Hats are one of those accessories, like heels, that tall women seem to frequently steer clear of. I think this is because hats have two perceived strikes against them:
- They're often (incorrectly) associated with masculinity
- They add height
Tall women who are self-conscious about either one of these issues will generally stay away from hats. Despite their two-strike status, hats are an accessory that can garner a grand-slam look on a tall woman's frame. Consider these tips for choosing and wearing hats.
1. Choose a Bright Color
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Neutral color hats work well when you're dressing for a nice event, but if you want to master the "casual and cute" look, go for a newsboy, bucket or beret hat in a bright color. If you're already nervous about trying hats, this may sound counterintuitive, but I say, "go big or go home." Hats, by nature, are statement pieces. Choosing a statement piece in a bright, statement color will look cute and classy. Pick a color that will stand out against your hair and skin tone and make sure you keep the rest of your outfit fairly neutral and understated.
2. Show Some Hair
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When choosing a hat like a beanie, a bucket or cloche style that pulls down low over your head and ears, make sure you wear your hair down or show some serious bangs. Because these hats tend to cover up a lot of the head, they can look a little more masculine than some of the other styles. Wearing your hair down or styling your bangs around the hat can counteract this potential side effect.
3. Keep it Classy
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Tall royalty like Kate Middleton and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy class up their hats by pairing them with dresses and fitted trench coats. Match your hat to your outerwear and keep your look royal with pencil skirts or modest but form-fitting dresses.
4. Think Plain
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Baseball caps are perfect for shielding your face from the sun, hiding a bad-hair moment or topping off a sporty look. Unless you're planning to cheer on your favorite sports team later, choose a plain baseball cap without an advertisement over the brim. Neutral caps will top almost any outfit easily and will look sporty without shouting "tall female athlete coming through!"