DECIDING WHEN AND WHERE TO WEAR YOUR HAT

Please note: of all the questions asked about hats, this one is the hardest to answer.  Here are the guidelines I have found, tempered with some common sense.

In reality, there are only two "Do's" and one "Don't" written in the proverbial stone.  The rest of the "rules" I believe have room for stretching, breaking, or even changing!

1. Do: Wear your hat(s) on bad hair days

2.  Don't : Wear your hat in your own house; it suggests you have someplace better to go, unlike your guest.

3.  Do: Decide wHAT works best for you!  Your comfort zone is ultimately wHAT matHATterS most...and it will vary from hat to hat and occasion to occasion. 

Time of Day:

• Traditionally the size of the hat tends to decrease as the day progresses.  Save the big ones for afternoon and switch to the smaller, cocktail variety for evening. Conversely, the "bells and whistles" tHAT decorate hats increase as the sun goes down.

Ms. Manners supports this guideline by saying, "if the hat looks like you built it, it may properly go to daytime functions; but if it looks as if it just landed in the hair (tiny bits of feathers, sequins, or wHATever), it goes out at night."

Although brims "should be" reserved for daytime wear, I feel "if you have the 'perfect' hat to match your ensemble, go for it...no maHATter wHAT its size!"

Time of Year:

The rule of "no white" after Labor Day, regardless of the article of clothing, should not be broken; some things are simply sacred. But wHAT do you do in September...particularly in those parts of the country tHAT remain really hot in September and even well into October?

An extensive search for a specific ban on straw hats after Labor Day turned up nothing.  Therefore, I suggest we wear a heavier straw hat as our transition to felt and wool, particularly with silk or linen clothing.  Be sure to select a darker colored straw, with ribbons in earth tones or fall flowers made of VELVET for trim. Let hat power determine this one!

Fleur de Paris in New Orleans uses the following guidelines:

Spring and Summer: straw, lace, tafetta, tulle, linen, satin, lightweight fabrics

Polly Singer of Hats and Veils (www.hatsandveils.net) suggests:

1.  Wear a large hat to protect not only your face, but shoulders.  In the photo above, you'll see how the wide brim gives ultimate protection.

2.  Light color hats are cooler than dark hats.  Remember, dark colors absorb heat.  Nothing is hotter than a black hat when you are in the sun.  That's why I often opt for ivory, white or pink.

3.  To combat hat hair, use a dry shampoo. I like Oscar Blandi's Dry Shampoo.  It absorbs moisture, thickens the hair and has a nice lemon smell.

Fall and Winter: felt or velour, leather and suede, velvet, wool, corduroy, heavier fabrics

Year-round evening hats: silk, chiffon, crepe, lace, organza, taffeta, tulle, satin, jersey, brocade, beaded fabric, embroidered fabric.

Where to Wear Them:

Places of worship and worship services; art galleries and museums; brunch, lunch, tea or dinner; opera, symphony or theater; weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, christenings and confirmations; horse races; beach, park, or botanical garden; black tie gala; parties and receptions; shopping.

One milliner suggests "...start at the grocery store.  You enter, and stay for a short while or a long while.  You see all kinds of attire there, from wedding to pajamas.  It is good practice for wearing a hat...."

While Ms. Manners believes "...in order to decide where to wear your hat, you must listen to what your hat is saying.  One may say, 'When God created me, He did a fine job.  I am so grateful; this hat may be worn to church.'  Charming little hats that say, 'Why, hello there,' are better left for later in the day."

On or Off::

Since the covering of a woman's head has historically symbolized respect or modesty, a lady's hat remains on once it is put on. The opposite is true for men.  In this case, removing a hat symbolizes respect (e.g. when the flag passes by, when greeting someone, when entering a home or office).

Etiquette dictates, however, ladies remove their hats in a crowded theater or auditorium..  (Don't worry; your "hat-hair" won't be seen in the dark).  Nothing is more annoying than sitting behind someone blocking your view...and we surely don't want people saying, "Those **** Hat Ladies!"

Bottom line:

.JUST WEAR THEM when and where you're comfortable!!!!!!!!!!