The Fab Hatter

To celebrate ‘the most exciting two minutes in sports’, I went to a Kentucky Derby party on Saturday. In keeping with tradition, all the guys were clad in dapper, breezy suits and the girls were dressed in pretty spring dresses and over-the-top hats. My hat of choice was a big, black, flowered, orb-like headdress (see photo to the right, Laura ‘picture please’ Kenney). Even though I was wearing a simple navy dress, minimal makeup (nude lip gloss, neutral eyeshadow, mascara), and no jewelry, once I topped it off with a hat, I instantly felt glamorous. There’s something so Great Gatsby-esque about ornate hats—I kept wanting to say ‘daaahling’ and sashay through spritzes of Hampton Sun all afternoon. Also, even though I was outside in the heat for most of the party, the sun’s rays did not stand a chance with my impenetrable SPF/hat combo that protected my face, ears, neck, and shoulders. Yes, I’ll admit there were a few setbacks—hugs were nearly impossible, I had to lift my chin considerably to see the people I was talking to, and more than once an admirer grabbed my hat to try it on, exposing my matted, ratted hair—but, as the mint juleps kept coming, the frustrations naturally faded away and eventually, the head-orb and I learned to peacefully co-exist.

Though hat-wearing isn’t a new thing, it definitely went through a steady decline in the 60s as people started to dress more casually in daily life. It’s so sad because, every time I look at pictures throughout the past century, I’m most impressed with the extravagant, elegant, and imaginative headwear worn by the ladies (maybe that’s also why they had such creamy, flawless skin). Now, you’ll occasionally see one being worn at a special occasion, but rarely do you see them at restaurants, parties, and other social functions. I think hats are the ultimate statement of femininity and fabulousness and, when you find the correct size and style, it can be unbelievably flattering for your facial frame. I really wish that the hat would come back…or…maybe I don’t. As a late and great British style icon once said, ‘the best time to wear a hat is when no one else is’. Spoken like a true beauty and fashion innovator.—Jennifer Appenrodt