Looking Cool With 6 Hat Styles
That Will Keep Your Warm
by Joyce Amos Smith

As much as we don’t want to admit it, the winter season is in full swing here in Gloucester County, NJ.  We’ve already had our first snowstorm and it will probably not be the last for the season.  It can certainly be a challenge to look chic and stylish while battling the elements of Mother Nature. My best advice to help stay warm and look cool this winter is by encouraging women to invest in some of the season’s hottest and stylish hats.

Hats are often a misunderstood item and can quickly turn an outfit from stale to stylish. Having a windblown, static, or just a plain ol’ bad hair day? Throw on a trendy hat and instantly make a fashion statement. So listen up gals as I run down the hottest hat trends seen on the runway along with some tips to help you choose which style will work best for you.

1. Beret:  First becoming popular in 19th century France, the beret is a classic and chic wardrobe element. It has been spotted on the runways and seen on many famous Hollywood heads. Go with a traditional style beret or a boho slouchy beret style. Pin your own style to it by adding a vintage brooch and you have completed the look.
   
   

Sequin berets are also another great way to glam up an outfit. Berets are great for most face shapes especially long faces. When wearing a beret, frame your face with your hair and wear the beret slouched to the side or to the back. Please do not place it straight on top of your head and pull down or you will be sporting the  “shower cap” look.

2. Fedora:  It is the runway’s hottest hat style seen in the spring and fall and continues to be a must-have for the winter. Great for a round face, it can be worn with both casual and work attire.  Again frame your hair around the hat for a fabulous look. There are many vintage fedoras in circulation. Adding a vintage piece to your wardrobe also adds another element to your style.

3. Cloche: Get a 1920’s retro look by sporting a cloche hat. This style looks great on a square or heart shape face. Keep your hair straight and simple and pull the brim down above the brows. Beware, due to the tight fit of the cloche, hat head is inevitable when wearing this chic piece.            

4. Fur & Trapper: Fur was seen all over the runways this season. Grab yourself a striking faux fur hat to keep warm this season. Also hot right now is the trapper hat with long ear flaps. Certainly the warmest of all hats, the trapper hat is worn by all ages and both genders. There are many different fun styles out there including animal faces, bright colors and funky styles. Show some fun personality when wearing the trapper hat this season.

 
  

 5. Newsboy or Cabbie:  Made popular in the U.S. and Europe in the early 1900’s. The cabbie hat looks fabulous on all face shapes especially round. It is a great piece to throw on when in a hurry. Pair it with jeans and sweater and you will look boyishly adorable. Personally, the cabbie hat is one of my favorites.

6. Beanie: Another warm hat choice is the beanie. Which is also great for all face shapes and hair styles. Beanies, this season, are showing some sparkle. Look for some sequin embellishments, flowers, or even the old pom pom look on the back.

 

  

So there you have it, the latest hat trends that will complete and diversify your style. Keeping your head bare this season is not only cold, but also unstylish. Adding a few of the mentioned hat styles will keep you warm and looking fabulous throughout the winter months.
 

Joyce Amos Smith, a Pitman resident, has been a “Woman of Gloucester County” her entire life and is thrilled to join the writing team for the Women of Gloucester County website.

Joyce grew up in Mantua and attended Clearview Regional High School.  She received her bachelor’s degree from Rowan University and her Master’s Degree from Seton Hall University in the field of education. After teaching for 13 years and starting a family Joyce had the opportunity to pursue her childhood dream of starting her own business in the fashion industry.

Joyce’s love of vintage jewelry created a natural avenue to pursue a business venture into fashion. As a lifetime bargain shopper and fashion enthusiast, Joyce started selling jewelry and designer clothing online as a hobby.  Soon turning profitable, Joyce decided not to return to teaching and work from home allowing her to spend much more time with her two children, both under 2 years old at the time.  Selling online allowed Joyce the flexibility needed to be home with her kids and to work around their schedule.

Juliette’s Jewels is named after the newest addition to the Smith family, one and a half year old daughter Juliette and is located at 52 S. Broadway in Pitman. The telephone number is 856-589-0100. For more information and store hours, visit Juliette’s Jewels online at http://www.juliettesjewels.com/ or email to shop@juliettesjewels.com