A
headpiece is the crowning glory of your Galway Races outfit and the right hat
is just as important as your dress as it can make or break an outfit. As sponsors of the official Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat
competitions (#gHotelBestDressed) at the Galway Races as well as hosting our own Best Hat (#gBestHat) event at the g Hotel & Spa as
part of our Ladies Day After Party, we have researched all of the expert advice
on choosing a hat for the races.
Choosing a hat should be a pleasure. There are no hard and
fast rules, only guidelines to help and assist. Show your personality and choose something comfortable that you love. Experiment
until you find the hat you like best and makes you feel fabulous – you are
worth it!
A
day at the Races and in particular Ladies Day at the Galway Races is one of the
few occasions where we have an opportunity to be daring and express our
personality. Make a statement at this year’s Galway Races and turn to one of
Ireland’s leading milliners by choosing one of their beautiful creations
whether sleek & refined or show stopping & bold. If you have chosen your outfit but
are still looking for the perfect hat, bring your dress with you and most
milliners can match a piece or create a sensational contrast for stand out
appeal.
Matching your hat to your figure
It
is important to your physical features into account when choosing a hat. Your height and shoulder width is the best guide for
dictating the brim width of your hat. Generally the taller you are, the wider
the brim you can carry off. Here are some hints that subtly alter proportions.
A petite woman may be best with a
smaller hat to keep your look in proportion and should you have a very ornate
headpiece, many stylists suggest an understated dress to showcase the hat. Try
to avoid hiding your neck if possible as this can take from your height.
A tall woman could opt for a wider
brim ensuring you take shoulder width into consideration to maintain balance.
Wide brims also look well on fuller figured fashionistas and ladies wearing
wider skirts.
Choosing a hat to suit your Face Shape
It is very important to choose a hat or headpiece that
works for your face shape.
Round face –
More structured or square styles
usually suit round faces best. Ladies with
rounder faces may consider adding height to your crown to elongate your face
and a small brim can also add to the effect. Cloche inspired hats look
great and it can be fun to play with slants.
Heart face –
A tilted style headpiece can really compliment and highlight your cheeks
and distinct a jawline. If you have a very petite face, avoid
being overpowered by a large heavy looking crown.
Square face – With defined features and stronger bone structure than
other face shapes, ladies with square faces tend to look great in rounder
styles so opt for a hat with softer lines. Narrow
crowns can be unflattering unless they are balanced by a trim that gives it
both softness and width. Asymmetrical silhouettes
look well.
Oval or Long Face – Avoid hats with tall crowns and this will only further
elongate your visage. A wider brim will balance an oval or long face but
remember to use your shoulder width as a guide or you may overbalance!
Some
Interesting tips from the Horse & Hound Magazine
- Traditionally ladies hats are worn down to the right and up to the left. This means that most small hats sit on the right hand side of the head.
- In general it is more flattering to have your hair parting hidden beneath the hat.
- If you are wearing a bold print or lace dress, avoid wearing a hat with an elaborate or fussy trim.
- If you want to make a statement with your hat, pair it with a simple outfit.
- Avoid matching your hat, bag and shoes as it will cut your silhouette in too many places.
- Make sure your hat feels secure and comfortable so that you will not have to re-adjust it during the occasion.
Hats featured in this blog post are from from Carol Kennelly, Aoife Kirwan and Edel Ramberg.
