A friend recently called me with glowing news: she had discovered her new summer staple — a knit beret. She ordered it online, and loved it so much that she returned to buy it in another color. I have to admit that upon seeing the beret worn, I had a pang of jealousy and the urge to buy one of my own.


Hats, just like handbags or belts, are accessories that make a huge statement about personal style. They frame your face and communicate a host of messages, from come here or stay there, to where you live and how you work.



The beret, associated with European art and romance, began as the headgear of choice for early 19th Century Basque shepherds. Artists, writers and bohemians adopted it later in the century as a gesture of rebellion against the status quo. Members of the French Resistance, Le Maquis, wore berets during World War II.

I actually found a tutorial of how to knit your own beret. It was also a popular item on Vogue Knitting. I have yet to learn how to use my sewing machine, which is gathering dust in my closet, but I figured I’d offer it up to any of you industrious ones out there.


Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the dignified and serene socialite, became America's royalty. Her "exquisite, equestrian-like grace" inspired books, films and fashion. She was a living fashion catalogue who was copied, envied and worshipped. The sleeveless shift and pillbox hat (pictured above) became her trademark.


I can count on one hand the women I know who wear fedoras. Without exception, they are all hot. Perhaps a certain type of woman is drawn to this style of hat, but it’s versatility works both for long or short hair and a range of fashion looks. I chose this houndstooth pattern because it was particularly daring and combines the classic styling of the '50s and '60s, yet seems unmistakably new and fresh.


In the U.S., we tend to keep to smaller, simpler and more casual hats. However, upon leaving the States, I am reminded that hats can be so much more. I’ve attended weddings with Europeans and South Africans who WORE hats. Their large, colorful, detailed hats had more in common with sculpture than with clothing. Good or bad, they made an impression of style, which I appreciate.

Betmar's Pamela Kettle (pictured above) is a dress hat to wear with multiple outfits. The wide brim frames the face and the square crown has a tonal, hand-woven band that ends in a large rose. This is a perfect accent to a dress for a summer wedding.


A hat roundup would be incomplete without the standbys, which include the cowboy hat and the baseball cap (see below). As you’ll notice in my OC photo, I’m partial to cowboy hats. Growing up in Idaho and attending rodeos, I suspect the country will never fully leave me. In all fairness, there is something hot about a real cowgirl with long shiny hair and a straw hat in the sunshine. Think Urban Cowboy or Dallas, or just buy one to attend the gay rodeo.


And we have to mention the lesbian standard — the baseball cap. I have a dozen caps that I grab en route to morning coffee or the gym. Rarely do they dress up an outfit, but a girl in a cap can definitely be adorable. Butch or femme, worn with a t-shirt or blazer, your baseball cap says something about you — be it I support the team you support or where you went on vacation or which Ivy League you attended.

So, consider adding a hat to your wardrobe. There are a zillions options to fit your personal style.