fashion,  film,  style,  vintage

Whatever Happened to Fancy Hats?

As I approach my due date, I’ve been spending more and more time on the couch watching movies. My husband and I have long since burned through the new releases on our Netflix queue, so we’ve been working our way through some oldies but goodies. This past weekend, we watched the “The Maltese Falcon,” which I am ashamed to admit I had never seen. There’s a lot to be said about the film. It’s a noir classic. It’s based on a mystery by acclaimed American mystery writer Dashiell Hammett. What really stuck with me, though, was the abundance of fabulous hats on screen.

Mary Astor as Brigid O'Shaughnessy
Bogart as Sam Spade

Why don’t people wear fedoras or other fancy hats anymore? When I was a kid, I remember department stores carrying at least a rack or two full of ladies’ hats with felt and feathers. I loved trying them on and checking myself out in the mirror (and was usually given dirty looks from the sales clerks… I’m sure they were thinking head lice). Still, I think there’s something to be said about a vintage hat, like the ones I found on Etsy, below. The right hat can convey intrigue, spunk, and style, even with a twenty dollar sundress or ordinary t-shirt and jeans. It just takes a little bit of confidence to pull off.

Wear this with a black dress, if you dare. From Etsy seller erachel.
1950s felt fedora from FoxyBritVintage

2 Comments

  • Style Maniac

    Susan, it just so happens I am part of an event this Saturday where I group of feisty, creative, hat-wearing women will be gathering at various locations in Center City, Philadelphia. We’re called Phashion Mob. I’ll send you a link on Facebook, I think you’ll like the group!

  • barbara

    I love hats and admire those who wear them with abandon. I think we’ve got a better chance of resurrecting hats for women than for men. They just don’t ‘get it’.

    Hope you’re well in these final days. All the best. b