Fashion

9 Reasons To Become A Hat Person ASAP

by Katharine McEntee

Truth is, I’m a hat girl! I love to accessorize with hats. They can be anything you want them to be — simple, sophisticated, practical, or chic. They may not be the end-all-be-all to my outfit, but they definitely give me that special something that makes my outfit unique. While I believe there is a time and place to wear hats — like not in a fancy restaurant — I do think that hats are an essential part of the style equation.

It wasn’t till I moved to New York, that my love affair with hats began. At first I bought them for practical reasons — to shield my face from the sun in the summer and to keep my ears warm in the winter. However, when spring rolled around I saw myself eyeing hats, not for any specific reason other then the fact that they were cute. Needless to say, I started topping my everyday outfits with different kinds of hats. While nothing extraordinary happened, I did get a few compliments, and some pretty cool Instagram photos.

On multiple occasions, I’ve heard my friends say from afar how cool a girl looks, and eight out of 10 times, the girl happens to be wearing a hat. While I can’t quite pinpoint the reason as to why hats instantly up someone’s cool factor, I think it may have something to do with the confidence they exude when we wear one. So instead of thinking that girl in the hat looks super cool, why not be that super cool girl and try one on yourself! Scroll down to see the nine reasons why you should try out a topper this season.

1. Hide A Bad Hair Day

While this reason is pretty obvious, hats are a stylish way to cover up greasy hair or unruly locks.

2. Make A Statement

If you want your outfit to be memorable, wear a hat! Since hats are near your face, and that is the first thing people look at when they meet you, they are more likely to remember your stylish hat than your stylish shoes.

3. Instantly Up Your Cool-Factor

Like I said earlier, people who wear hats seem more confident, and confidence automatically ups your cool factor.

4. Show Off Your Face

Hats really highlight your face, and that is why it is so important to get one that frames your face shape. Luckily, there are so many kinds of hats out there that there is a style for everyoneee.

5. Shield From The Sun And/Or Keep Warm

Hats are both stylish and functional. While most people wear hats in the winter for warmth, it's not as common for people to wear them in the summer. I, however, think hats are just as important in the summer as they are in the winter. While you may not need extra warmth in the summertime, it is always smart to shield your face from the harsh rays.

6. They Are One Of The Easiest Accessories

If you want instant style, grab a hat. Literally just grab a hat and put it on your head. Don't fuss around with "what combination of rings should I wear today," or "should I wear heels or flats." Just throw on a hat and you are guaranteed instant style.

7. Express Your Style

Hats are a great way to express yourself since there are so many kinds to choose from. Whether you're a hipster or a fashionista, there is a style for you!

8. Update Your Outfit

If you feel like your wardrobe is off trend, add an on-trend hat to the mix and no one will notice. My favorite style for summer 2015 is the boater, but it also looks like wicker visors are making a comeback.

9. Add A Bit Of Mystery

Have you ever seen a woman at a bar wearing a hat? If you have, then you know what I mean, but if you haven't, she is super intriguing — you could spend all night guessing which celebrity she is or which celebrity she might be dating.

Images: Fotolia; Giphy; pharrell, garypeppergirl, juliahengel, vanessahudgens, weworewhat, ladygaga, aliciamlund/Instagram