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How to Choose the Perfect Hat For a Special Occasion

Bride with groom wearing a hat at a wedding

You’ve selected the perfect dress for your upcoming formal event, and your complementary shoes are to die for. You’ve even identified the ideal hairdo and handbag. But something’s missing.

Your hat.

A hat isn’t just another accessory to add to your ensemble. It may be the missing piece to your fashion enigma — the outfit topper you never knew you needed. The right hat can bring your outfit’s pieces together and make your look make sense in a split second. That’s the power of a hat.

How do you choose a fancy hat for a special occasion, though? Let’s dive into how to pick special occasion hats that will help you make a memorable fashion statement at every event.

1. Fancy Hat and Outfit: Consider the Theme

Determine the dress code and theme before picking a hat for a special occasion. Suppose you’re going to a wedding, gala, banquet, or ball. Your chosen cap should complement your outfit, so steer clear of casual hats like baseball caps.

man in light blue fedora hat

Weddings are the perfect special occasions for classic hats like trilbies, boaters, top hats, and fedoras. The Blixen Fedora from Bailey 1922 features a gorgeous teardrop crown with a raised front that will draw eyes for all the right reasons with its sophisticated design. The fedora is the ideal hat for adding personality and flair to your ensemble, pairing exceptionally well with a tux and bow tie or a traditional suit with a tie.

woman in straw fedora hat

Straw fedora hats are also an excellent choice for an outdoorsy or casual wedding, allowing you to look formal yet not too formal for the outside event. Consider the Marled Straw hat by David & Young for a spring wedding. This fancy paper straw hat with a band and bow in the back is an effortless way to add charm to your wedding look.

man in a red trilby hat

You also can’t go wrong with a trilby hat like the Polished Player Trilby from Kangol. A trilby can make any formal outfit look more elegant and polished and it comes in a plethora of colors. This hat stands out for its 100% polished wool finish. The dimensional brim can be worn up or down for a showstopping look.

woman in boater hat and lavender outfit

Boater hats are another must-have if you’re looking for special occasion hats. Hats like the Gracie Boater from Helen Kaminski are chic caps crafted from beautiful raffia (natural fiber) weaving. The Gracie Boater features a captivating grosgrain band for the perfect accent in hues ranging from lavender to black and teal.

man in black top hat

Take your formal outfit over the edge with a top hat, like the Ice Top Hat from Bailey 1922. This beauty’s five-inch-tall crown is hard to miss, adding a rich Old World vibe to any special occasion ensemble. Choose this cap for a sophisticated and distinguished look that will steal the spotlight.

2. Consider Your Outfit and Hairstyle

Match your fancy hat style with your outfit and hairstyle for an unforgettable special occasion look. Study your outfit’s colors, and choose a hat with complementary hues or the same color for a monochromatic appearance. 

You can even pick a hat with a hue opposite your ensemble’s for visual interest. Spice things up by choosing a white hat paired with a black suit, a yellow hat combined with a blue dress, or a green hat and a red shirt. Patterned hats can also be stylish and fun special occasion hats, showcasing your unconventional personality and unique style.

woman in wide brim hat

Picking the right hat for your hairstyle is also essential. In warm weather, consider sporting a wide-brimmed hat at your special event. A fancy floppy hat looks excellent with both formal and casual clothing and can block excess sunlight. Try the Cori hat from Helen Kaminski, which is luxuriously fashionable with its classy back bow detail and Italian ribbon.

woman in black cloche hat

A cloche hat is another ideal option for a short hairstyle at a dressy or formal event. Cloche hats like the breathable and lightweight Balu by Helen Kaminski are flattering whether you’re sporting a bob with bags on the side or a crop cut.

woman in gray felt fedora

For long or short hair, try a subtle felt or wool fedora like the Emilli by Helen Kaminski, a fancy Spanish hat made with Merino wool. The brim is gently angled downward for a captivating look. This look especially works well for people with straight, sleek tresses, as it effortlessly accents your features.

man in tan creed hat

On a warmer day, try topping off your outfit with a beautiful pork pie cap like the Creed hat by Bailey 1922. The Creed hat is hand woven and made of breathable and lightweight Toquilla palm that’s perfect for those hot months. It’s the ideal cap for displaying an ultra-sleek, high fashion, and eccentric vibe. 

3. Consider Hat Etiquette

Let’s say you plan to wear a fancy hat like a trilby or fedora to a special occasion. Be sure to remove your cap during meals. Hats also generally shouldn’t be worn during a wedding ceremony, dedication, or funeral, especially if you’re indoors. Proper hat etiquette also includes removing hats when taking photos or if someone introduces you to somebody else.

4. Consider Accessorizing Your Hat

Accessorize your fancy hat with complementary accessories to make the perfect statement. Create a beautiful combo with your cap by choosing a hat, footwear, and a handbag with complementary hues, not the same color. This will give you a unique and interesting look that will stand out at your special event. For instance, wear a navy blue cap, yellow purse and shoes, and cream dress for the win. An alternative look is a cream dress, green purse and shoes, and burgundy hat.

Order a Fancy Hat From Hats.com Today

At Hats.com, we’re proud to be your top source for special occasion hats. With fancy hats ranging from trilbies to fedoras and more, we’ve got your formal event outfit covered. When you purchase any of our trendy hats today, you can take advantage of our Sezzle payment method, which will let you buy now and pay later. You can also earn points and exclusive rewards on your purchases by becoming a VIP Rewards Member. See the look and make it yours by shopping at Hats.com today!

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