How to Choose an Easter Bonnet or a Spring Hat

Remember frilly Easter dresses and hats with flowers? Hats tend to be more utilitarian these days, used mainly to keep the sun off our heads. If you're feeling inspired by spring flowers to deck yourself in a lovely Easter hat, then here are some tips to help you choose one.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    
   Coordinated outfit

   Decide what dress you'll be wearing for Easter, before shopping for a hat. That helps you decide on color and style. Match the hat to the fabric weight. If you're wearing a wool suit, even a lightweight one, then opt for a felt hat. If you're wearing linen, silk or other light fabric, then you'll want a straw hat.

2. 
    

   Get some ideas of current hat styles by searching the keywords "women's hats" online. If you're planning to wear your Easter outfit and hat to church and then to lunch, you'll want to look at "dress hats."

3. 
    
   Spring hat (from Amazon)

   For an Easter hat that can be worn all spring, look for ones that have fresh spring colors and include flowers. Other adornments like netting, feathers and ribbon dress up a hat too.

4. Think of other occasions when you can wear the hat. That helps you justify the expense if you know you can wear it for weddings or to the theatre. Hats are a popular fashion statement at the racetrack for top races like the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness.

5. 
    
   Perfect for a wedding too

   Easter outfits might traditionally be pastels, but think of other spring colors like the deep purple of iris or the intense red of tulips.

6. 
    
   Add some spring flowers

   Check department stores in your area to see what hats they are showing in the ladies wear department. Try on different ones to see which styles flatter your face and fit with your hair style.

7. 
    
   There are books on hatmaking

   If you can't find the flowery spring hat that you pictured in your mind, buy a plain hat. Go to Wal-Mart or Michaels for silk flowers to decorate it yourself. Either attach the flowers temporarily with pins or glue them on if you want them to be permanent.
   A dressmaker, milliner or craftsperson could also attach the decorations for you.

Resources

• Spring hat (available from Amazon)
• Blue hat (available from Amazon)
• Purple hat (available from Amazon)
• Another source of hats (Gena Conti)
• Book - From the Neck Up (Amazon)
• eHow Spring Guide

[sonni57]

on 4/8/2009 Good tips on how to choose a Easter bonnet or Spring hat.

[FrogDoc]

on 4/7/2009 I always look silly in hats... but this makes me want to try again. :)

[cherry67]

on 4/7/2009 very cool