We've mentioned a few times the ease you can find in styling your new summer straw hat, even the flexibility most will have dressing them up or down depending on whether it's a more formal event or a casual day out.
However, if you're just getting into hats odds are you may be scratching your head a bit as to just how this all works. Don't worry - it's not as crazy or intimidating as you may think it is. Here's a few quick tips and points to think about while styling your fresh summer looks, hat included!
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So first things first: consider where you're wearing your hat. For a day out? The beach? Or to an event like a garden party or something else a touch more formal?
Figuring this out will help you know where you want to focus in your overall look and presentation, and give you a starting point for what options you have!
Neutral Naturals & Flexibility
Natural straws in classic silhouettes are going to be one of the most flexible options to have in your arsenal with their neutral tones able to fit to any manner of colors or patterns in your outfit. They make for great companions for everyday looks, so these tend to be easiest to let loose with and enjoy playing around with your everyday style!
For ladies, hats like the Belfry Toretta with its classic swing or wide brim style and round crown pairs nicely with a light summer dress and sandals, and if you wanted to add some extra flair, consider accenting your look with some boho chic jewelry with fun wooden beads or flashes of metal and funky crystal. In the same fashion, the Toretta pairs just as well with you favorite comfy t-shirt and cutoffs, or even at the beach with a two piece and flowy cover up!
Similarly for men, the Belfry Spello offers a classic safari brim fedora shape and with its simple suede band, it's a no-fuss option to add to a simple shirt or button down, shorts and sandals to keep you cool as you enjoy the day. It also makes a great topper for a sleek linen suit if you're headed to a garden party or other outdoor event and will keep you covered with its gently sloped brim so you can enjoy the festivities.
A quick Belfry Tip for both of these styles: they also make great travel companions due to their crocheted raffia straw bodies! They're super packable and can handle being folded and stashed away as needed, so take them with you wherever you plan to venture this summer, beach included!
What if natural straws are a bit too bland, and you want some color in your life?
Saturated Colors, Patterns & Embracing Accents
If you're opting for a hat with bright colors and a pattern to it like the Belfry Sanremo, it can definitely be fun plucking a color from the pattern to reuse in your attire while letting the hat be your accent piece. Whether you're a gentleman opting to pair it with a linen button down that has ivory or rust tones to complement the bright blue, or if you're a lady pairing it with a maxi sundress and use your jewelry to pull up the blues or reds, think of a patterned hat as giving you a palette to play with, whether you're matching directly or pulling up those complementary hues to enrich the colors you want to wear.
In a different turn, solid bright colors like the rosy straw body of the Belfry Margharita (still available in our Annapolis store!) can provide a brilliant base to a patterned floral dress, really elevating the array of colors found therein!
Formal Fits
For more formal needs, it doesn't always have to be hat, ladies! Pairing a cute straw pillbox fascinator like the Belfry Bennet with your dress (so many possibilities here! Do you go floral? Stripes? Or do you want to go for a sleek monochromatic look and match with a matching solid color?) and heels can give an elegant and classic look to your formal attire, especially paired with accenting jewelry like pearls if you really want a vintage and romantic nod to your style!
Alongside that, if it's a suit you need to pair with, a classic boater hat like the Belfry Venice or a light and sleek fedora like the Belfry Enea is sure to top off your look easily. Solid colors with minimally striped bands like the Enea open up ways to add flair to your attire through having fun with your ties and pocket squares, really pulling the whole thing together! You can even play around with different hat accessories like feathers or pins!
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Feeling inspired yet? We hope so! For any questions you may have, however, feel free to reach out to our customer service at 888-999-HATS (4287) or via email at hats@hatsinthebelfry.com. Have an event or wanting some direct tips from staff in our store? Come visit us at 103 Main Street, Downtown Annapolis!
