How to wear a statement hat this fall

We all have our favorite fall and winter standbys—the peacoat in the back of the closet or that go-to scarf for a chilly game day—but recent winters have seen a fashion fixture from the 1970s making its way back into wardrobes. For the fashionable this fall, the steam from your pumpkin spice latte might be curling up beneath the wide brim of a statement hat.

Baton Rouge Fashion Council Founder, fashion blogger and seventh grade teacher Leslie Presnall believes that the best trend is one based on the classics. Presnall’s blog, Southern Flair, showcases her love of lace, elevated waistlines and bold colors with the elements of a style rooted as much in contemporary flavor as tried-and-true silhouettes and materials.

Her favorite fall piece? A wide-brimmed wool or felt hat, which looks stylish on guys and gals alike.

“Coming out of spring and summer when we’re all wearing straw floppy hats, I like to be able to transition and still have that look into the fall and winter,” Presnall says. “They’re just good transition pieces, and they can go with pretty much anything.”

Capturing that movie star look with a wide-brimmed hat in the fall is all about confidence, Prensnall says. Styling a statement hat into an outfit means paying mind to layers and not overpowering the look with too many accessories. Don’t stress—it shouldn’t be that complicated.

“Fall and winter are all about layering anyway,” she says. “If you have jackets or vests or you’re wearing sweaters, just put a hat on with it. It’s an easy accessory.”

For the uninitiated and intimidated, Presnall suggests starting smaller with a felt fedora before attempting a more dramatic look.

“Fall and winter hats now come in so many different shapes and sizes and colors that I think there’s something for everybody,” she says. “It just comes down to going to the store, trying some on and seeing what looks good on you.” southernflairblog.com