Читать книгу The Art of Wearing Hats: What to choose. Where to find. How to style. - Helena Sheffield - Страница 10

The world’s first bowler hat was made for a gamekeeper in 1849, and the first thing he did when he saw it was jump on it. No, that wasn’t out of disgust, but to check whether it could support his weight and thus be suitable for wearing in all weathers. Although originally meant for withstanding the sharp winds and torrential rain of the British countryside, it was quickly adopted by city workers in Britain and America before falling out of regular use in the 1960s. An easier-to-wear, modern version has recently exploded back onto the scene, making the bowler a distinctly stylish hat once more.

WEAR IT: IN THE DRY OR THE DAMP

Because bowler hats are tight-fitting, the wind can’t blow them off your head (a common and harrowing problem that will be addressed in Chapter 4), and their tough felt material isn’t bothered by a bit of rain.

OWN IT: SMALL HEADS AND ROUND FACES

Modern incarnations of the hat are fashioned to rest primly atop your head, suiting round faces in particular. They’re not big hats, so smaller heads benefit from this.

STYLE IT: BLACK SKINNY JEANS, A STRIPED TOP AND A BOWLER

This look is not only embarrassingly easy to put together, but also gives a classic twist to a popular outfit.

FIND IT: HIGH STREET

Bowler hats are everywhere. You’ll find one in most big high-street shops from autumn through to spring.

PERFECT IT: ALL NIGHT LONG

Swap trainers for smart shoes to go from a stylish daytime to a polished evening look.

STYLE GURU

Fearne Cotton, a respected hat champion, often nails the bowler, teamed with a simple, ‘thrown-together’ look and a dash of lipstick.