Not all hats are created equal, and knowing the difference between a pillbox and a percher will change how you shop, how you style, and how you talk to your milliner. Here are the ten essential hat styles every woman should have in her vocabulary.
1. Wide-Brim
The classic racing silhouette. A brim of 10 cm or more that shades the face and creates a dramatic profile. Best for Melbourne Cup, Royal Ascot, the Kentucky Derby, and any event where you want maximum impact. Materials range from straw for summer to felt for winter.
2. Fascinator
A small decorative headpiece on a comb, clip, or headband. Fascinators are lightweight, easy to wear, and suit almost everyone. Perfect for cocktail events, Stakes Day, and garden parties.
3. Pillbox
Flat-topped, brimless, and sits on the crown of the head. Made famous by Jackie Kennedy in the 1960s. The pillbox is refined, elegant, and works beautifully for weddings and Oaks Day.
4. Percher
A small hat that perches at an angle on the head. Chic, fashion-forward, and perfect for Derby Day or any event where you want elegance without a wide brim.
5. Boater
Flat crown, flat brim, straw. A classic summer shape that channels Sydney Harbour picnics and British garden parties. Boaters are a favourite at polo events and summer racing.
6. Fedora
Creased crown, medium brim, and an air of effortless cool. The fedora bridges the gap between casual and dressy and works for racing, polo, and everyday elegance.
7. Beret
Round, flat crown, no brim, and decidedly French. The beret is one of the most wearable hat styles in existence. Perfect for fashion events, artistic settings, and adding personality to any outfit.
8. Turban
Wrapped or structured, the turban sits close to the head and channels old Hollywood glamour. It suits every face shape and works for racing, cultural events, and statement dressing.
9. Crown / Headband
A crown or structured headband sits on top of the head like a modern tiara. Popular at racing carnivals and weddings, these pieces add height and drama without bulk.
10. Cloche
Bell-shaped, close-fitting, and born in the 1920s. The cloche is a vintage favourite that flatters long and oval face shapes beautifully. Perfect for winter racing and vintage-themed events.
"If you can name the shape you want, you are already halfway to finding it. A woman who walks into a consultation and says she wants a structured percher with a single quill is a woman who knows exactly what she wants."
— Kathryn Lee
