Accessory Challenge: Inspirational Hats

Hats are everywhere! Until the 1960s, most every adult wore a hat in public, especially outdoors (tho’ it’s urban legend that JFK is to blame for the demise of hat wearing). They were practical & fashionable. Tons of hats exist in museums, & you can see how they were worn in context through artwork & fashion plates available online or in print. These are just a few to get you started…

The woman is wearing a frilled barbette & the man is wearing a soft cap in this medieval image. If you’re already thinking about October’s challenge, look close at all those cool bags too.

Embroidered coifs were worn by wealthy women in the late 16th & early 17th centuries, probably at home, & this showed off their handiwork.

Gotta love a tricorn! These 18th-century hats come in a variety of shapes, such as this exaggerated one trimmed in lace. Men wore them with civilian or military outfits, & women wore them mostly with riding outfits.

When a flower isn’t enough — this ‘merveilleuse” fashion plate shows an entire bouquet sprouting from the hat.

I have no idea what this is supposed to be. It reminds me of that character from the “Fat Albert” cartoon. But if someone can reproduce it & pull it off, more power to ya!

Couldn’t find a date for this photo, but from the outfit, I’d say it’s 1890s. Classic example of a “dead bird” hat. Wild fashion, tho’ overuse of plumage & full birds rapidly depleted species, & at the start of the 20th century, this eventually inspired the creation of the Audubon Society, which pushed for legislation to protect birds.

In the 1950s & ’60s, there was a small trend for novelty hats. Take a look through this Pinterest board full of this designers creations. They’re surreal. Makes the toilet-seat fascinator worn at the 2012 royal wedding look tame.

What’s your favorite type of hat? Got any inspiration images yet for the challenge? Post links in the comments below or on the Flickr pool.