Social norms about accessories like headwear may have ended for particular sets, but they’re still very much around in some communities. The ladies in the royal family wear hats at formal events, but you don’t have to be a royal or attend a formal event to add some flair to your outfits with a fun headpiece.
Celebrities like Pharrell Williams and Beyoncé have had their share of influence on making these accessories trendy and stylish again in terms of mainstream fashion. If you’ve felt like you’ve been hiding behind masks long enough during the COVID pandemic, now is your time to shine through with a head covering that showcases your unique personality and taste.
It doesn’t even have to be anything flashy if you don’t like the thought of experimenting too much. With so many classics of British country hats & caps, you’ve got an array of varieties to try out and elevate your style even if you don’t consider yourself to be a “hat person.” With quality designs and fabrics like linen, felt, wool and tweed, you get the perfect blend of comfort, class and modernity. Here are a few iconic options you can pick from:
Flat Cap
The rounded cap with a small and stiff front brim is the one we’ve come to know as a flat cap that originated in Northern England around the 1570s. Over the years it’s gotten many names, including Sixpence, Gatsby, Paddy Cap, bunnet… whichever name you know it by or use, one thing is certain – it can elevate even the simplest of your ensembles like those composed of plain jeans and a t-shirt.
The old allure it’s got gives you the freedom to pair it with other old-fashioned accessories like bow-ties and vests but avoid going overboard with the combination if you don’t want to appear like you came out of a costume party. A wool or tweed choice can help you take your winter outfits up a notch more than when wearing a beanie hat; it’s the perfect warmth detail that works especially great when paired with a matching scarf or gloves.
But the beauty of this kind of fashion accessory doesn’t end here; it’s a staple that can easily work wonders with a summer suit as well. If you’re after a more lightweight and breathable choice, there are always linen and cotton versions of it to turn to. For more versatility in terms of what you can combine with items you already have in the wardrobe, it’s best to stick to neutral colours. If you pick out a pattern, make sure it goes well with other patterns you intend to mix it with, otherwise you risk creating an eyesore.
Newsboy Cap
Often confused for a flat cap, the newsboy cap is rather similar in appearance to the older counterpart in the round form, low profile and small brim, but it differs when it comes to the overall design as it’s baggier in the crown than the flat one. Most often, there’s also a button on top, which isn’t present on the flat alternative. Originating somewhere in the late 1800s, the newsboy cap, also known as the paperboy cap and newsy, is yet another of the British country hats & caps classic options you can swear by.
It gives off a more relaxed vibe (though not as relaxed as the baseball cap) so it shouldn’t be difficult to incorporate it into your day-to-day outfits with casual items. The combination of a simple shirt and casual pair of pants can get an easy upgrade with this men’s cap which can work for both men and women as there are plenty of equally eye-catching feminine models too.
Pork Pie Hat
Originating in the 19th century, this hat got its name from the pork pie resemblance. It became the trend especially in the 20th century, made popular by celebrities. Fast forward to today, it’s still got the laid-back charm with the notably low-profile telescope crown and narrow brim. It’s practical, and the flatter and squat appearance makes it the perfect accessory for daily outings when you want to take your looks up a notch.
It’s available in a range of materials, from the thick and warm wool and tweed to the lightweight straw, so it can be part of your wardrobe year-round. Although this type of hat is more flattering to people with long and narrow features, the right brim length (as broad as the jawline) can make it work with small people and those with round faces alike. The level wearing is ideal, but you can play with it a bit tilting it slightly at an angle or popping it back on the head.
Trilby Hat
Photo by Elijahkenny on Pixabay
It may look similar to the pork pie hat, but despite the short brims, the trilbies feature a creased and tapered crown with a front pinch. Both are similar to the fedora, we can classify them in style by going from the most casual to the formal, starting with the pork pie, the trilby as the slightly casual, and the fedora as the most formal of the three. This means with a trilby, you get the middle ground – perfect for both a relaxed vibe and class. Whether you choose to wear yours with your favourite pair of jeans and shirt, or a more put-together top like a cardigan, it’s your choice. This is an accessory that makes for easy styling.
Baker Boy Hat
Often confused for a flat cap or newsboy cap, the baker boy cap with the rounded crown and small and stiff brim tends to be puffier. Originating in the 16th century, it especially became popular in the 19th century as a timeless and versatile accessory that makes it easy to dress up and down with the right items.
With the relaxed and retro vibe it gives off, it’s perfect for men and women alike to incorporate into the looks. For the best result, it’s best to get a hat that differs in colour from the rest of the items and accessories for a striking outcome. Although it may work with most shapes, it’s mostly people with oval and heart-shaped faces that pull off a look topped off with an accessory such as this one.
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