Choosing the right tea party hat can add an extra touch of elegance and charm to your outfit. Here are some great tips to help you pick the perfect hat for your tea party:
Consider the Theme and Formailty
If the tea party is formal or traditional, opt for a classic wide-brimmed hat or a vintage-inspired fascinator. For a more relaxed or themed tea (like a Mad Hatter’s tea party), feel free to go for something more whimsical or quirky, such as a playful, colorful hat with feathers or ribbons.
Floral Hats
Tea parties often feature an abundance of flowers, and incorporating floral motifs into hat designs is a popular choice. Floral hats can be created using real or artificial flowers, arranged in a wreath-like fashion around the crown or used as accents on brims or fascinators. These hats evoke a fresh and feminine vibe, embracing the beauty of nature. Here are some of our favorite options.
Match the Hat to Your Outfit
Choose a hat that complements your dress, whether it’s in a matching color, a complementary shade, or a subtle pattern. Neutral tones like ivory, beige, or black are versatile and classic, while pastel shades or floral prints can add a more romantic or vintage touch.
Vintage-Inspired Hats
Drawing inspiration from bygone eras, vintage-inspired hats add a nostalgic touch to a tea party outfit. Styles like cloche hats from the 1920s, picture hats or Gainsborough hats from the Edwardian era, or 1950s-inspired pillbox hats evoke a sense of timeless glamour. Vintage hats often feature intricate details, such as delicate lace, feathers, bows, or netting, and they can be found in various materials, including straw, velvet, or satin. Here are some of our favorite vintage-inspired tea party hats.
Think About the Size and Shape
Wide-brimmed hats are great for more formal tea parties, adding drama and elegance. However, if you’re attending a smaller, intimate gathering, a smaller fascinator or a dainty pillbox hat might be more appropriate. Consider the overall look and balance between your outfit and the hat.
Wide-Brimmed Hats
Wide-brimmed hats are a classic choice for tea parties. They feature a large, circular brim that provides shade while adding a touch of drama to your outfit. Wide-brimmed hats can be made from a wide range of materials, such as straw, sinamay, or organza, and can be adorned with ribbons, flowers, feathers, or delicate lace. Here are some of our favorite wide-brimmed hats.
4. Pay Attention to Comfort
Ensure your hat is comfortable and fits well. A hat that’s too tight or too loose can cause discomfort and detract from your confidence. Look for hats with adjustable bands or choose a style with a comfortable headband for a secure fit.
Pillbox Hats
Pillbox hats are a timeless and elegant choice for a tea party hat. They have a round shape that allows them to fit snugly on the head. Pillbox hats can be decorated with bows, veils, feathers, or jewelled embellishments. They are often made from materials like wool, felt, or satin, lending a polished and sophisticated look to the wearer. Here are some of our favorite pillbox hats for this season.
Add Some Accessories
For a more polished look, add accessories like a silk ribbon, floral accents, or even a veil. These details can elevate the hat and make it more unique to your personal style.
Keep Your Hair in Mind
Consider how the hat will sit with your hairstyle. If you have an updo or a sleek style, a fascinator or smaller hat may be a good choice. For loose, flowing hair, a larger brim or wide hat can frame your face beautifully.
Alternatives to Tea Party Hats
For a unique touch, consider turbans, headbands or feathers as interesting alternatives to tea party hats. These can be specially chosen to match your outfit, incorporating specific colors, fabrics, or embellishments. Wear a unique alternative that perfectly reflects your style and personality, ensuring you stand out at the tea party.
Don’t Overwhelm Your Look
Keep the hat proportionate to your outfit. If your dress is already very detailed or patterned, opt for a more understated hat. If your outfit is simple, a bolder hat can be a striking focal point.
Fascinators
Fascinators are also a popular option for tea parties. They are smaller, decorative headpieces that are often attached to a headband or secured in your hair with clips or combs. They are known for their intricate designs, featuring feathers, flowers, netting, beads, or veils. Fascinators offer a more compact and lightweight alternative to traditional hats, allowing for greater versatility in styling and easy pairing with various hairstyles. Here are some of our favorite ones.
The best tea party hats are those that exude elegance, style, and a touch of whimsy. They add a charming and sophisticated element to a tea party outfit, complementing the overall look and creating a fashionable statement. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to find a tea party hat that not only complements your outfit but also adds an extra layer of elegance and fun to your overall look. Whether you go for classic, whimsical, or vintage-inspired, your hat can be the perfect finishing touch for your tea party ensemble!