How to Accessorize a Hat for Spring

A hat, even a casual one, makes the wearer look polished and put together, especially if the hat coordinates with the outfit. Matching the color and style of the hat to one's wardrobe is one way to create a finished look, but accessorizing a hat can add panache to one's appearance.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ribbon or two
• Brooch or tie pin
• Scarves (optional)

Add Sparkle to Colors and Color to Neutrals

1. Add a white or beige ribbon to a colored hat to give even a winter-colored hat a bright, spring look. This is a good way to turn a sensible navy blue or burgundy cap from a winter-wardrobe staple into a nautical-looking accessory.

2. Take the brooch you wore during the winter, or borrow a tiepin, and secure it firmly in the front and center of the crown of your spring hat. For floppy, straw styles, place a sparkly brooch low on the crown, almost where it meets the brim. For tailored, stiff styles, place the brooch either equidistant from the top and bottom of the crown or at the top of the crown for a bold, elegant style.

3. Buy a scarf that matches your cap, and wear the scarf at your throat, through the belt loops of your jeans or slacks, or even tied around your wrist in a fabric bracelet. This is an easy, coordinated way to upgrade any outfit, and it can even work with walking shorts and casual shirts.

Accessorize With Shoes, Belts and Bags

4. Match your hat, if you want a tailored appearance, to your shoes, your belt or your handbag. However, do not match it to all three, as this will create a "splotchy" appearance, and the eye will be attracted to each of your accessories in turn. Matching the hat to one wardrobe item will pull the hat into the outfit without overdoing it.

5. Wear bright lipsticks with bright hats. After you do your makeup, try your hat on in the bathroom mirror. If you are wearing a berry red or plum-colored hat, you may need to add a little more color to your face.

6. Accessorize with a fabric belt pulled from a favorite dress and tied around your hat for an instantly complete outfit. Also, remove any fabric flowers and secure them to the hat. Extra buttons that come with clothing can do double-duty as hat accessories.

Tips & Warnings

• Accessorize a spring hat lavishly if your outfit does not have many embellishments, and keep your hat simple if your clothes sport flowers, bows or other eye-catching accessories. You don't want to look like a fabric explosion. At garden parties, however, it's acceptable to go a bit over the top in the way of romantic flourishes.

Resources

• Hat accessories at VillageHatShop.com