A hat is by no means compulsory at every wedding, but adding a hat to your outfit will immediately make you feel special and help you stand out as an important member of the wedding party. But for women who may never have worn a hat before, choosing an appropriate style can be a daunting task. The most common dilemma is whether the hat will suit your face shape, yet the important thing really is to ensure the hat feels comfortable.
- DO have confidence in how you look. Wearing a hat involves poise and self-assurance - so hold your head high and enjoy the accessory.
- DON'T be put off wearing a hat if you're tall. Many women feel they shouldn't because it will make them taller, but don't be afraid to use your height. If you feel confident in a hat, you'll look great in it.
- DO shop around and try on as many different styles as possible.
- DON'T think about buying a hat until you have selected your outfit because this will dictate the colour and overall style of the hat you choose.
- DO think about what style to wear if you wear glasses. A turned-up rim is often a good choice as it won't knock your frames.
- DON'T wear a black hat without checking with the bride first. It is a fashionable trend this year but it might still have funeral connotations for her.
- DO avoid a very large crown and wide brim if you have a small face.
- DON'T wear anything too head-hugging that will emphasise your features if you have a large face.
- DO use your skin tone to help choose the colour of your hat. Pale skins will be flattered by warm shades of pink, peach, orange and green. Darker skins can wear most shades from ivory to brights.
- DON'T forget to take a swatch of fabric along when hat shopping as you may want your hat to exactly match the colour of your outfit.
