hat by sharing the tips I wish I had read at the beginning.
Choosing an autumn hat: a review of different models
The first step, and not the least, in choosing the one that will accompany you in the coming months: get to know what the market has to offer.
And you won’t be disappointed! Because if I’m talking about autumn hats, it’s because, in reality, there aren’t any autumn hats per se, but rather types of headgear that perfectly adapt to this season.
Let’s take a look, here we go!
The Fedora
The Fedora, or the Borsalino, referring to the famous Italian brand that sells these models, is a classic. It’s a hat recognized by its wide brim, its deep crown, and its band. Made of felt, it adapts very well to mid-season and comes in various colors.
However, be careful not to wear it when it rains. Wool and water do not mix well!
Classic, it’s a hat that suits many situations. And it pairs as well with a chic and polished outfit as with a more casual ensemble that gives a relaxed look.
You can find them at a low price, starting from 20 euros. But, to wear a hat for the long haul, I recommend investing in pieces of better manufacture. With a budget of 100 euros, you’ll have a good quality hat that will stand the test of time. Isn’t that better?
The Beanie
It’s a must-have in your wardrobe when temperatures start to drop. And don’t be mistaken, it’s not just to warm hearts in the middle of January. The beanie can also be worn in mid-season.
Moreover, you’ll find beanies that are long, short, patterned, solid, in wool, cotton, knit, or faux fur… In short, the varieties are numerous! Depending on your outfit, you can easily switch from one model to another to satisfy your style desires, because the beanie pairs with just about anything.
Like other autumn hats, the beanie is available at all prices and everywhere. From entry-level models to designer pieces, there’s something for every taste and style. Enough to make your head spin!
The Cap
You know the cap.
It has made a strong comeback in recent years. Yet, as Morgane explains in her analysis of the cap, this headgear has stood the test of time, protecting the heads of several generations. And on the style front, the adaptation is different in 2022. Everyone wears the cap, regardless of the season, gender, or style. We wear the cap for sports as well as for lounging on a Sunday in sweatpants, or to look stylish yet casual.
If you want to make it your own this autumn, know that it’s not a difficult piece to wear. However, aim for a mid-season outfit with a workwear style to ensure a good combo. You can for example wear it with a pair of jeans, a shirt, and a sweater draped over your shoulders.
The Beret
The beret or flat cap is a variation of the traditional cap. It’s recognizable by its flat shape. Originally made of tweed, you can now find it in different materials, as well as more modern colors or prints.
The beret is an authentic piece, which by its shape can stand alone. So we love to dress it with a simple, efficient, or minimalist outfit to make the headgear stand out. However, to truly bring out the authenticity of the piece, the beret pairs well with a wool jacket.
But to wear it well, the advice is still to dress it in an effortless way. We take it easy, with hair down, positioned at the back of the head to appear well-dressed, but without trying too hard. It’s an art!
What criteria should you use to choose your mid-season headgear?
The shape of your face is surely the first criterion that will make you choose one model over another. Because even if you have a soft spot for a hat, it might not be the right one for you.
Here’s a little overview of hat-friendly faces:
- oval face: it’s a shape that works with just about any hat. Straight, structured, oval, or round headgear, everything works!
- elongated face: avoid all straight hats or those with a high crown. That could accentuate the elongated effect of your face. Favor wide-brimmed hats like the Fedora.
- squared face: here, go for round shapes to soften the face.
- round face: conversely, choose rather straight or square shapes to structure the face.
The idea to remember for knowing how to choose an autumn hat is to always balance out the prominent features of your face.
Next, I can list the seasonal criterion. It may seem obvious, but depending on the temperatures, you’ll find more comfort in choosing one hat over another. The beanie will be perfect for cold days while the cap is great for sunny autumn days when the temperatures are still mild.
Finally, think about style. When choosing a fashion accessory, the beauty criterion is important. So think about how you will wear your autumn hat and the style you like to showcase. Are you more casual or classic? Do you enjoy varying combinations or are you loyal to safe values? Are you used to daring style games or do you prefer to play it safe? These questions will lead you to the right hat: the one you will love to wear on all occasions.
The best women’s hats to wear this autumn
Now that you know how to choose an autumn hat, it’s time for a little selection. I’ve chosen for you 7 trendy models that can fit into the season.
I hope this article has been helpful to you. And that naturally choosing an autumn hat holds no more secrets for you.
I would add one last piece of advice: the choice of hat matters little. What counts is that you find the accessory that brings you joy and that you will love to wear. Don’t box yourself in, and dare to dress as you feel, whether it involves a hat or a fall sweater.
💡To dive deeper into the topic of autumn, discover:
The 12 essential pieces for an autumn wardrobe.
The guide to brands for choosing your cashmere sweater
Featured image: © Unsplash/Ian Keefe
