When it comes to picking out a hat, the first step is to pick a silhouette that works well for your face shape, height, and the event you want to wear the hat. A hat for Ascot or the Kentucky Derby (or a black tie event) could be much larger than say a hat for Easter.

Hats are sculptural. Wearing the right shape can make or break you. It’s been my experience that younger people (say 50 and under) can wear the styles such as the Simply Elegant style on my site. People 50 and over usually pick the more traditional styles.

I have about 5 hat base styles that I work with. I have found these styles to work best.

As always, I am more than happy to help pick out a hat style and make suggestions. That’s a service that we provide to our clients. No one wants to look silly in their hat, now do they?

For anyone who is skeptical about wearing a hat to a horse race, let me tell you, it is worth it! I went to Keeneland this past Saturday and wore the hat, Simply Elegant. It was the most fun I have ever had at Keeneland. I felt so beautiful, mysterious and sophisticated.

The day was so beautiful and warm. Everyone was dressed in their finest dresses and suits. I had on a new dress that I had bought just for the occasion. It was a simple, strapless, summer dress with gorgeous pink and blue flowers printed on the edge of the skirt. I accessorized with tan heels and a white clutch. My hat matched perfectly! With the straw flowers and lovely white feathers, it was fabulous. Everywhere I walked, I could see heads turning. Several people commented on how great I looked in the hat or asked where I got it. Very few times have I felt more beautiful than that. I especially loved how I wore the hat. I love to wear hats just a little slanted over to one side, and with this floppy hat it covered my right eye ever so slightly, giving that mysterious look that all women want.

The hat worked perfectly. It stayed on all day. It even helped me avoid getting a sunburn. Over all it was a wonderful day! I don’t think I will ever go to another horse race without wearing a hat. And after wearing such a large and lovely hat, I feel more confident to wear hats more often for other occasions. I can’t wait to get the chance to wear a hat again!

By Anne Kreke