Trendy and vintage hats for women

Impossible not to notice this trend that has been established for several years now.

More than a fleeting style, vintage fashion has become widely popular and even takes precedence over new trends. Lack of renewal in clothing fashion or nostalgia for the past? In any case, from pin-up to dandy style, the retro look appeals to both women and men.

We know that headwear was at the time an essential of any respectable wardrobe. If today certain shapes of hats have been abandoned over the years, the vintage trend allows many models to come back to the forefront, and with great success!

Wide-brimmed hats, bowler hats, cloche hats... these hats were the must-haves a few years ago. If you're looking for the retro headwear of your dreams, you've come to the right place: here's a small overview of the models that are making a successful comeback!

The wide-brimmed hat 

Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe... The beauty icons of the era never parted with them. A symbol of elegance and femininity, the wide-brimmed hat was also worn by women throughout the 20th century. With sometimes oversized brims, it's a shape that particularly suits slender silhouettes. Today, we find the wide-brimmed hat on many stars who adopt it on the red carpet as well as in everyday life.

We also find the wide-brimmed hat in our daily lives. A chic and easy-to-wear accessory, it appeals to many women, especially fashionistas. The wide-brimmed hat immediately dresses up a simple outfit while perfectly covering you during winter, making it both a beautiful and practical accessory.

 How do we wear it?

A wide-brimmed hat but endless possibilities to wear it: dresses, skirts, pants, big sweaters, jeans... The advantage is that it goes with all styles, from casual to very elegant. You will thus be trendy in everyday life as well as during chic evenings.

In winter, felt models ensure elegance and warmth in all circumstances, you will find colors such as black, gray, navy blue but also more trendy colors such as burgundy, beige or khaki. In summer, we choose them in straw for city walks or beach days.

The wider the brims, the more the wide-brimmed hat will protect you from the sun. To play the total look, you can opt for a retro dress with a carefully chosen wide-brimmed hat. Colorful, neutral, felt or straw, wide or moderate brims, here again you are spoiled for choice. If you are rather short, avoid wide-brimmed hats with very wide brims so as not to compress the silhouette.

The cloche hat

Just like the wide-brimmed hat, the cloche shape was the star of the Roaring Twenties. Worn with a dress, the cloche hat was pushed down to the eyebrows and concealed the upper part of the face. A hat that immediately brings a feminine touch, very appreciated by the most coquettish women.

With the arrival of the "boyish" fashion, women left their large and imposing wide-brimmed hats to adopt more practical models for everyday life and, above all, less cumbersome. Worn by stars like Louise Brooks, Annie Duperay, Bette Davis, it's THE reference for women's hats. Widely represented in cinema or today in TV series like Las chicas del cable or Gossip Girl with notably the character of Blair Waldorf who loves to wear it with her very chic and elegant "so frenchy" outfits. Thus, the small hat doesn't give up on celebrity!

 How do we wear it?

Here, it's better to opt for a dressy style to avoid creating a tasteless mismatch with a more modern style. Worn with a 1920s-style dress or simply a dressy dress, the cloche hat will have the best effect. For those who might be lacking inspiration, the previously mentioned TV series are full of interesting looks. Note that the cloche shape will suit thin faces more easily than rounder faces. Like the wide-brimmed hat, there are straw cloche models, more casual for sunny days.

Bibis, tambourines and other trimmings to wear on the side

Essential for special occasions, the bibi and the tambourine, are small hats that are worn only on one side of the head. Very classy, they were often worn with a bun for big occasions (in everyday life, the cloche hat remains the most utilitarian). Feathers, fur, lace... They can be decorated with all sorts of elements and in a multitude of shapes. In the past, pins were also very popular hair trimmings.

These headwear are also hair accessories regularly worn in Great Britain on the occasion of official ceremonies such as royal weddings, whether it be Kate and William's or more recently Meghan and Harry's. During these ceremonies, it was easy to understand that the bibi and the tambourine are accessories highly appreciated by English women. Practically all the guests wore one on their head, which were almost all as original and whimsical as each other. Colorful, small, large, feathered... There's no shortage of patterns and prints, so you can showcase your creativity and style through these pretty bibis and tambourines.

How do we wear it?

Again, it all depends on the occasion. If you want to adopt the bibi or the tambourine, for any ceremony, try not to choose one that is too large (for practicality, in group photos for example). However, for an outing in town or elsewhere, don't hesitate to treat yourself.

To properly wear this type of accessory, a dress is however essential. Know that there are models mounted on combs, headbands etc. It's up to you to see what seems preferable, the bibi and the tambourine should not fly away at the slightest gust of wind however. Also opt for a model that enhances your face instead of hiding it.

The headband

Practical to put on, original and a real trend of the time (especially with the flapper fashion), the headband was an essential of the 1920s. Simple and made of fabric, it was worn as a headband in everyday life to pull back hair and clear the face. But for going out (restaurant, theater...), the headband was then more elaborate with decorations in feathers, straw and sequins for a more sophisticated effect.

Today and for several years now, the headband is making a big comeback. Very popular with young girls, it also appeals to women especially in more sober and elegant styles. Today, they exist in all styles from the most casual to the most dressy. Whether it's for strolling around town or participating in big events, you'll have plenty of choice!

How to wear it?

Daily to decorate your hairstyle or during cocktails, ceremonies. Worn with a dress, it has the best effect and makes all the difference from a traditional hairstyle, just as much in everyday life, with simple jeans and a big winter sweater. Worn on long or tied-up hair, it's up to you depending on your mood, your taste and, above all, your outfit. There are a multitude of different headband models, ranging from flapper style to simple wool or discreet straw models.

You can also choose your headband according to the seasons, so for winter we advise you to choose those in wool or velvet which will keep your ears and head warm. And for summer, opt instead for light cotton headbands.

The beret

The beret, this timeless accessory that so well defines the Parisian look. Simple and understated, it remains very retro and is easily worn daily. Whether worn casually or very chic, the beret is the essential accessory to have in your wardrobe!

Ideal for mid-season or winter, it comes in a multitude of colors. Worn on the side or back, it has topped many retro star hairstyles. Associated with the French style, this little headwear has seduced women from many countries who quickly adopted it in everyday life.

How do we wear it?

With anything you want: dress, skirt, pants... The beret is an accessory that goes very easily with many outfits. You can wear it straight and well pushed down on the head, or on one side or even at the back: here again it's possible to vary the looks without much difficulty. It exists in a multitude of different shapes, colors and patterns, it's impossible not to find THE beret that will suit you.

It's your choice! 

Now, you know everything about the trendy and vintage pieces for women this season. It's up to you to find the headwear that you like and that suits you best!

You can find many choices on our website Traclet as well as in our two stores located in Roanne and Saint-Etienne. We will be delighted to welcome you and advise you!