A hat is a very individual thing. Carefully chosen, it can add a magic touch of flattery to the face and be just the right finish for an outfit. First you must consider the type of face you have bearing in mind cheekbones are the most important feature, determining the shape of the face. Then come the forehead, nose and chin. If you are lucky and have the ideal formation, with wide cheekbones and a face tapering to a rounded point, the choice of a shape will be the least of your worries, for most styles and shapes will suit you.
Long narrow faces
Avoid small, narrow or elongated hats, which will only make your face look narrower still. Choose a hat with a brim, which will give the impression of width where it is most needed. Square faces
Wear your hat at a slight angle or try breaking the brim up a little with an attractive or unusual feather set in at an angle will help to detract from that square set look. Round plump faces
Avoid the rather straight, hard type of hat. A large hat as long as it does not have a narrow crown will look best. A retrousse nose
A cloche, off-the-face or backward type of hat with a shallow crown works best. If the nose is large this can be counteracted by wearing the hat slightly forward on the brow. Never wear it back off the forehead for it will only emphasize the size of the nose. Try out different brims and bows and trimmings which will serve to draw attention away from the nose.
Wide forehead
A rakish sweep down over one ear works well. Double chin
Choose the wider type of hat with an upsweep from the face. A forward slanting trim will help detract from the lower, downward drop of the chin. Receding chin
Avoid any form of backward line or trimming as this would end to emphasize the chin. Try a sailor hat tilted slightly forward or to one side in a plain or classic style. Alternatively a full cloche or pill-box trimmed with ribbons, small flowers or feathers work well. Concentrate on the off-the-face or straight styles and give the face width with flowers or clusters of small feathers.The point is to draw the eye away from the bad features to the pleasing and attractive spot on the hat. Always try your hat on with the dress or coat and accessories you intend to wear so that you can see the overall effect of your appearance. A bulky collar would not only be most uncomfortable to wear with a large full-brimmed hat but it would create a top heavy look.