The midlifer’s guide to summer hats by

Iadmit it: I’ve never been very fond of hats. I’ve always felt that they just don’t suit me (yes, there is truth in the idea that they flatter certain faces more than others), but there are other reasons for my indifference. Growing up in the late Seventies, it seemed that when women wore a hat it was to mark a celebration and to feel special, while men often only wore them for comic value. Frank Spencer’s beret, Tommy Cooper’s fez and Eric Morecambe’s flat cap cemented this idea and I’ve found hard to shake – even though I’ve come to appreciate certain hat-wearing style icons, from Frank Sinatra to David Beckham.

Even putting my prejudices to one side, finding hats that are age-appropriate and don’t attract “what did you come as?” quips can be a real challenge – this is prime midlife faux pas territory.

In my opinion, while there are certain summer hats to be avoided at all costs (baseball caps, fedoras, bucket hats), three styles suit older men well: the trilby/ pork pie hat; the flat cap/ baker-boy cap; and the knitted beanie. When you are buying a trilby, it’s best to avoid anything too colourful, unless “Mr Whippy” is the look you were aiming for. Opt instead for something fairly unstructured in a loosely woven straw. H&M has a very affordable (£9.99) version. Flat caps and baker-boy caps are great with tailoring, and

Straw hat with contrast trim

£19.99; zara.com

Slub-linen flat cap

£125; matchesfashion.com

Straw trilby

£22; johnlewis. com

Cotton-knit fold-over hat

£19; cosstores. com

Tweed baker-boy cap

£49; lechameau.com

you can find them in lightweight summery fabrics such as linen and washed cotton. And while beanies may seem like a typical winter option, Cos has created a summer hybrid in cotton knit, so you can channel some heritage workwear style without having to work up a sweat.