Trendy and vintage hats for women

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

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

We know that headwear was at the time a must-have in any respectable wardrobe. While today some forms of hats have been abandoned over the years, the vintage trend allows many models to return to the spotlight, and with great success!

Wide-brimmed hats, bowlers, cloche hats... these hats were the ultimate must-haves a few years ago. If you're looking for the retro headwear of your dreams, you're in the right place: here's a quick overview of the models that are making a successful comeback, and brilliantly so!

The wide-brimmed hat 

Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe... The beauty icons of the era never parted with it. 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 tall silhouettes. Today, we see the wide-brimmed hat on many stars who adopt it both on the red carpet and in daily life.

The wide-brimmed hat is also found in our daily lives. A chic and easy-to-wear accessory, it speaks 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 to wear it?

One wide-brimmed hat but endless possibilities to wear it: dresses, skirts, pants, chunky sweaters, jeans... The advantage is that it goes with all styles, both casual and very elegant. You'll be as trendy in everyday life as at chic evening events.

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

The wider the brims, the more the wide-brimmed hat will protect you from the sun. For a total look, you can opt for a retro dress with a carefully chosen wide-brimmed hat. Colored, neutral, felt or straw, wide or moderate brims, here again you're spoiled for choice. If you're rather petite, avoid wide-brimmed hats with very wide brims to avoid compressing your silhouette.

The cloche hat

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 face. A hat that immediately brings a feminine touch, very appreciated by the most fashion-conscious women.

With the arrival of the "garçonne" fashion, women left their large and imposing wide-brimmed hats to adopt more practical everyday models and, above all, less cumbersome ones. Worn by stars like Louise Brooks, Annie Duperay, Bette Davis, it is THE reference for women's hats. Widely represented in cinema or today in TV series like Las chicas del cable or Gossip Girl notably with the character of Blair Waldorf who loves wearing it with her very chic and elegant "so frenchy" outfits. Thus, the small hat continues its celebrity status!

 How to wear it?

Here, it's better to opt for a dressed-up style to avoid creating a distasteful contrast with a more modern style. Worn with a 1920s-style dress or simply an elegant dress, the cloche hat will have the best effect. For those 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.

Fascinators, pillbox hats and other side-worn accessories

Essential for special occasions, the fascinator and pillbox hat are small hats that are worn only on one side of the head. Very classy, they were often worn with a bun for special occasions (for everyday wear, the cloche hat remains the most practical). Feathers, fur, lace... They can be decorated with all sorts of elements and come in multiple shapes. In the past, clips were also very popular hair ornaments.

These headpieces are also hair accessories regularly worn in Great Britain for 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 fascinator and pillbox hat are accessories highly appreciated by British women. Practically all guests wore one on their head, and they were all almost as original and whimsical as each other. Colorful, small, large, feathered... The patterns and prints are endless, allowing you to showcase your creativity and style through these lovely fascinators and pillbox hats.

How to wear it?

Once again, it all depends on the occasion. If you want to adopt the fascinator or pillbox hat, for any ceremony, try not to choose one that's too large (for practicality, in group photos for example). However, for a city outing or other occasions, don't hesitate to treat yourself.

To properly wear this type of accessory, a dress is essential. Note that there are models mounted on combs, headbands etc. It's up to you to see what seems preferable, the fascinator and pillbox hat shouldn't fly away at the slightest breeze. Also choose a model that enhances your face instead of hiding it.

The headband

Easy to put on, original and a true trend of the era (especially with charleston fashion), the headband was a must-have of the 1920s. Simple and made of fabric, it was worn as a daily headband to hold back hair and clear the face. But for going out (restaurant, theater...), the headband was more elaborate with decorations in feathers, straw, and sequins for a more sophisticated effect.

Today and for several years now, the headband is making its big comeback. Very popular with young girls, it also appeals to women particularly in more understated and elegant styles. Today they exist in all styles from the most casual to the most dressed up. Whether for walking around town or participating in major 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 compared to a traditional hairstyle, just as much in everyday life with simple jeans and a big winter sweater. Worn on long or pulled-back hair, it's up to you depending on your mood, taste, and especially your outfit. There are many different headband models, ranging from charleston style to simple wool or discreet straw models.

You can also choose your headband according to the seasons - for winter we recommend choosing wool or velvet ones that 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 perfectly 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 crowned many retro star hairstyles. Associated with the French style, this little headpiece has seduced women from many countries who quickly adopted it for daily wear.

How to wear it?

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

It's your choice! 

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

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