Hat trick

It’s great to see hats making a confident comeback. Once upon an era they were a mandatory item, while more recently just reserved for occasions, sun protection and bad hair days. No longer. The latest looks seen out and about are head-turning – beautiful in form and function.

Fabulous wide brim hats, shielding our precious complexions and shoulders, add balance to an outfit and silhouette. For everyday elegance, they are structured with florals, colour, neutrals and sashes, or are more nonchalant in summertime straw, floppy or fringed. Another brimmed beauty is the fedora, straight out of the movies, be it embellished cowgirl or gangster style, to black and white sophistication.

Bucket-style hats are a surprising statement from the catwalk. There is 1920’s style with vintage florals – so flirty with sundresses – to gingham and cute prints in every imaginable material. A new-look beret for summer is of leather and perched slightly askew. Sun visors have been snatched back from the ’80s.

From funky vinyl to slinky suede, they can be a dressy accessory. As sportswear merges with fashionwear, a designer-logo baseball cap easily partners a pair of heels. Hats of all shapes, attitudes and sartorial cloth entice everyone to don their most favourite.