Not that I don’t like Irish Farmers, I mean who doesn’t love spuds? Yum yum yumyyy! However I’m not so enamoured that I want to be mistaken for one when I wear my Flat Cap. That’s Farmer not spud…
Move over Madame Beret, the Great British Flat Cap is back in fashion! Have you noticed how popular the Beret is at the moment? And not just in traditional black but all colours. I love them too, in fact I recently wore a beautiful cream cashmere Beret in this post. Actually I’m now on the hunt for a pale pink one in order to create a specific look I have in mind. I’m thrilled the beret has come out in full force this winter, it’s tres chic oui? I’ve also noticed the Baker Boy has become increasingly popular too, see how my gorgeous friend Rhiannon superbly styles hers. Indeed it’s wonderful to see the return of hats across the board, they’ve been out of fashion far too long which has always puzzled me. As an outfit accessory you can’t get much more impact than simply by adding a hat. For many years I noticed people looking at me when I wore a hat out & about, some even passing compliments. I think it surprised them to see, although they liked it. If that makes sense? Though it’s not so distinctive to wear a hat any more, they’re absolutely everywhere!
In any case as a year round hat wearer I’m pretty much up for all styles. See some examples here, here , here & here.. For the record, todays post is about my all time favourite hat – The Flat Cap. Yep that old London East End look favoured by working class Cockney Men! Heehee that’s the one me old China *affects cockney rhyming slang, gives a wink*
Try a men’s cable knit cardi for an easy over-sized look
WHAT TO WEAR WITH A FLAT CAP
The down side of styling a Flat Cap is it can easily come off in a couple of not so flattering ways 1. The aforementioned Irish farmer look 2. The upper class fox-hunting twat look. Yes it’s a curious dilemma not faced with the Beret, Baker Boy, Trilby, Panama or any other style of hat I can think of. So why even go there? Well the answer to that is, it’s a fucking cool hat. Furthermore it looks sexy as hell on Men as well as Women. Think Idris Elba, David Beckham or Brad Pitt LORD HAVE MERCY….
*Annnd she’s back*
Sorry I was on another planet for a bit just then…
Now where were we? That’s right styling – The secret to wearing a flat cap is first be sure it fits properly, snug yet not too tight around the band. In addition the brim should sit straight or parallel as opposed to tilted up or pushed back. Finding a beautifully made Flat Cap in the colour you want is quite difficult but if you try the men’s department you’ll be spoilt for choice! I guess men wear them more than women because I find the women’s range is usually rather small & limited. Hence I have always bought men’s flat caps & today’s one is no exception. This grey checked Flat Cap from Marks and Spencer is 100% wool in size small & also happens to be water resistant which is handy at this time of year.
The Flat Cap really doesn’t need much styling to be fair as it looks perfect just with your favourite jeans. Throw on a t-shirt & blazer or leather jacket & you’re good to go. Take a look at some I’ve saved in Pinterest & you’ll get the gist. However it can also be switched up with a skirt as I’ve done in today’s post. Pairing my leather skirt with a chunky cable knit cardi (also from the men’s department) & my showstopper over-the-knee boots gives this cap just enough sass to keep it from being pantomime. For the tie effect & puffed sleeve peeking out at the wrist I wore my Rixo pussy bow shirt (see also here) Naturally any pussy bow shirt will work equally well. Remember to push up your cardi sleeves for the hint of print that finishes this classy look.
Traditional Croatian earrings
STYLE NOTES
- SHIRT – Rixo
- CARDIGAN – Tkmaxx (similar)
- BELT – car boot sale (similar)
- SKIRT – Vintage Ebay
- BOOTS – AllSaints old (Ebay)
- BAG – Louis Vuitton
- FLAT CAP – Marks and Spencer
A FINAL WORD ON STYLING…
Without telling you what to wear because we don’t like that #iwillwearwhatilike I must mention that to avoid looking like a character from Les Mis or Peaky Blinders I wouldn’t match any other tweed with the flat cap. It’s pretty straightforward really although I must reiterate, if that’s what you like then by all means go for it. Me no judgey.
Here’s some Cockney rhyming slang if you fancy a bubble bath, enjoy.
Bye for now my loves, xxx
Comments ( 18 )
Nancy Baten
I like this look so much, I might have to copy this! Happy New Years Eve!
MT
I’d love it if you did Nancy! HNY to you too gorgeous xx
No Fear of Fashion
Very well styled. I immediately tried to think what I had in my closet to copy it, but it isn’t much. Have to think of something else. You found just the right balance in colours, fabrics and structure. Well done. Love the look.
Greetje
PS I love Cockney rhyming slang. Only knew two or three expressions. So I saved your 100 link. By the way, do you not want to tick the box “Open link in new tab” when you link?
MT
Yay that’s made my day Greetje!
I usually do tick that box but I must’ve missed it this time, I was being constantly interrupted writing this post so it’s no wonder 😉 Thanks for letting me know love xx
Catherine, Not Dressed As Lamb
As I said on Instagram, you may post this whole outfit to me, you have my address….. I’ll allow for the holidays for a slight delay but I expect it soon. Thank you very much.
Heehee seriously – how crazy stylish is this outfit?!! I too love flat caps – I “only” have two but I wear them quite a bit. I’ve never thought Irish farmer but I have thought country bumpkin when I look in the mirror, maybe that’s the same thing! I am SO digging out my leather skirt from the charity pile now thanks to you my gorgeous and stylish friend!
Happy New Year, may all your (US) dreams come true this year!
C xoxo
MT
Of course you have a flat cap or two Catherine! I adore you in a hat, well all hats but lately that caramel beret is delicious. It has re-newed my determination to find my dream colour.
xxx
Katerina Marinova
Hahaha, I would most probably look exactly like someone fom Peaky Blinders, you managed to style is to effortlessly chic and awesome, adore it
MT
Thanks Keit, and welcome back baby! I’ve missed 😉 xxx
Lisa the sequinist
Love it allllll here, lady! That cap works so well against the Rixo leopard blouse and that fabulous cardigan… and the leather skirt, I mean I can’t even. I’m so happy these casual hats are in style. They really cover a myriad of bad hair days, don’t they? xx
MT
Ahem truth be told I save my hat wearing for the day after I shampoo my hair because it’s usually flat anyway 😉 I’d like to see you in another sexy beret outfit Mrs xxx
Petite teacher
Hi Michelle. I have seen quite some photos recently with outfits including flat caps and so far I thought it wasn’t for me. I still doubt…….but your photos and description are totally convincing. You look so stylish in this. Might be a good reason for me to step out of another comfort zone! Love, Lieske
MT
Ah now that is music to my ears Lieske! I hope you try it 😉 xx
Suzanne
Love the vintage vibe of this outfit. I’m a huge fan of newsboy caps.
Suzanne
MT
Thanks Suzanne, me too!
Helen Hobden
I agree; it’s a fucking cool hat! And an all-round cool outfit too – I love it! My father-in-law left his flat cap behind when visiting and I’m totally going to nick it now.
MT
LOL that’s hilarious Helen! Make sure you send Fil a photo of you rocking his flat cap 😉
Shelbee on the Edge
This outfit and your hat are absolute sartorial brilliance! I love every little detail from those amazing boots, that gorgeous skirt, the beautiful bow neck blouse, and belted cardigan. I applaud you! So gorgeous!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
MT
Oh Shelbee you just made my week Lady xxx