THAT '70S HAT

You’d have to be living under a rock, or a very large umbrella, to not feel the anticipation of summer in the air. In a return of warmer temperatures, this season’s fashion scene has seen a return of the decade of the disco. The seventies are back – and they’ve never looked better.

Other than your typical flared trousers, vibrant colours and retro prints hitting the catwalk, big brimmed hats are an emerging spring essential which London’s street fashionistas have been eager to try out. An underrated wardrobe item in my opinion, hats are the perfect accessory to pull a whole outfit together while hiding a mass of hair-related sins. These statement chapeaux however, also make such a claim while simultaneously adding a dose of vintage glam to your daily look. 



via jakandjil.com



Famously popularized by the likes of Anita Pallenberg, Brigette Bardot, and Bianca Jagger in the late ‘60s through the early  ‘70s, these oversized floppies embody a sense of rock n’ rock spirit that’s definitely worth emulating. For a modern take of the trend, rather than using these head-turning accessories like the original trendsetting muses did to emphasize their big fur coats and brocade bell bottoms, today’s mad hatters are pairing theirs with more neutral, streamlined pieces.

One of the Spring/ summer ’11 collections that have headed up this trend is Just Cavalli where Italian designer dressed his models in head –to-toe denim, accessorized with chambray hats. He kept it fresh by implementing slim lines, flamboyant embellishment, and a monochromatic palette. Another way to wear this chic headwear comes to us via Missoni, where models were outfitted in neon colours and geometric prints, and appropriately topped off with giant square – brimmed hats.

Missoni S/S '11

Since this eye-catching hat is such a statement, the way you style this accessory is crucial. Instead of going for an over-the-top runway look, opt for a polished look a la Lou Doillon. The French model/ actress conjured romantic sartorial images of the South of France when she attended the Chanel S/S ’11 show in a ribbon – adorned hat adds a certain polish to her retro –chic attire. Ladylike ensembles aren’t the only way to work this trend of course. Hats off to Gossip Girl, Jessica Szohr , who added intrigue to her casual outfit with a brown floppy hat.

If you’re currently crushing on the beloved brights and pastels that come with this season, a big brim packed with colour is the way to go. Opt for taupe or brown shades to add some sartorial insouciance to denim – based looks. Finally,you can never go wrong with a black basic brim which would look perfect in a maxi dress and worn boots.

Feautured on several Fall ’12 runways, a floppy hat would be a key item to invest in come next season, where you can still maintain that seventies sensibility with flared jeans and button down blouses. Couple the fact that their wide brims act like shades, I don’t see any reason not to trade in my fedora for a floppy hat. Do you?



ASOS Floppy Hat with Flower Cut Detail. (Sold out of course.)