A HAT STORY

Hats can make or break a look, literally. But here's the thing: with the various options available, everyone can be a hat person. We give a low down on some of the trendiest pieces at the moment

- Sanika Achrekar

Remember the time when hats were only meant to block the sun, and not so much as a style statement? Over time, hats in menswear have become versatile not only as a good-looking necessity but also as a signature style statement that completes a look if done the right way.

The accessory has now upgraded from the basic silhouette into bigger variations. Think fedoras, the '80s style straw hats, flat caps, baseball caps, the '90s staple bucket hats, knit beanies, and snapback, among others. A staple accessory throughout all seasons on the runways of Kenzo, Dior Men, Louis Vuitton, Moschino, Versace, Boss, and others, hats also have a very important role in the collections by streetwear and sports brands such as Adidas, Fila, Onitsuka Tiger, Nike, and Reebok.

Wearing a hat is like the extra 'z' in the pizza, believes Namrata Lodha of Myaraa. "Without it, the pizza is not complete, and neither is the outfit without the hat. Wearing a hat can actually make you more confident because a hat will often make you look taller. It can, therefore, send a subconscious signal of increased strength or power. This is evidenced by the fact that many police and military dress uniforms often feature a hat, as did many other types of uniforms in past centuries. So, let this confidence spur you on to be more out there," she opines.