
As a hat person, it's my personal belief that hats are for everyone (hat democratization!)—it's just a matter of finding what suits you. Someone who shares this sentiment (and then some) is milliner-to-the-stars Eugenia Kim (opens in new tab). Chances are, if you've spotted an envy-inducing topper on the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker or Emma Watson, it's one of her designs.
Since I've never been too good with a protractor, I asked Kim to help decode the angles and break down what hats are most flattering for each face type. And generally speaking, size matters.
"It's all about proportion and finding that sweet spot that brings harmony to the face," says Kim."If your face is small, don't overpower yourself with too wide of a brim and look to something on the shorter to medium side. If your face is large, look for styles with more width."
However, for those looking for the LBD of the hat world, there is a universally flattering style. "You really can't go wrong with a good old Panama style (opens in new tab)," she adds.
For a more comprehensive breakdown to choosing a style, Kim shares her tips for each face shape with designs from her gorgeous Spring 2015 collection.
Round Faces
"The goal is to create length, so something with a tall crown will give you that height you need," says Kim. "Look for medium to long brim fedoras, porkpies and trilby styles. Avoid anything low to the head and rounded—this will only accentuate the roundness."
Eugenia Kim Emmanuelle, $365; eugeniakim.com (opens in new tab).
Oval Faces
"Congrats! You can pull off pretty much any style," says Kim. "Go for something cool and more fashion-forward like a fisherman cap or boater style."
Eugenia Kim Marina, $215; eugeniakim.com (opens in new tab).
Oblong Faces
"You'll want something with a little width and a shorter crown that will balance out the length of your face," says Kim. A medium sized floppy, cloche, crusher, or bucket style would work best."
Eugenia Kim Jordana, $265; eugeniakim.com (opens in new tab).
Square Faces
"You'll want to soften the angles," says Kim. "So anything with a curved silhouette will do the trick. Floppys, cloches, or bowler styles will help to round out your features."
Eugenia Kim Honey, $365; eugeniakim.com (opens in new tab).
Heart Faces
"You'll want to slim the forehead to make it appear more narrow," says Kim. "Any brimmed style that is medium in length will achieve this"
Eugenia Kim Courtney, $350; eugeniakim.com (opens in new tab).
You should also check out:
Skimmer Style: 5 Suave Boater Hats for the Weekend (opens in new tab)
Hats You Can Wear Indoors (opens in new tab)
Under $100: The Chicest Hats of Fall (opens in new tab)
Lauren is the former beauty editor at Marie Claire. She love to while away the hours at coffee shops, hunt for vintage clothes, and bask in the rough-and-tumble beauty of NYC. She firmly believes that solitude can be a luxury if you’ve got the right soundtrack—that being the Rolling Stones, of course.
-
Prince Harry Felt "Deprived" of His "Teenage Years" Because of Associated Newspapers, Court Told
The duke appeared in court on Monday.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Royal Expert Claims Prince Harry's Surprise U.K. Visit "Was Not Planned" With King Charles
The communication is going great...
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
So—Did Chelsea and Kwame Make It After 'Love Is Blind'?
Did these two emerge unscathed from one of the season's biggest love triangles?
By Quinci LeGardye
-
The Making of Ariana DeBose's Custom Versace Gown
"When I first saw it, I was left speechless."
By Sara Holzman
-
What I Wear to Work: Silvia and Sofia Tcherassi
"Waking up early in the morning is a must."
By Sara Holzman
-
What I Wear to Work: Cynthia Rivas
For one of fashion's favorite skincare gurus, great skin is the ultimate accessory.
By Sara Holzman
-
What Khloé Kardashian and Kris Jenner Wear to Work
The powerhouse mom and daughter talk us through early morning wake-ups, pre-planning outfits, and dressing for confidence.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Fashion Test Drive: Bottega Veneta's Andiamo Bag
The bucket list bag for work or travel.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 10 Best Slip Dresses of 2023
The humble slip dress could be the most versatile dress you own.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
What I Wear to Work: Deborah Yager Fleming
The hotelier utilizes color coding to jumpstart her day.
By Sara Holzman
-
What I Wear to Work: Rosh Mahtani
The London-based jewelry designer makes her pieces the focus of her outfits.
By Sara Holzman