Be bold this winter with a hat that stands the test of time
If ever there was a time to focus on winter millinery, this is it. Hats care not about a postChristmas waistline, they only serve to enhance our facial structure, and of course they keep us warm during the colder months. Some people wince at the thought of wearing a hat. It just feels too showy or a little overthought. No one wants to appear as if they have tried too hard. And yet, I would say I regret not wearing them more often. Why do we reserve them only for weddings and race meetings? Surely, if there is one time of year we all need an extra bit of oomph in the style stakes, it’s January.
It has been the limitations of pregnancy (my wardrobe, by this stage, consists of four items on rotation) that has given way to a greater focus on what to wear at face-height. I’ve worn more hairbands, focused more heavily on earrings and worn a little more make-up – anything that draws the eye upwards. Today I’ve chosen three hats, from a classic trilby to a baker boy style in navy Harris Tweed, which I believe all tick the “stands the test of time” box. So you can rest assured that if you are swayed by any one of these, you probably have a friend for life.
Or you could take a leaf out of the acclaimed author Margaret Atwood’s book. She has said: “I myself have 12 hats, and each one represents a different personality. Why just be yourself?” She has a point. We change our shoes, our lipstick shade, our skirt length, to convey different moods and messages. Why not throw an array of hats into the mix?
The other day I was discussing the notion of craftsmanship with my husband. I was trying to justify a new painting I’ve had my eye on for the baby’s room (“nesting” is in full swing). We did however agree on one thing: we don’t mind spending money on art, picture framing, or a beautiful ceramic because they all rely heavily on the learning, practise and strict self improvement of a particular craft or discipline. Very rarely can truly beautiful items be
New Year, New Moodboard
Georgie Girl 2 pinky wallpaper, £POA, charlottegaisford.co.uk churned out by a machine. Why else would I harp on about the value of buying items, in this case hats, that have a slightly higher price tag but which, I maintain, you will love and carry with you for far longer than any spur-of-the-moment “hit”.
Millinery is up there with stonemasonry, glass blowing, roof thatching, pottery, woodblock printing… I could go on. The (British) milliners featured today are Laura
Stylish Ceramics
Tree Frog Plate, £22, jackarooandbug.co.uk
Sunday Lie In
Cathcart, Nicola de Selincourt and Jess Collett, all of whom I’ve admired from afar and who, as small brands, have gained significant traction through the world of social media – proving it can be a force for good.
So if you are in the mood for taking your style up a notch this season, as exhibited by the Duchess of Cambridge at Sandringham recently, expand your internet search a little wider than “new winter coat” or “enhance my dull skin tone” and instead why not delve deeper into the magical world of millinery. These designers would be a good place to start, given their impressive training. Hats off to them.
Pyjama set, £150, desmondanddempsey.com
Main: ‘Anna’ hat, £480, Jess Collett (jesscollettmilliner. com); top left, teal trilby, £225, Nicola de Selincourt (nicoladeselincourt. com); below left, Baker Boy Hat, £375, Laura Cathcart (lauracathcart. com)