How to Wear a Cloche Hat, Part II

How to Wear a Cloche Hat, Part II

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Last time we talked about wearing cloche hats with contemporary styles, I mentioned how important it is to keep clean lines. While I still abide by that, sometimes it's nice to keep a little flow going too. I decided to try a dress with a little movement, letting the breeze in my favorite park brush my skirt. Because cloche hats so often remind us of historical elegance, I did know that I wanted to keep it classy. Cue one of my favorite slips that can be worn alone or layered. It's casual enough to not get weird looks out and about, but nice enough to feel polished and refined and give a taste for all things classy. As I walked amongst the grass, all I could think about was a nice cup of tea and picking flowers. Do I live on Downton Abbey yet? That said, I find it stunning how a simple item of clothing changes your mood and even your movement. I found myself walking more deliberately, delicately, and standing straighter.

But back to the styling. The only think I would change about this outfit is to drop the waist a little, to really give it that 20s effect. However, a girl works with what a girl's got, and I've got this slip. I do like how it hangs to not be too form fitting as was not common when cloche hats were the trend.

See how else I have styled it here, here, and here.

Follow 

Read more »

How to Wear a Cloche Hat in Contemporary Dress, Part 1

How to Wear a Cloche Hat in Contemporary Dress, Part 1

Monday, May 25, 2015

 

Shirt & Jeans: Lucky Brand// Shoes: Urban Outfitters// Hat: Anthropologie

Cloche hats are the essence of elegance. They remind of us of times long gone. Just looking at them makes me think of tea in gardens, old cocktail parties, fancy dress, and, to be perfectly honest, Downton Abbey (please tell me I'm not the only one using Downton Abbey as an excuse to be classy). So often though the style feels out of place with today's times. Cloche hats often feel a little weird with modern outfits and can definitely just look "off." I've owned this hat without figuring out the styling for... too long. Everything felt wrong about it... my clothes felt too complicated, my hair too long etc... Normally, I donate items this difficult, but I so badly wanted it to work! After much research, trial and error, and a lot of frustration, I think I have found the perfect solution. Are you ready to style a cloche hat and still head out to that trendy coffee shop feeling on point?

Here is your solution: keep clean lines. If you look at old flapper pictures, the 20s were the epitome of clean lines.  You can still have boho details (God knows there were some intricacies!), like the lacing on this shirt, but as long as the lines are kept clean, a cloche hat will give your outfit a polished and classy appearance. Add some jewelry and you're all set!

What to do with your hair? If you have long hair, just give it a classic side braid! I imagine straightening it would work well too, but I have very thick, voluminous hair, so straightening will have to wait till winter sucks the humidity out of the air. For now though, I think you're going to be seeing the braid for a while.

I have other ideas for wearing cloche hats are well so I can't wait to share them with you! Isn't amazing how once you break through a barrier you suddenly realize tons of other options? How do you like to wear a cloche hat? Are you a hat person at all? Talk, talk, talk!

Read more »