Yes, we love the fedora. But since its over-saturation among the hip set, we're ready for a new wave of chic hats to take over. In our pursuit of the newest lids from here to Paris, we've spotted a few fresh styles that seem perfect for the times. Even though you may be keeping warm in a fuzzy fur hat for the winter months, your millinery needs will definitely be shifting come the summer months. Will it be: A Riviera-inspired floppy sun hat, a chic and snappy military-style cadet, or perhaps a little straw number that looks straight out of Renoir's blurry watercolors? Whatever your fancy, we've found some inspiring style mavens and runway greats, plus all the hats we've been dying to buy, in case you're still wistfully hanging on to last year's chapeau. How's that for a head start?
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Edwardian Flair
We love a dramatic, old-fashioned hat. So naturally, we were absolutely smitten with Alexander McQueen and Sonia Rykiel's Pre-Fall '09 takes on the Edwardian topper, whether it was Rykiel's dramatic Wild West gaucho or McQueen's bowler-meets-tophat. If you're shy about pulling out all the stops, we suggest starting the transition with a chic bowler worn high, like this stylish gal captured on Stylesightings. And guys, if you've ever wanted to channel Oscar Wilde's exorbitant dandyism but didn't know where to start, we suggest plunging in head first.
Above, from left: A bowler worn high gives a more old-fashioned feel, via Stylesightings; Sonia Rykeil pre-fall '09, via WWD; Alexander Mcqueen pre-fall '09, via WWD.
Above, from left: Chapeau Claudette Artful Doger Top Hat, about $60, available at Chapeau Claudette; Acne Sue Ellen Hat, available for pre-order at Acne Studios.
Brimming with Style
After seasons of stiff structured brims, we could all use a little lightening up. One of our fave bloggers Jane Aldridge from Sea of Shoes proves that a cool, big floppy-brimmed hat (hers is rabbit fur!) can look both ladylike and casual, while Paul Smith sent down a parade of picnic-pretty frocks paired with big-brimmed, vacation-ready hats that echoes summers spent seaside. How utterly enchanting.
Above, from left: A glamorous floppy, via Face Hunter; Paul Smith spring '09, via Style.com; Jane Aldridge from Sea of Shoes.
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Luck of the Straw
The second Marc Jacobs' models strutted down his Spring '09 runway, we knew we had to get one of those straw sun hats. We could already imagine ourselves wearing it with a dapper pair of shorts or a Parisian-style sun dress. A cowboy style at Hermes channeled Southern insouciance, while Face Hunter captured a young lady wearing a dramatic and colorful wide-brimmed sun hat, perfect for keeping out the sun.
Above, from left: A garden party ready straw topper, via Face Hunter; Hermès spring '09, via Style.com; Marc Jacobs spring '09, via Style.com.
Above, from left: Urban Outfitters Ecote Woven Straw Hat, $38, available at Urban Outfitters; J. Crew Isola Wild Brim Hat, $58, available at J. Crew.
Military Moves
There's something about military gear that seems tough yet playful all at once, and especially now. Just look at Chanel Iman modeling one of Stuart Vevers' army-meets-navy captain caps for Loewe spring '09, and instantly livening up a painterly dress. A cool cadet also adds edge to a simple summer playsuit or some schoolgirl knee-highs.
Above, from left: A medal-worthy cadet, via Face Hunter; Lowe spring '09, via Style.com; Moschino pre-fall '09, via Style.com.
