HATS!

Sorry about the delay in posts. Life has a funny way of making me busy.

For years, I’ve been a major hat person. Sure, I went through the days of fitted flat-bills that matched my shoelaces or something ridiculous, but now, it’s fun to have a hat for every occasion. Here are some of my favorites and when I like to wear them:

1) Gatsby/Newsboy Cap

Hat: Brixton, Shirt: Hanes ComfortSoft
Hat: Brixton, Shirt: Hanes ComfortSoft
Hat: Goorin Bros., Shirt: H&M LOGG
Hat: Goorin Bros., Shirt: H&M LOGG

One of my all-time favorite hats, the Gatsby Cap. Not only is this hat totally timeless, it works with all sorts of different outfits. Personally, I like to wear mine in a casual way with a t-shirt and jeans but I also see them worn with ties and casual suits commonly.

The grey one is a bit more casual for me, it’s perfect for throwing on when you’re running errands or don’t feel like doing anything with your messy hair.

The brown one is so cool, it’s a bit wider and more floppy than the grey one and can be dressed up a bit easier. It has a more vintage 1920’s newsboy feel and I get compliments on it all the time.

If you’re not familiar with either of these brands, Brixton and Goorin Bros, you need to be.

2) The Upscale Baseball Cap

Hat: The Knottery, Shirt: H&M LOGG
Hat: The Knottery, Shirt: H&M LOGG
The, as I like to call, “Upscale Baseball Cap” has become extremely popular in the last year or two. The unstructured design and floppy fit seem to work well for people who aren’t looking to wear a snapback or a fitted hat. 
 
You may recognize this hat from my Birchbox post. It’s my first one of it’s kind and I have to say I’m really enjoying it. I love the “MR.” embroidery, it’s perfect non-descript. I haven’t had it very long and it’s made of wool, so it’s been a bit too hot to wear it here in LA recently, but I definitely plan on giving it some solid wear in the winter months or if I travel.
 
Hats like this are typically better worn casually or on the slightly dressier side of casual. A polo, jeans and some plimsolls or lo-pro’s with a hat like this is perfect for errands or hanging with friends. They also can be worn backwards without looking totally foolish, which is nice if it’s not a very sunny day.
 
3) The Fedora
Hat: Goorin Bros., Sweatshirt: Alternative
Hat: Goorin Bros, Sweatshirt: Alternative
I know, I know! The dreaded FEDORA!!! I feel as though these have become the Nickelback of hats and I don’t understand why!? They are one of the most classic hats out there, they’re perfect for a hot day or a cold one, they can be dressed up or down and if you ask me they look great!
 
I like this hat because it’s straw, meaning it’s perfect for summertime wear. One thing I require of my fedora-type hats is that the front of the brim tips up. The ones that tip down in the front are too much for me. This hat is great for heading to the beach or hanging out at night someplace warm and relaxing.
Hat: Vintage, Polo: Vintage

Now, in addition to the casual fedora, I also have a wool one that can be worn a bit dressier. You wouldn’t wear this one to the beach just like you wouldn’t wear the straw one to a wedding.
 
It’s important for me to have both because when it’s colder outside, I feel a little silly wearing a straw hat. This, dressier version, is also great with jeans and a t-shirt and jacket in the winter months, it doesn’t necessarily have to only be dressy.
 
Hat: Scala, Shirt: Vintage
Lastly, I have my wide-brim. These have become a lot more popular in the last 6 months or so and I’m loving it. 
 
I bought this hat at the army surplus store and try my best to wear it as often as possible. I think it cost me around $30 and I’m always getting asked if it’s a much more expensive designer brand. 
 
These hats are not for everyone. As you can see I paired it with one of my OPCS shirts, which is commonly what I wear this hat with. It, in itself, could definitely be considered an OPCS too. Get yourself one if you want to be protected from the sun while also satisfying your inner Park Ranger.
 
 
 
Ultimately, hats are fantastic! If you’re not a hat guy and are interested in becoming one, I recommend starting with the basics and working your way down this list. You can wear hats just about anywhere these days. They’re the perfect addition to an outfit to make yourself stand out or just as a minor compliment.
 
I’ll finish with a few of my other favorites that require no explanation, enjoy!
 
I just realized my hat matches the wall. Yikes.

Yup, the Marty McFly!
Remember this one? Ahoy!
I’m sure there are other hats I’ve forgotten and/or omitted (winter caps, etc). I’d love to hear about your own preferences in the comment section!
 
Thanks for reading!
 

About the author

I'm Parker York Smith, a curious dude still very much figuring everything out. I hail from the Midwest but have been dwelling in Los Angeles for the last few years being a pretty stereotypical west coast transplant. I'm a fashion geek, I love to walk (a LOT) and I do my best to find the bright side. I'm extremely excited about this blog and hope that (with some hard work and luck) it turns into what I believe it can. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please get in touch with me via my social networks (which can be found in the sidebar) or email me at parker@thelooksmith.com.

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