Hats

Hats can really make the difference between a fancy dress costume that's just so-so and one that's really fabulous. Many fancy dress costumes just aren't the same without the addition of the right hat. For example, a suit of armor just wouldn't be the same without the right helmet to carry off the look.

One of the best things about having several hats in your fancy dress wardrobe is that many hats can be multi-purposed for different costumes. A man's black felt hat, for example, can be used for a variety of different fancy dress costumes. These simple hats make a great addition to a fancy dress gangster costume and with the brim tilted just so and a jaunty feather tucked into the brim a black felt hat can become a fabulous Bavarian inspired hat. Add a pair of sunglasses and a black fat hat can easily pay tribute to the Blues Brothers.

Elegantly styled ladies hats can often be incorporated into a number of different fancy dress costumes. In some cases, the addition or removal of certain trimmings can make the same hat look entirely different. During the Victorian era ladies hats were a requisite for the fashionably dressed woman. If you're planning a period inspired fancy dress costume, be sure you select a hat that sets the right tone in order to complete an authentic look.

Hats for fancy dress party costumes can be easily obtained in a number of different ways. Costume hire shops usually carry a wide variety of hats and are reasonable in the prices they charge. In fact, many times a coordinating hat is included in the rental price for specific costumes. If you like the idea of having several hats stashed away in your closet for multiple events, you might try scouting out costume hire shops and theatre groups that are liquidating their inventory.

If you should opt to own hats rather than rent them when the need arises for fancy dress occasions you'll need to make sure that you take care of your hats to keep them in tip top condition. One way to do this is to purchase hat boxes for storing your hats. Once stored inside the boxes, your hats can easily be stashed on a shelf in your closet or even under bed until you need them. This is a great way to keep your hats from becoming crushed or dusty.