2026-06-29T06:22:54Z https://hatacademy.com/forum/topics/hat-first-or-outfit-first?xg_source=activity&feed=yes&xn_auth=no tag:hatacademy.com,2016-04-15:6485913:Comment:173368 2016-04-15T15:23:27.358Z Bridget Early https://hatacademy.com/profile/BridgetEarly

<p>I think it depends on what article is to be your feature.  If you want your hat to be the centerpiece.  Who wouldn't? Design the hat first, and then choose or design a dress that will act as the perfect foil for the dress.  For those who put more emphasis on the dress or those difficult to fit, who are not having a custom design created for them; the dress will come first, with a hat being designed around the dress.</p>

<p>I think it depends on what article is to be your feature.  If you want your hat to be the centerpiece.  Who wouldn't? Design the hat first, and then choose or design a dress that will act as the perfect foil for the dress.  For those who put more emphasis on the dress or those difficult to fit, who are not having a custom design created for them; the dress will come first, with a hat being designed around the dress.</p> tag:hatacademy.com,2015-03-11:6485913:Comment:135380 2015-03-11T23:01:41.809Z Jain Kidsley https://hatacademy.com/profile/JainKidsley

<p>having put together a "creation" in the colours you have chosen to make it work, you then get an order for the same piece having to match the outfit, which  never seems to work as well as the original design. customer may be thrilled but I always feel a little disappointed: so hat first outfit second for me. </p>

<p>having put together a "creation" in the colours you have chosen to make it work, you then get an order for the same piece having to match the outfit, which  never seems to work as well as the original design. customer may be thrilled but I always feel a little disappointed: so hat first outfit second for me. </p> tag:hatacademy.com,2015-03-08:6485913:Comment:135309 2015-03-08T11:29:03.432Z carena28 https://hatacademy.com/profile/carena28

I just bought a dress online this week. I had some braid that I ordered from House of Adorn and, to my delight, I noticed that it matches my dress perfectly! So this time it was dress first, then hat!!!

I just bought a dress online this week. I had some braid that I ordered from House of Adorn and, to my delight, I noticed that it matches my dress perfectly! So this time it was dress first, then hat!!! tag:hatacademy.com,2015-03-06:6485913:Comment:134498 2015-03-06T11:36:29.172Z edith f https://hatacademy.com/profile/edithf

<p>Usually for a client the outfit always comes first as that dictates the colour and potential style of the fascinator!  But as a milliner. I can be inspired by a creation first before going on to design the perfect outfit instead of shopping for it!</p>

<p>Usually for a client the outfit always comes first as that dictates the colour and potential style of the fascinator!  But as a milliner. I can be inspired by a creation first before going on to design the perfect outfit instead of shopping for it!</p> tag:hatacademy.com,2015-03-04:6485913:Comment:134356 2015-03-04T07:45:28.609Z Rebecca Baker https://hatacademy.com/profile/RebeccaBaker

<p>I believe that the "Hat is the inspiration for the outfit".  You really have so much to work with if you choose a hat that you love first, it takes care of dress style and colour as well as where to shop for it in a lot of cases. </p> <p>On a different note, my mother in law gave me her  "everyday hat" that she wore on a daily basis back in the 30's, and you wouldn't believe that it was a fur-velvet deep teal coloured cloche! now, she wore that everyday!  she would have had to really…</p>

<p>I believe that the "Hat is the inspiration for the outfit".  You really have so much to work with if you choose a hat that you love first, it takes care of dress style and colour as well as where to shop for it in a lot of cases. </p> <p>On a different note, my mother in law gave me her  "everyday hat" that she wore on a daily basis back in the 30's, and you wouldn't believe that it was a fur-velvet deep teal coloured cloche! now, she wore that everyday!  she would have had to really consider that hat when it came to buying or making her daily wardrobe.  Hat's inspire your outfit choices!</p> tag:hatacademy.com,2015-01-12:6485913:Comment:129106 2015-01-12T00:34:29.137Z carena28 https://hatacademy.com/profile/carena28

Still trying to decide lol!

Still trying to decide lol! tag:hatacademy.com,2013-11-13:6485913:Comment:82170 2013-11-13T13:20:25.626Z marge crunkleton https://hatacademy.com/profile/margecrunkleton192

<p>I am not a milliner, but nevertheless...have an opinion.  I am an American mannequin head maker (<a href="http://www.crunkleton.com" target="_blank">www.crunkleton.com</a>) and although I agree that it is all about the hat.... My bottom line is that it is ALL ABOUT THE FACE.  I feel one should choose a hat they love and most of all...one that flatters their face....THEN  it is time for the outfit to flatter the look , hence completing the picture.  I say:   start  with the top of the picture…</p>

<p>I am not a milliner, but nevertheless...have an opinion.  I am an American mannequin head maker (<a href="http://www.crunkleton.com" target="_blank">www.crunkleton.com</a>) and although I agree that it is all about the hat.... My bottom line is that it is ALL ABOUT THE FACE.  I feel one should choose a hat they love and most of all...one that flatters their face....THEN  it is time for the outfit to flatter the look , hence completing the picture.  I say:   start  with the top of the picture with a hat and face then work your way down to the shoes.</p> tag:hatacademy.com,2013-11-06:6485913:Comment:81059 2013-11-06T20:50:39.868Z carena28 https://hatacademy.com/profile/carena28

My client ended up winning Fashions on the Field in Brisbane, she wore a gorgeous deep teal dress with a peplum and a belt, which matched my hat exactly. When I sent her my hat I added swatches of fabric to make shopping easier for her. She also wore a large statement teal necklace and teal shoes and looked fantastic. I have included pics!

My client ended up winning Fashions on the Field in Brisbane, she wore a gorgeous deep teal dress with a peplum and a belt, which matched my hat exactly. When I sent her my hat I added swatches of fabric to make shopping easier for her. She also wore a large statement teal necklace and teal shoes and looked fantastic. I have included pics! tag:hatacademy.com,2013-11-01:6485913:Comment:80713 2013-11-01T04:26:17.720Z Dianne Graham https://hatacademy.com/profile/DianneGraham

<p>I agree  with Hat first. Once you find the perfect hat in a color and style you like the rest is much easier, Their are so many more options for clothing. You can find the perfect clothes and look great but find the perfect hat and you complete the outfit in a way that is outstanding!</p>

<p>I agree  with Hat first. Once you find the perfect hat in a color and style you like the rest is much easier, Their are so many more options for clothing. You can find the perfect clothes and look great but find the perfect hat and you complete the outfit in a way that is outstanding!</p> tag:hatacademy.com,2013-10-31:6485913:Comment:80491 2013-10-31T12:08:17.241Z Linda Ford https://hatacademy.com/profile/LindaFord

<p>I always say 'hat first'.   The way I look at it - they have many more options to buy outifts than what they do to buy a good quality headpiece.    But as Elaine says - many rock up with the dress and that is ok too. </p>

<p>I always say 'hat first'.   The way I look at it - they have many more options to buy outifts than what they do to buy a good quality headpiece.    But as Elaine says - many rock up with the dress and that is ok too. </p>