Royal Wedding Fashion: Classic Hat Designs Reinvented

Ladies' hats have moved in and out of fashion through history except among the wealthiest of women who commonly accessorize with them. There was a time when ladies of all ages wore caps in public and at home. We think of them in America as the mob caps of the Colonial Era. Bonnets were often tied over them when a women went out. This custom came to us through the English and from the French.

Visualize the pompadour hairstyle of Marie Antoinette and the plumed hats that sat on top of her poofy hair.. This style was adopted by the English in the 19th century when hair was built up upon a framework. Hats were securely pinned to the support but gave the illusion of floating.

In the late 19th century, Art Nouveau influenced the hats of the Edwardian era with wider brims that balanced both the fuller,fanning hairstyles and the flowing skirts. Hats were decorated with floral accents, rosettes and tulle. The effect was diaphanous and "frothy." This style evolved into the Merry Widow look of the wide-brimmed black, plumed hat with a chiffon over-wrap. We can see fine examples of the Edwardian styles in the movie,Titanic.

Another twist to the Edwardian style was the lingerie hat. This light weight muslin or linen hat was usually white, beige, or ivory and was worn in the heat of summer. It was considered a sign of wealth because these light colors suggested the use of maids for frequent laundering- a luxury of the upper-class. These hats were adorned with large flowers like cabbage roses, daisies, and poppies as well as bird nests, birds, and ribbon streamers. They were frequently worn to garden parties and summer weddings.

In the 1910s-1920's, as the hairstyles became shorter, hats sat closer to the head. Turbans and cloches were popular- often accentuated with feathers and jewels. The curved plumes from pheasants and other birds were called "Mephisto feathers" and were commonly used on the toque hats of the art- deco period. These hats took on taller profiles to compliment the high-collared fashions of 1915.

During World War I, military styles influenced millinery designs. Black veils were added for feminine appeal. Although these hats started out as mourning attire, this close-sitting, black-netted hat design lasted for 25 years. Hats were worn along with gloves whenever women went out to socialize or to attend church. This was true for those of the Depression Generation and the young affluent until the mid 1960s. The wider brimmed, floppy hats soon followed in the late 60's and 70s. By the 1980's, hats fell out of fashion for most in the U.S. The Kentucky Derby would be an exception.

In Britain, hats have never lapsed in popularity due to Queen Elizabeth's fondness for them. She is rarely seen without one. Hats are worn at christenings, garden parties, weddings, and funerals. The main event for hat wearers is the Royal Ascot Derby. Ladies' Day at this event is considered to be the "Oscars for original hat design." Wacky hats are prominently on display each June.

All of the elements from the various eras of fashion have re-emerged today and are seen in the collections of top designers today like Phillip Treacy, Siggi, and Judy Bentinck. Smaller sculptural hats called "fascinators" have become popular substitutes for wedding veils and less cumbersome alternatives to the traditional wide-brimmed hats. Hats of every type were on display at William and Kate's Royal Wedding. Although some were tasteful and some awful, they provided viewers with plenty of entertainment.

 Hats are indeed fascinating, and they are coming back into the limelight. Wearing a hat is a great way to express creativity and to put an elegant touch to an outfit or hairstyle. Hats also provide protection from the sun. There are many styles to choose from nowadays in all price ranges. A beautiful woven, wide brimmed straw hat can be found for $30.00 and will certainly do duty beyond the garden. Call on your imagination and add some pretty accents. A hat can be as changeable as a woman's moods!