Suit up, everyone: it’s officially hat season. Wide brim hats are a thriving trend that have and are still currently making a major mark in the fashion world. From the shelves of Forever 21 to the glossy runways of New York, these pieces have proved to be far more than just those accessories you dust off once a year for Coachella—hats are seriously in, folks. Ralph Lauren’s fall 2015 ready-to-wear collection was not exempt from the influence of this trend. Models strutted down the runway adorned in these stylish pieces while also donning a glamorous assortment of opulent faux furs, evening gowns, fringed coats, chic knits and pant suits. Using wide brim hats as part of an evening wear look was a twist on the trend that I found quite intriguing of Ralph Lauren to do. It was fascinating seeing these casual pieces flawlessly paired with such glamorous attire, and it ultimately inspired me to try out the look for myself.
Since my personal style is highly influenced by bohemian fashion, I chose to take on this evening twist with a West Coast flare in mind. To put together a look that was reflective of both a glamorous evening ensemble and my own sense of style, a black Anthropologie kimono jacket and a black Barcelona camisole from Express served as the perfect pieces for creating this balance. The sleek and structured details of both garments complement the formal elements of the ensemble, and the bell sleeves and embellished pattern featured on the kimono jacket add a bit more of a bohemian feel. I also opted for a pair of light-washed denim jeans rather than a matching pair of black pants, as I felt the denim made the ensemble more reflective of my beachy style. A glossy pair of nude ankle strap heels complete the outfit, a pop of animal print from my Coach bag adds some excitement and, of course, it’s all topped off with a fabulous wide brim hat.
The final look is a classy combination of evening wear meets West Coast-chic; one that I consider a fabulous representation of both my personal style and this beautiful collection by Ralph Lauren. These looks go to show that the versatility of wide brim hats is incredibly vast and a sure sign that we can expect these pieces to be in style for quite some time. Hats paired with formal wear is an exciting new arena for this trend to be in, and I’m pretty excited to see where exactly they will go next.
Get My Look: 1. Wide brim hat. 2. Kimono jacket. 3. Sleek shirt.
