Do you love hats? So do I! I’m not sure why, but the older I get, the more I love looking for interesting hats and other accessories. Talking with the other women in the Sixty and Me community, it sounds like I’m not alone!
In a discussion with fashion for women over 60 expert Judith Boyd, The Style Crone, we talked about why hats are one of the most fascinating items of clothing for women over 60.
Judith has a particular passion for hats – actually, this is a bit of an understatement! She is probably more passionate about hats than any other woman I know!
Judith started her career as a psychiatric nurse and eventually started a hat shop because of her passion for hats. Her job allowed her to wear hats and it was sometimes a lovely topic of conversation between patients and health workers.
The hat shop is now closed, but Judith has a “hat room” in her home. She has never counted how many hats she owns and would probably be slightly embarrassed at the actual number. Let’s just say she has A LOT of hats!
Judith hardly leaves the house without a hat and her hats are categorized – work hats, evening hats, grocery shopping hats, etc.
I think that there’s something about hats that makes us more approachable. Judith mentions that it’s kind of a good introductory accessory. She says that she regularly gets compliments on her hats, and it’s an easy way for people to open a conversation with her. Hats are for introverts and extroverts alike. For us introverts, it’s an easy way to express ourselves when out in public.
I think that wearing a hat makes us, older women, more visible, and Judith agrees. Older women have their place in society and should feel good about themselves and feel free to contribute and share their unique energies.
When it comes to hats for women, there are a wide variety of styles and materials to choose from. The choice of hat often depends on the occasion, the weather, and personal style. Here are some suggestions for hat styles appropriate for each season.
Bucket hats – These hats are a versatile and practical choice for spring, as they can protect you from both rain and sun.
CHOK.LIDS Everyday Cotton Style Bucket Hat
Cloche hats – A stylish and elegant choice for spring, these hats have a close-fitting bell shape that is flattering on many face shapes.
Gatsby Linen Cloche Hat with Lace Band and Flower
Wide-brimmed hats – These hats are perfect for the sunnier days of spring, providing both style and sun protection.
Sloggers Women’s Standard Wide Brim Braided Hat
Sun hats – These hats are a must-have for summer, providing shade and protection from the sun. They come in a variety of styles, from floppy straw hats to more structured options.
Visors – For a sportier look, visors are a great choice. They keep your face shaded while allowing for maximum airflow and ventilation.
Fedora hats – This classic style is perfect for fall, as it adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Look for fedoras in darker colors like brown, black, or navy to complement the season.
Berets – A chic and playful option for fall, berets can be worn with a range of outfits and add a touch of whimsy to any look.
CHAPEAU TRIBE Classic Stretchable Wool French Beret
Newsboy caps – This vintage-inspired style is perfect for the cooler days of fall, adding both warmth and style to your outfit.
Beanies – The go-to winter hat for many, beanies are a cozy and practical choice for colder weather. Look for ones made from wool or cashmere for maximum warmth.
Knit Winter Thick Solid Fleece Lined Beanie
Faux fur hats – A luxurious and glamorous option for winter, faux fur hats add a touch of elegance to any outfit. Look for ones with ear flaps for added warmth.
Trapper hats – For the coldest winter days, trapper hats provide maximum protection from the elements. Look for ones made from waterproof materials like Gore-Tex to keep you warm and dry.
Eddie Bauer Superior Down Trapper
There are numerous hat styles that women over 50 can choose from for different occasions.
Shopping for hats is a lot of fun, and I have put together a list of places that offer great quality hats at affordable prices.
I love berets! The Héritage par Laulhère Authentique Merino Wool Beret comes in a variety of colors and is the perfect accessory when you’re feeling a little “French”.
For the North American readers in our community, Nordstrom offers a wide array of beautiful hats every season, like this Packable Braided Paper Straw Panama Hat. This is a lightweight and stylish hat made from braided paper straw. It features a classic Panama hat silhouette with a 3” wide brim and a simple color band. It can be easily packed for travel.
Find a wide variety of stylish hats for women at HATS.COM. They carry well-known hat brands like Kangol and Betmar to name a few. I love this Lucille Cloche Hat. Asymmetrically styled and made from a multi-colored braid material. It’s finished with a velvet band, looped trim, and pearl hardware detail. The hat is finished with Betmar’s signature pin and adjustable sweatband.
Looking for a hat for a special occasion? Hats in the Belfry will have what you need. How cute is this BELFRY FUMARI – BELFRY ITALIA. This casual fedora has a summertime feel with its soft peach hues. Made of all-natural fibers, it features a braided straw hat band made with frayed linen. The Fumari is light and comfortable, keeping you cool throughout the summer. Designed by Ferruccio Vecchi from Italy.
This one may be a little more luxurious and a splurge for some, but I wanted to add it to my list. Hats & Co. is one of the oldest hat shops in the world and is a favorite among international celebrities as well as the royal family. They design fedoras, Panama hats, pillbox hats, veils, and berets to name a few.
I love this PACK’N’GO COLLAPSIBLE SUN HAT. This collapsible sun hat is designed to be hassle-free both when wearing and traveling. It is crafted from lightweight straw and can be effortlessly collapsed for convenient transportation. This sun hat makes for an ideal companion for your summer vacation.
Read 4 MYTHS TO WEARING HATS AND HOW YOU CAN LEARN TO FEEL COMFORTABLE IN THEM.
Also read TRENDING SPRING 2023 ACCESSORIES.
What are your favorite fashion accessories and why? Do you find that your personal style has changed after your 60th birthday? Why or why not? Please join the discussion.
Would love to wear hats. But, I’m short (barely 5′) with a round face (not overweight but have a full-ish face). Every hat I try, the crown is way too high. I end up looking like a mushroom! I’ve tried every style – but each and every time, the crown is too tall. And shopping online, none of the hat sellers state a crown height, and if you email them they don’t respond. Looking for advice on a style that would look proportional for my height and round face. thank you!
Personally, bags and Hats are my favourite accessories. Hats protect me from the sun and bags make me look even more stylish. Whether you’re 15 or 60 years old , hats are still essential to being an accessory.