How to Wear a Fedora
Shauna Andrews
Table of Contents
When it comes to fashion, there’s a daunting list of dos and don’ts, and that’s been a consistent issue throughout the last few centuries of design and style. Sometimes, especially in the case of statement pieces, it can be even more intimidating to add in an accessory while making it look effortless and chic.
This article is specifically talking about fedoras — a timeless hat that really never goes out of style. If you’ve ever wondered how to wear a fedora, that’s what we’re here to discuss.
Not only that, we’re going to dig into the history, variety, and trends of a fedora, ensuring you’ve got all the information you need to rock these chapeaus proudly.
We’re diving headfirst into the fashion industry to answer a few common questions, down to the last detail, answering the likes of Can I wear a fedora in the summer? or What color fedora should I wear?
We love showcasing how to wear a fedora, and hope by the end of this, you can’t wait to pop one on ASAP!
What is a Fedora Hat?
Before we can take you through some outfit ideas with fedoras, we should probably start with the most basic questions: What is a fedora hat and how is it different from any other wide-brimmed headgear you see other people wear? Well, there is a crucial difference.
Fedoras have a brim that can be wide or narrow, but they also have a low profile crown up top, with dents or center creases that help give it that special fedora look, as made iconic in Casablanca.
The hat also has side pinches on the crown, where one would pinch the hat with their thumb and index finger to remove it more easily. Traditionally made of felt, leather, or straw, these famous hats can be worn formally or casually. And just your luck, these hats are truly timeless!
What Looks Good With Fedora Hats? Fedora Hat Outfit Ideas
Of course, we don’t want to only talk about how to wear a fedora or the history of these pivotal fashion hats — we want to give you some outfits with a fedora hat too!
This way, you can grab some outfit inspo that will have people turning to watch you walk by, and onlookers running off to the store to buy one for themselves.
You might be thinking to yourselves, What looks good with fedora hats? and What’s the best practice for sporting these versatile hats? Pretty much everything.
Whether you want to pair it with a dress, shorts, business wear, thigh-high boots, a bathing suit, or a plain T-shirt, a fedora is the perfect addition to any outfit in your closet.
Telling you a fedora goes with anything just won’t do, which is why we’re going to give you visuals, descriptions, and examples on how to wear a fedora. Once you decide which look (or looks) go best with your current wardrobe or your personality, head on out and purchase a fedora hat to match.
Check out these top ten ideas for the best outfits to go with your new fedora!
10 Outfits to Wear With a Fedora Hat
As much as we love talking about how to wear a fedora, we want to be as informative as possible.
Knowing how to style the different sizes, shapes, and designs is an important aspect when trying to rock your fedora with confidence is one thing, but knowing what to wear with a fedora is a whole other level.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 10 outfits to wear with a fedora hat. Just to be clear, there are about 1000 ways to wear your stylish chapeau, but there’s only so much space here. With all the fashionistas out there, the bounty of inspiration is certainly not lacking! And as you’ll soon see, there’s a look for everyone.
Whether you’re looking to go casual or formal, there’s a perfect fedora-centered outfit for you. And if you can believe it, you won’t need to run to the store to pick up new duds to complete your ensemble!
Many of these inspo ideas will be right inside your wardrobe, including sneakers, maxi dresses, shorts, and jean jackets.
We’ve made sure this top ten list of how to wear a fedora can accommodate any occasion because that’s how flexible these stylish chapeaus are. Sit back and be prepared to be impressed because we’ve got some stunner looks that showcase what to wear with a fedora hat.
As with many things in life, simple is best. And we couldn’t agree more when it comes to an outfit topped off with a fedora hat. This fashionista has nailed this look, putting together a blank black canvas to showcase her accessories — in this case, her fedora hat and a plaid scarf.
With her ripped jeans, this outfit is cute, simple, and super easy to put together. Topped off with her black fedora hat, you’ve now got a stylish fit that’s perfect for brunch during any season!
If you love neutrals, is it possible to make sure you don’t end up blending into the background? Definitely. To stand out without resorting to wild patterns, you can brighten up your outfit with a white fedora, much like this stylish woman.
Instead of wearing a black fedora hat, which would make the entire outfit quite dark, topping your look with white livens everything up. We adore the color palette this woman put together, elevating a simple outfit with some chic charm.
If you’re looking to make a serious statement, then you might want to complete your fashionista outfit with a fedora.
Wearing a big scarf and oversized coat paired with a wide-brimmed hat, you’ve got a don’t-mess-with-me fashion vibe that no one will question, but will desperately want to replicate.
It’s really that easy to put an outfit together. A classic pair of trousers, some gloves (Chanel, natch), some big hoops, and a dash of red lipstick will complete this regal, fashion-forward look that will challenge all other ways on how to wear a fedora.
This business casual look will give you the edge over anyone sporting a typical pants suit. A fedora paired with trousers, a fitted cashmere knit turtleneck, and a roomy overcoat will give you that lady boss feel without looking too stuffy.
We’d recommend pairing this with a sleek pair of stilettos and some modest but tasteful jewelry.
Your everyday outfit doesn’t need to look bland or boring when you’ve got a fedora hat to top it all off. Using your hat as the central statement piece, you can pair some jeans with your choice of sweater, blouse, or T-shirt.
With your fedora leading the way, even the most casual outfit can look like it was styled by a fashionista.
Style your fedora according to the season! Especially for a fall, winter, or spring look, fedoras pair perfectly with a big cashmere or trench coat that hits below the knee, so you’ll have one sleek look from head to toe.
All you need is a statement fedora, a cozy coat, and a cute pair of kicks to complete your outfit.
Please, please! No photos when you’re out trying to live your life. Keep the paparazzi at bay by wearing your fedora to go incognito! If you’ve got a wide-brimmed fedora, you’re off to a good start.
Plus, it’ll leave people wondering which celeb you might be hiding under that brim.
Why else do so many people wear hats during the summer? To block out the sun, of course! Since fedoras can dress anything up or down, you can look stylish at the beach while wearing this fashionable chapeau with your bathing suit.
Feeling even more adventurous? Pair your straw fedora with a linen sun cover, some diva sunglasses plus wrap-around sandals, and you’ve got yourself an outfit for lounging at the beach. Hello Grecian goddess, anyone?
Shorts and a jean jacket can make you blend into any background, but once you top it with a fedora? You’ve got a chic and casual outfit that’ll last you throughout Coachella.
With a simple blouse, cropped acid wash jean jacket, and loose-fitting pair of linen shorts topped with your fedora hat? Mama mia, you’ve got yourself a sexy, casual, and inspiring everyday look.
And with such a simple vibe, you can go crazy with the shoes — we suggest some fun flats, sneakers, or sandals to round it out.
We couldn’t leave out the most important outfit that goes with a fedora — a maxi dress or cute jumpsuit! There’s no simpler way to style your three-piece ensemble. All you need is a fedora, your slip-on dress or jumpsuit, and a great pair of shoes.
You can select your pairing depending on what you’re getting up to. Baby shower? A maxi and sandals. Brunch? A jumpsuit with sneakers. Add on your fedora hat and you’re all good to go!
How to Style a Fedora Hat?
Sure, having outfit inspo is nice, but if you’re considering wearing a hat, you’re probably thinking: Well, how to style a fedora hat in the first place?
That depends largely on the theme of your outfit. Are you wearing a business casual outfit? If so, imagine walking into a meeting with a suit, a chignon, red lips, and a fedora hat. You’ll command the room in a sec.
Or maybe you’re looking for an outfit for a night out with the girls. Depending on which restaurant or bar you’re heading to, you can put together a simple outfit and upgrade the elegance factor with the addition of a fedora hat. How cute!
If you’re looking for other solutions on how to wear your fedora in a casual way that isn’t meant for a night out or for a business meeting at the office, you can tie your hair in some braids and pair it with something floral, along with sandals and a loose-fitting cardigan.
Worn with sunnies and a simple pair of hoop earrings, you’ve got yourself a great date or brunch outfit!
Best Places to Buy Fedora Hat
Fedoras are sold far and wide, but you can narrow down your search by deciding what style you want, from the following list:
- Tweed
- Straw
- Wool
- Leather
- Felt
- Wide-brimmed
- Thin-brimmed
Once that’s decided, you can check out a few of the retailers below to see if they have what you’re looking for, whether you’re shopping online or in their brick-and-mortar stores.
- Tentree
- Tilley
- Banana Republic
- The Last Hunt
- Hats in the Belfry
- Lack of Color
- Twang and Pearl
- Cotswold Country Hats
- Hudson’s Bay
- Peili
Can You Wear a Fedora in the Summer?
While checking out some of the options for fedora hat material, you might have been wondering, Wait, can you wear a fedora in the summer? It seems crazy to think about wearing a leather or wool hat in the heat.
However, fedoras also come in straw, and some of the felted wool versions are quite lightweight, and provide great UV protection from the sun.
So, the short answer? Absolutely!
What Color of Fedora Should I Wear?
When considering how to wear a fedora, choose the right color profiles to not only go with your outfit, but your hair color, skin tone, and accessories. When asking yourself, What color fedora should I wear? — it’s good to factor in some of these influences.
For example, if your hair is blonde and your skin is fair, you might want to pick up a brown, navy, or black fedora, for definition and boldness.
Or, if you have dark hair and skin tone plus your accessories are striking, a beige, white, or print fedora might be the way to go. In any outfit, a good rule to go by is striking a good balance of color.
Keep in mind though, there is no wrong answer on how to wear a fedora. That’s what makes fashion so great. A lot of what you wear depends on personality, confidence, and preference. Here’s a list of the most common and accessible color palettes you can find for fedoras:
- White
- Beige
- Brown
- Cream
- Black
- Navy
- Floral
- Animal print
- Striped
- Plaid
Are Fedoras Still in Style?
If you feel putting on a fedora makes you look like you just stepped out of a 40s mobster movie, you might be thinking: Are fedoras still in style? Definitely.
The fedora has seen a rise and fall in trends throughout the years but it has made a big comeback, becoming a staple in any woman’s closet today.
At the end of the day, your hat can be as stylish as it’s always been — you just need the right outfit, and there’ll be no question if they’re still in style.
The answer will be obvious when you get all those compliments on your ensemble every time you leave the house with a fedora hat on.
Are Fedoras Casual?
Sure, fedoras can be casual. If you want to rock your new chapeau to the library, the beach, to brunch, or a picnic, a fedora is the perfect casual accessory to add to your relaxed look.
But that’s not the final rule on how to wear a fedora properly. You can wear your hat for formal occasions as you do casual ones, they’re just that versatile!
Final Thoughts
We hope you had fun learning about the life and times of the classic wardrobe asset, the fedora. Between the background, origins, and design transformations over time, we can say with confidence that we’re glad to see that the fedora is still elevating many outfits and acting as a statement piece to zhuzh up ensembles.
By being readily available in a vast array of fabrics, styles, and colors, these sassy chapeaus are the perfect complement to any outfit, formal or casual.
If you thought your earrings, bag, or boots were the only accents you could have, now you know you can wear a fedora and see the fabulous impact it has on your outfit.
Going for coffee? Fedora. Have a wedding to attend? Fedora. Hitting up the beach? Well, you can’t go wrong with a fedora.
So, if you’ve been considering snagging a fedora the next time you’re out shopping, or want to break out your hat that’s been sitting at the back of your closet, please do so! We insist.
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