Top It Off With a Vintage Hat

Popularized in the twenties, the cloche hat is an icon of flapper fashion. Seen in such films as Changeling and King Kong, it is indicative of style for that time period. Though the hat is unique to the early twentieth century, it's still stylish in present day. Making a roaring return this fall, the timeless cloche is this season's desired cold weather accessory. 
 
Cloche is the French word for 'bell', which should come as no surprise, considering the structure of the hat. Not only does the bell shape create a unique silhouette, but it also works in favor of your head's shape, fostering a comfortable fit. It is typically crafted with a simple fabric, such as wool, and it's adorned with charming accents, like ribbons, feathers, and bows. During the twenties, women tossed on cloches to complement their elegant gowns. But, for the modern-day woman, this hat is a classy and feminine way to complete a polished, everyday look.

One of the cloche's special qualities is its ambiguity — as you hide under the brim of the hat, you allude to your innocence and shyness. Nevertheless, wearing a cloche also makes a strong statement, conveying your power and confidence to the world. No matter how it's portrayed, the cloche takes you back in time and allows you to channel a different persona each day, which is just as mysterious as it is exciting. Cloche hats were seen on the Ralph Lauren runway this season, and you can find more vintage-inspired cloches at Anthropologie.

See more of the coveted cloche collection after the jump...

Text Jennifer Bernard  
Images Style.com and Anthropologie