Getting the colour and proportion of your hat right is the difference between looking good and looking extraordinary. These are the principles I use with every client, and they work whether you are dressing for the races, a wedding, or any special event.
"Colour coordination, not colour matching. That is the rule. Your hat should complement your outfit, not clone it. A navy dress with a blush and copper headpiece feels effortless. A navy dress with a navy hat feels like a uniform."
— Kathryn Lee
Colour Coordination Rules
- Pick up an accent: If your outfit has a pattern, choose a hat colour that picks up one of the secondary tones.
- Intentional contrast: A white hat with a bold dress creates a fresh, sophisticated look.
- Tonal dressing: Different shades of the same colour family (blush hat with a rose dress) feels modern and polished.
- The hero rule: If your hat is bold, keep the outfit simpler. If your outfit is the star, let the hat be understated.
Proportion Principles
The hat should suit your frame, not overwhelm it or disappear on it.
- Petite women: Medium brims and structured fascinators work beautifully. Avoid cartwheels wider than your shoulders.
- Tall women: You can carry wide brims, tall crowns, and dramatic proportions. Lucky you.
- Curvy women: A hat with some substance balances curves nicely. Tiny fascinators can look disproportionate.
- The shoulder test: As a general guide, the brim should not extend much beyond your shoulders.
