When stepping into a millinery shop, do so with a blank slate and no agenda–simply keep an open mind and a free-wheeling spirit. Leave the dress, the sister-in-law and the friends behind so that you can dedicate the moment purely to yourself. When your mood could use an uplift, your joy quotient needs a jolt, and your wardrobe requires instant gratification, a hat is the obvious solution to address all ills.

Yes, wear a dash of lipstick, have your hair hat ready, and your hands empty. Parcels are to be left at the door, no encumbering satchels or backpacks to distract. Be seated, if there’s a chair, and begin to try on differing shapes, colours, and proportions to get into the right frame of mind. If you always go for a cloche, try on a porkpie. If you tend towards large brims, reach for a fascinator, just as an exercise. This is the fun part, so relax and keep your eyes forward, observing the way the hat on your head frames your face, highlights your eyes, enhances your cheekbones. Allow zen thoughts to wash over you and empty your mind of bills, responsibilities, boyfriends, husbands, children…let it be just you and the hat. You deserve this moment of therapy. The focus is on you, your face, and the right hat, so leave any ADD compulsions at the door, please.

Admire the way the brim falls, pay attention to the lift that the crown affords…these are important details, and only your face can give you the answers. With this little exercise of fantasy out of the way, choose something that you would actually wear, whether for a cocktail party, or a rainy day, and try it on. Watch the smile spread across your face, and you’ll know it’s the hat for you. The spark has been struck, the match has been made, and it’s been a successful outing.

Now that didn’t hurt one bit, did it?

Image courtesy of Ellenchristine.com