A new wardrobe favorite: blue baret hat

 

Last week I bought several 1930's/1940's hats at an 'at home fair' with friends. The great thing about this is the combination of socializing, shopping and making sure the stuff you don't wear anymore goes to a loving home. And as you are among friends everybodies prices are very friendly indeed.  From the 4 (!) hats I ended up taking home this is the one I have already worn several times this week.

It probably has everyting to do with the fact that it can be worn in a rather casual way AND is easy to attach to my hair. It only looks like a beret but it is more than that because of the shape and the fact that it stands up around your head.

 

It is made from wool fabric (not felt), that looks a bit like suede leather from a distance. The only decoration is a grosgrain ribbon hanging from the back giving it a young girly flair.

 

 

The soft fabric is lined with a mesh fabric. The mesh was treated with something to make it stiff. This has unfortunately made it quite breakable, so I have to take care when I put it on.

 

 

I would not be surprized if this hat was home made as it has no label and this fabric would be far more easy to stitch than felt.

 

 

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In a magazine from 1938  I found a pattern of a hat that has a similar shape (even more simple actually). In the same band of magazines I found many pictures of beret style hats. They are combined with casual as well as dressy outfits. Here are just a few examples:

 

 

 

The pictures were taken on Monday when I wore it with a blue 1940's dress with a white lace trim. This hat will go with many more outfits and I think it is a new favorite in my hat collection as it is so wearable in windy, cycling-minded Holland.