Accessories are a great way to tie an outfit together. Your clothing items may be simple, but with the right details, any outfit is instantly elevated. A plain t-shirt paired with dramatic statement earrings makes a splash. A pair of black pants is spiced up with a leopard calf hair belt. When it comes to accessories, the opportunities for creativity are seemingly endless.
The same creative qualities apply to hats because they’re an easy way to transform an entire outfit. Baseball caps, fedoras, and bucket hats each lend a different vibe. Depending on the type of look you’re trying to achieve, a hat can make or break your ensemble. To ensure you’re adding the ideal finishing touch to your look, explore how to pair the perfect hat with your outfit.
Consider the Occasion
Pairing a hat with an outfit can make a bold fashion statement, so it’s important to consider the occasion. Think about where you’ll be wearing the outfit and the type of hat that’s most appropriate. Some hats are inherently casual, while others can appear more sophisticated. If you match the hat with the setting and occasion, you’ll never feel out of place.
Everyday options such as sun hats or baseball caps are ideal for casual outings because they add a relaxed touch to your ensemble. In contrast, berets or bowler hats are ideal for semi-formal events since they have more sophisticated details. No matter where you’re headed, the perfect hat can instantly add personality to any outfit.
Find Complementary Colors and Patterns
When adding a hat to your outfit, it’s important to coordinate colors and patterns. A thoughtfully chosen hat will complement your ensemble, so pay attention to the hues of your clothing to ensure cohesiveness. When choosing your hat, think about the styles that could either complement or beautifully contrast your outfit. You don’t need everything to match perfectly, but the contrast shouldn’t be so stark that it looks unfashionable.
If you’re wearing a top with a particularly busy pattern or a bright color, for instance, do your best to pair it with a neutral hat. On the other hand, if your overall outfit is quite simple, don’t be afraid to have fun with a bolder hat. Thoughtfully pairing your outfit and accessories will prevent you from creating an overwhelming look. Choose to have fun with one or two elements of your outfit and keep the rest as streamlined as possible.
Match the Style
Another factor to consider when learning how to pair the perfect hat with your outfit is the overall style of your ensemble. When certain pieces of clothing are combined, they work together to create a distinct vibe. For instance, if you pair a flowy top with a pair of flare jeans, you create a lovely bohemian look. If you opt for a pair of slim-fit trousers and a tailored jacket, you’ll give off a polished, classic look. Since so much can be conveyed through the way you dress, you want to be sure that the hat you pick matches what you’re trying to portray.
For the above examples, a wide-brimmed floppy hat would perfectly complement a bohemian outfit, while a beret would look darling with an ultra-feminine ensemble. Regardless of your style, ensure that the hat acts as an enhancement rather than a detraction. With proper planning, a well-executed hat and outfit pairing can really take your look to the next level.
Remember That Seasonality Matters
As with many clothing pieces in your wardrobe, there’s a time and a place for certain hats. When choosing a hat to add to your outfit, don’t forget seasonal considerations. Wearing a sun hat in the dead of winter may elicit a few puzzled looks. Likewise, a wool beanie on a hot summer day isn’t the best choice; instead of feeling confident in your look, you’ll spend the day wiping sweat from your brow.
Since hats are usually season-specific, it’s wise to invest in a few different options so you can wear hats year-round. For example, a fuzzy beanie will keep you warm and fashionable throughout the cold months, while a straw hat or bucket hat can exude a carefree vibe in the summer. You can also buy each hat style in a few different colors so you’ll have a hat that perfectly complements whatever outfit you decide to wear.
Enhance Other Accessories
A well-chosen hat should mesh nicely with the other accessories you’re wearing. In general, accessories are designed to unify a look and elevate your individual style, meaning it’s important that they all work in harmony. When deciding which hat to don, think about other pieces, such as jewelry, a belt, sunglasses, or a scarf, that you plan on wearing. The colors of these accessories should enhance your hat and vice versa.
For example, if you’re wearing a stack of gold jewelry, a hat with a warm undertone, such as cream or soft pink, will be the best choice. If you like to make a statement with large sunglasses or brightly patterned scarves, an understated hat is the way to go. If you take a few minutes to plan your outfit ahead of time, you’ll be confident that all the elements work together cohesively.
Play With Proportions
Different hats work best on different face shapes. To find the style that suits you, head to a local department store or hat shop and try several different options. From fedoras to visors, there’s truly something for everyone when it comes to hats.
Once you know what works well for your specific face shape, you’ll have fun styling a variety of outfits. If your face is quite structured, the curvature of a bucket hat can help soften the angles. Conversely, if you have more of a round face, it’s easy to add dimension with the sharp lines of a fedora.
In addition, height can be a factor in determining the best hat styles for you. If you’re on the shorter side, an excessively wide-brimmed hat can easily overwhelm your frame. Instead, choose a smaller option that doesn’t feature an exaggerated brim. If you’re tall, it’s easier to pull off more dramatic styles because the proportions align.
At Tees2UrDoor, we offer beautiful hats for every occasion. Check out our wide selection of custom sports hats to add a unique touch to your favorite outfits. Since many of our hats are customizable, you’ll receive a truly one-of-a-kind design. It’s time to take your accessories game to the next level, and we’d love to help. Happy shopping!
