Hats abound this time of year. Whether it’s celebrating the Kentucky Derby or attending an elegant tea, women wear beautiful and ornate hats to these events. I first became interested in this phenomena when I visited a hat shop on Royal Street in New Orleans. I saw some of the most beautiful and intricately designed hats that I had ever seen. The price tag on the hats was $700 and up. I almost fainted! They even gave me their card so that I could send them a photo of my dress and they could design a hat just for me. Maybe one day, when I meet Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, I will do just that!

This topic did get me thinking about the history of ladies’ hats because hats have been worn by women since ancient times. It was only after World War II when women began entering the workforce that the the hat become a practical clothing item and not an ornamental accessory. Thank goodness for things like horse races and teas which present special occasions for women to wear these elegant hats once again.

After all, “fashion is a form of communication. It’s a language without words. A great hat speaks for itself.”