Hats have always been a part of the men and women’s dress code. Though the trends of hat wearing swing dramatically over different seasons, they go beyond serving as head warming or cooling apparel. In fashion terms, hats are a very noticeable accessory because the onlooker’s attention is first drawn to the face. A hat is one of the most noticeable fashion items anyone can wear. The old saying goes ‘if you want to get ahead and get noticed, then get a hat’. Indeed the word ‘ahead’ means just that one head further forward.

In its earlier days hats served more as an indication of social distinction and each strata of the society wore hat accordingly. They were a vital part of a woman’s wardrobe and one would never leave the house without one. Hats were a status symbol where extravagant feathers, ribbons and extremely large brims were put on show. At one time you could take one look at a woman or a man and tell exactly where they fit into society just by the hat they wore. Later in history though, this became more difficult as more hat styles were made accessible to all classes; if one wanted to modernize their appearance, getting a hat would be their first point of action.

After a slightly longer than brief absence from the fashion world post world wars, hats lately have become largely visible in both summer as well as winter fashion trends. It’s not just a catwalk trend, men and women from different strata are taking to hats big time and scripting their style statements again. Today the hats are more contemporary, delightful than proving as any social barrier. The designs and the colors have adapted themselves to what can be called as a modern fashionable comeback.

Brightly colored cowboy and girl hats are just the beginning. Even bowler hats and round voluminous caps with small peaks, bows and more adventurous shapes are revisiting. That era’s popular coordinated accessories are helping hats stand tall as the hottest fashion necessity. Hat stands are once again being decked with tweed, heavy wool and checked designs to the wilder red pleather or camo fabrics. Accents like buttons, small bows and bands embellish the designs. Apart from the fun hats which feature interesting details such as twists, swirls and roses and small hats worn on the side of the head (referred to as a beano or slice hat) that are extremely sought after, some of the niche styles decked with feathers of yesteryears elitist royal empires are also striking back. Feathers as the hat colors are not only fantastic, but also they move beautifully and are quite sensual. And what makes it the best is that they are not anymore being kept in a box waiting for a big occasion. Bygone era’s popular accessories are helping hats stand tall as the hottest fashion necessity.