As Sarah Jessica Parker demonstrated so perfectly at the world premiere of the movie Sex And The City, a hat can do things for a person.
SJP's apple-green concoction made from layered peacock feathers stole the show from the rest of the cast and set this summer's trend for glamorous headpieces.

Its creator Philip Treacy, who designed hats for Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel for 10 years describes it as a "quintessentially-English accessory with a Carrie Bradshaw twist."



He says: "Dressing Sarah Jessica Parker for the premiere was our greatest fashion moment; our last was the Royal wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla and previous to that David and Victoria Beckham when he received the OBE."

As well as the Royal family and other celebrities, Philip Treacy has worked with the late Gianni Versace, Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan, so he knows what he's talking about.

"Hats cause a reaction," he says. "They are a symbol of positivity and they make people smile. Hats are very sexy and can completely change the personality of the wearer, make them stand differently, walk differently and make them feel interesting.

"The greatest style icons of our time wore hats," he adds.

Glamorous

But are hats a must? Can you be fussed? With Royal Ascot – our most glamorous race meet – topping the social calendar this week and thoughts turning to summer wedding invitations, the answer seems to be a resounding 'Yes!'

Everyone has the potential to wear a hat; the secret is getting it right.

"Every individual customer will suit a different hat shape," says Sara Lewis, women's accessories buyer at Debenhams. "Those with a long narrow face should experiment with wide brims and ideally avoid hats with a high crown.

"Square face shapes should stick to asymmetric brims to detract from an angular jaw and round faces should go for big hats and ensure the brim is wider than the face.

"A handy hint is to remember the mount of a hat or hair-piece should be positioned over the right eye. Spectacle wearers should wear upturned brims as they open up the face."



Up-and-coming designer Sophie Iliffe trained at the London College of Fashion and spent four years as assistant milliner to the flamboyant designer Cozmo Jenks, while also attending classes with Rose Cory, the late Queen Mother's milliner who held a Royal Warrant until her death.
Sophie launched her own line in 2003 and past clients include pop stars Kylie Minogue and Jay 'Cat In The Hat' Kay.

She advises: "Those with longer faces should avoid too much height on the crown as this will accentuate the face length; headpieces worn closer to the head and cutting across the face are good or opt for an upturned brim.

"Squarer faces should go for a wider brim; sharp, horizontal shapes work well and complement the face. Rounder faces should look for more angular styles, an asymmetrical shape and sharper lines.

"But whatever your face shape, if you're going for a large brim always make sure it's no wider than the width of your shoulders."
It's a serious business. Ascot-goers are given strict regulations about their headgear.

She adds: "For Ascot, fascinators and headpieces need to be of a substantial size. You used to have to cover the crown of your head and although the rules have relaxed a little I think you should still take this into consideration when buying your headwear.

"After all, it's not every day you get to wear these beautiful creations so make the most of the experience. Whatever you choose to wear (hat or head-piece) you need to feel confident and happy to carry it off and feel comfortable."

Gorgeous

But try not to get too carried away on your hat until you've decided what to wear it with. Amanda Slader, chief fashion adviser for John Lewis says, "Always buy your dress first as there are so many gorgeous hats and fascinators available that you should easily be able to find one to suit your outfit.

"Finding a dress that is the right colour, style and fits perfectly is a much more difficult task whereas a hat is an accessory that should complement your outfit.

"Cover your head in proportion to how you cover your body. The idea is not to overshadow your outfit, so a strappy dress that shows some skin should be teamed with a fascinator that shows some hair. A trouser suit that covers you up should be worn with a hat that covers your head."

Slader adds: "In terms of colour, matching your skin tone is just as important as matching your outfit. Hats are closer to your face than anything else you wear and if the colour isn't flattering it will be especially noticeable.

"Don't forget to try it on in natural light. Paler skin tones should avoid neutral-coloured headpieces that may leave you looking washed out. Metallic headpieces are a good alternative to bold bright colours, which many lack the confidence to wear. Co-ordinated and contrasting colours can work – it's all a case of trial and error.

"However, if there is a 'wow' hat or fascinator that you have fallen in love with, go for it and team with a well-cut dress. Attending a free fashion advice appointment will allow you to do the two at once. Sit back and relax while your expert stylist scours the floor for you!"