How to Wear a Top Hat

Top hats were once reserved for stuffy, sophisticated socialites. This style eventually made its way onto theatrical stages, paired with tap shoes and suspenders. Today, top hats, while used mostly on stage and during Halloween, are said to be making a comeback. Follow in the footsteps of the classy and the talented, and everyone in between by wearing a top hat in style.

Instructions

1. Study the classy top-hat wearers. Abraham Lincoln, Fred Astaire, W.C. Fields, Uncle Sam, John Wayne and Lord Ribblesdale wore their top hats with dignified pride.

2. Take into account who else has been seen with a top hat. Kate Moss, Pete Doherty, Britney Spears, Mary Kate Olsen, Ebeneezer Scrooge, The Mad Hatter and the Cat in the Hat are among the top hat fan club. Think carefully about the path you could follow here.

3. Position the top hat on your head properly. Contrary to etiquette aficionado Emily Post's advice, the top hat should not be worn level on your head. Rather, it should be worn tilted ever so slightly forward and to one side.

4. Go all out and match the top hat with a monocle, pipe and cane. Don't be alarmed if anyone mistakes you for the Monopoly guy.

5. Stick with tradition. Wear your top hat to the traditional "top hat required" scenes, such as the symphony, a formal cruise dinner, the prom, your wedding or while tap dancing on stage with a painted mustache and cane in hand.

Tips & Warnings

• If you feel extra gutsy, don a diaper and stick a top hat on your head on January 1 and see if anyone recognizes you as the New Year's Baby.