Hat, all the rules of etiquette to wear it with style (at ceremonies but not only)

Cappeal And etiquette they are two words that inevitably go hand in hand. Synonym of refinementuntil the first half of the twentieth century revealed the social background of the wearer, so much so that, for those who could afford it, it was unthinkable not to have an assortment to match the rest of the outfits.

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It’s no coincidence that Queen Elizabeth he owned a legendary collection of them, also because court etiquette still states that i royals cover their heads at some official events. If very few still have to wear it as per protocol, many however wear it hat out of simple habit. Maybe it’s because the headdresses refer to aelegance of times gone by, or that certain occasions require you to set a tone. The fact is that in view of the summer weddings it is often the most loved accessory for giving a sophisticated touch to what you wear.

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For those who don’t frequent the British court, the good news is that they no longer exist pre-established rules for the wardrobe and everyone is free to wear what they want. For mere mortals, therefore, fascinator, caps And circles they are simple decorative elements to show off as you wish and do not have to comply with any rigid code. If, however, you have received a special invitation and you want to make sure you don’t slips of style rather than etiquette, just follow a few simple suggestions on hat And etiquette. With an eye on the habits of the royals who, after all, represent the gold standard in the field.

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When to wear a hat to a ceremony

Etiquette would dictate that you already indicate on theInvitation if the event to which you are invited requires compliance with a dress code particular. As we know, however, habits have changed a lot and specific indications are usually found only if theevening dress, so as to allow guests to adapt. For the use of hat it is difficult to find information about it because it is now considered more of an accessory to be worn at will (unless you are invited to Royal Ascot where, in the area reserved for royalty, it is compulsory for women to wear hats at least ten centimeters tall diameter).

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle in 2018 on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on the occasion of Trooping the Colour.

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle in 2018, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on the occasion of Trooping the Colour.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Size matters

When you find yourself choosing the right headgearthe first suggestion is to follow common sense by opting primarily for a shape that is proportionate to your face and then also to silhouette of the dress. As regards the measuresaccording to the label i wide-brimmed hatslike the fedora hey pamela, are suitable for outdoor daytime ceremonies because, in addition to being a decorative element, they have the practical function of shielding from the sun. If, on the contrary, the wedding takes place indoors or in the evening, the original function of protecting against light is lost and it is more appropriate to choose small-sized headgear such as the fascinatorthe veil or the circle. As you explained in an interview with BBC the royal etiquette expert Diana Matheraccording to tradition «one should never wear hats indoors after six in the evening because that was the time when the ladies changed clothes for dinner, wearing the family jewels and the tiara».

At Royal Ascot, those who are not invited to the royal area can let their imagination run wild by wearing hats with...

At Royal Ascot, those who are not invited to the royal area can let their imagination run wild by wearing hats with veils and fascinator small size.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Better in pendant or contrasting?

For it to really show up chic, the hat should always match what we wear. A lesson we learned from Queen Elizabethwho used to coordinate all of her outfits, from the head to the feet. If not exactly tone upon toneThe headgear chosen should still respect the style and the shade of the chosen dress, giving an overall effect homogeneous, without noticeable gaps. It is better to avoid too bright colors and patterns, therefore, especially for formal occasions.

Queen Elizabeth always chose hats in the same color as the dress she wore.

Queen Elizabeth always chose hats in the same color as the dress she wore.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

When should it be removed?

For women the hat is an integral part of the dress, therefore, unlike men, it is not required to be removed in the event of an indoor ceremony or even during lunch. If the event to which you are invited has dragged on and is waning darkHowever, if it is a wide-brimmed model you can certainly remove it.

Blake Lively at the Met Gala in 2022.

Blake Lively at the Met Gala in 2022.

Gilbert Carrasquillo

If you plan to wear the tiara…

When the opportunity is really special, like a wedding or an important birthday, you want to experiment by wearing something you wouldn’t normally wear. This is why many choose to combine a romantic dress with a glittering crown, just to feel like princesses for a day. If you intend to follow the traditionhowever, know that, as he always explains Diana Mathertiaras are suitable only for brides and to married women because they symbolize precisely thecoronation of love. This is because, of course, they are ancient accessories that were traditionally worn only by the nobility. We, of course, are perfectly free to show off a shiny crown when we feel like it more appropriate.

Source: Vanity Fair

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