Flat-Out

Saucers, platters, pancakes – these were all names for the same style of flat, wide-brimmed hat that was popular in the 1950s for winter and summer wear. I own many such examples, and here are two of them: one in sumptuous blue velvet, and the other in a wavy-brimmed green wool.

I always prefer Fifties hats with either short hair, or hair in an updo – the proportions always seem to look better, which is hardly surprising as they were originally designed to be worn with the popular hairstyles of the era. I am wearing these with long hair rolled into a bun, and with a Fifties velvet coat.

I feel too prim and ladylike in them!

Although these hats are part of my collection, they are not ones I generally wear – in fact I don’t think I’ve ever worn either of them out of the house. Why? Because I feel too prim and ladylike in them! It is a pity, since they are quite pretty after all. This seems mad considering some of the other far more insane things I have worn in my time. Perhaps I should consider this a style challenge?

Photo: August 2012