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“A hat is a flag, a shield, a bit of armor and the badge of femininity. A hat is the difference between wearing clothes and wearing a costume; it’s the difference between being dressed and being dressed up; it’s the difference between looking adequate and looking your best. A hat is to be stylish in, to glow under, to flirt beneath, to make all others seem jealous over and to make all men feel masculine about. A piece of magic is a hat.”– Martha Sliter

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While we all wear multiple hats every day—on the job, at home, in our communities—spring is the perfect moment to move beyond the metaphorical and don an actual, gorgeous hat. The advent of the season carries an invitation to indulge, to experiment, to dramatize, and perhaps even to reinvent. As Martha Sliter’s beautiful quote above reminds us, hats evoke a kind of magic that transforms any ensemble into something exquisite. Inspired by derbies near and far and milliners who delight in creating works of art, hat-revelers can interpret the spring season in a display of fantasy and coquetry.  Whether it’s an outdoor party, wedding, or walk in the park or on the beach, hats are the veritable last bastion in the art of dress-up. And a hat with a brim can serve a more pedestrian need—UV protection!

Cherry Blossom Pillbox Hat by Piers Atkinson

This multi-colored silk and straw cherry blossom pillbox hat from Piers Atkinson is simply a work of art. 

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Talitha Hat by Olivia Roat Millinery

Guaranteed to turn heads, this bright-red large wide-brim sinamay hat with stunning silk rose trim is the prettiest red, jazzed up with a shot of white trim.

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The Wide-Brim Derby Hat by August Hat

This creation, with its broad, romantic brim and its luxurious ivory and teal color, is a head-turning hat finished with a feather-trimmed sinamay flower.

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The Stripe Dip Brim by Eric Javits

This dramatic hat makes a statement with its bold striping. And it can work for the beach as well the Derby.

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Cecily Sun Hat in Blue Genie by Eugenia Kim

Fall in love with this navy-and-ivory hat.  And it is such a great look for a red, white, and blue ensemble.