Anyone who followed the spring and fall shows will agree that statement-making hats are having a moment, from Ralph Lauren and Dior's elegant "cloche" styles to wildly-embellished chapeaus at Moschino.
Unsure how to proceed into bold topper territory, we called in the experts: Molly Yestadt and Jane Pincus, whose shared label, Yestadt Millinery, offers the very finest in all manner of head-accessories. Here, the ladies weigh in on tricky trends (it turns out pillbox hats still work post-Jackie O) and summer styling advice.
What hat trends were you loving on the spring catwalks?
Molly: "Everyone obviously loves a 'Jamiroquai' hat and Marc Jacobs is never one to disappoint. We found this hilarious video of this runway show that is synced to 'Virtual Insanity.' It's subtle, but hilarious!"
We keep spotting pillbox hats all over the place, but the look seems tricky to pull off. Any styling advice?
Molly: "A pill box, while a vintage style, can be very modern if worn right. It's a simple shape and can add a nice hard line to the outfit. We see this worn with a put-together look worn towards the back of the head so as not to square off the face."
Jane: "We love to play with the rounded 'bibi' shape. When worn, it is not as tall and more proportionate to today's daily wardrobe. Any style that gives a nod to Jackie-O is fab is our book."
What kinds of materials or embellishments are trending for hats this season?
Molly - "Trimmings may be shown in a bold way for runway, though it's definitely a minimal moment in accessories."
Jane - "This season we worked with color-block trimming and seemingly simple embelleshments that make a bold statement. We always like to play with a little print to enliven the spring story. And what perfect timing, considering prints are everywhere this season."
Which hat style should no girl be without this season?
Molly - "Baseball caps are where it's at! But dont be fooled—there is a lot of nuance! A ball cap can say a lot, and it's all in the angle. Don't jump on a Knicks hat just because it's around, and please don't leave all the hangtags on it unless your doing for a 50cent look. We have been showing baseball caps for a few seasons now and are doing it in a gorgeous cashmere and pony hair combo. It's a Hiigh Street vibe.
What style are you dying to wear to the beach this summer?
Molly: "All of them. We cannot wait for summer!"
Jane - "I love my everyday fedora for spring. I get to dress casually for work, and nothing polishes my outfit like a crisp, straw fedora. Ours are elevated by using fine Japanese fine weaves or vintage sourced straws. But nothing tops it off like my classic tailored pieces. Oh, and on the beach, I always love a stunning wide brim."
How about to a summer wedding?
Jane - "This summer is special because I'm actually getting married! So Molly and I have lots of wedding-related events we will surely be wearing hats to. Aside from my custom veil on the big day, I am planning on wearing a headband with light veiling for cocktail attaire. For daytime events, a classic straw cloche is always proper, ladylike, and perfect with floral prints and strappy sandals."
