Eugenia Kim on Spring's Statement Hats

By Catherine Blair Pfander

| Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 | Updated 9:13 AM EDT

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If print-mixing isn't your thing or wrap dresses feel too retro, one trend not to miss this season is the return of the big, statement hat. From runways at Marc Jacobs and Oscar de la Renta to Karen Walker and Vena Cava, there's a seemingly endless variety of head-gear to choose from this spring. Eager to set out on the right foot, we consulted venerated hat-wear expert, Eugenia Kim, on which styles to start with and how to incorporate them into your existing wardrobe.

For novice hat-wearers, what's the one style we should be trying this spring and why?

It is all about the wide-brimmed fedora! It's a great update to a favorite downtown classic, with the added bonus of sun protection. My favorite is the Lauren in vintage parisisal straw with a chic chiffon scarf. For a more bohemian feel I also love the Kurt with a nautical-inspired rope trim.

Which hat from your own collection are you reaching for the most this season?
Lately it's all about Honey, our wide-brimmed sunhat. I really like the camel colorway with gold chain, it's simple enough to go with everything but stylish enough to make a statement.

How should one approach the floppy-brimmed hat? How do you style your own?
Don't be afraid of the floppy! I like them for setting off an avant-garde silhouette and they're great for modernizing last season's wooden clogs. Our Honey style is a great intro to the floppy, the brim is just the right size and we made it in enough straw varieties that there's something for everyone.

A bit of hat etiquette: when is it appropriate to wear a turban?
ALWAYS! But really, they are perfect for everything from protecting your hair while sunbathing to going out at night. You can try the Alexis if a turban makes you nervous, it's got the same knotted appeal but feels like your favorite headband! I love it in zebra-print chiffon. For the more daring turban wearer we made the Chiara style, you can wear it open like a headband or closed along the top for a full-on turban look.

Any colors, textures or patterns you're gravitating toward this season?
All striped everything! You can cover so many looks with a stripe- like our Breton-inspired Honey to the Americana feel of the vintage ribbon on the raffia Max.