Hats were a must for most up until World War II, be it the man in his black bowler on his way to work, or the woman's cloche of the 1920's, teamed with a flapper dress for some jiving. But the past was a time of class distinction, where men were gentlemen and women stayed at home learning how to 'be a lady'. As chivalrous male passed you by he would take off his hat. Now, though these doffing days are a thing of the past, hats are back with a vengeance (and there is much more emphasis on fun rather than practicality).
S/S 09' saw hats all over the catwalk from the flat straw boater of Marc Jacobs to the battered panama of Emanuel Ungaro, both would be a fairly sensible introduction into any summer wardrobe. Tory Burch followed in the panama footsteps but varied the colours, brown and grey as well as the more traditional white. Ralph Lauren went for something wackier with gold, cream and white turbans to add to his African safari theme, yet some looked a little to hard to carry, (and unless you're really daring probably too hard to carry off). Whichever the hat though, it finishes off the outfit, don't just think earrings, necklace, shoes. Think hat. And with head-wear making a come back, maybe you'll be shocked by a doff, though an open door would suffice.
