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It’s dressing up season!

It’s dressing up season!

Whether it’s a wedding or special occasion, a pillbox hat is the perfect plus-one.

After a long year in which the style code was set to “comfortable", there’s nothing like a flurry of invitations to kickstart the enthusiasm for getting dressed up again. And it’s all the more thrilling if it’s a wedding, race day or formal event. Before you even get to the occasion, there’s the build up with daily group chats, outfit planning and the opportunity to treat yourself to something new.

This year, as we’re more out of practice than usual, it’s good to remember that formal occasions are not the time for style reinvention. You want to look like yourself - just a little more elegant.

This approach was front-of-mind when we first started designing our formal hats. We knew that, true to our brand, they had to be simple and sophisticated. So in this range you’ll find pieces to perfectly top off any outfit without taking you out of your comfort zone. From relaxed countryside weddings to black tie events, our formal hats will meet every dress code. And they look equally as good with feminine floaty dresses as they do with sleek suits or modern separates.

Whether you’re considering a head-to-toe outfit or the perfect finishing touch (to complement the occasion dress that you haven’t had the occasion to wear(!), accessorising is key. The perfect hat will not only put you top of the chic-guest list, it’ll help the rest of your look fall neatly into place. And with occasion hats only increasing in popularity thanks to fashion designers and celebrities falling for them, it’s an accessory you’re likely to wear countless times.

Choosing your hat

There are two pillbox styles to choose from. Both are finished with a flourish of feathers to match the hat shade, both are exquisitely understated and both are easy to wear.

If simplicity is your thing, the Beaumont is clean in design but bold in colour. If you’re wearing a neutral shade dress or suit, try fuchsia or teal to vividly top-off your look.                 

If you want to take the sophistication up a notch, the Wissington has a sweep of netting which can be worn just over the hat, or down in front of your eyes for an elegant finishing touch. It comes in three neutral shades, navy, cranberry and camel, so will sleekly complement a print dress or bright suit. Both styles also look pretty amazing in formal photos and on Instagram!

 

Wearing your hat

While they’re appropriate for even the most formal of events, our pillbox hats couldn’t be easier to wear. They come in one size, fit everyone and stay neatly in place with a discreet piece of elastic. If your hair stylist isn’t available to prep your hair and hat pre-event, it’s easy to do yourself. Start with product that adds a little shine and will keep your hair neatly in place throughout the day. Then brush your hair back into a sleek style to offset the veil. Depending on your length, a simple plait, ponytail or chignon looks great worn to one side. Finish by tilting the hat slightly until you're happy with the overall look. Then grab a glass of fizz and have a wonderful day!