A Local's Guide To Styling Western Hats
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, western hats have transcended their traditional roots to become a symbol of timeless style. The accessory not only adds a touch of western charm but also serves as a versatile statement piece that can elevate any outfit. Here’s how the experts say to wear the hats best.
STEAMBOAT HATTER
Kay McKenzie, co-owner of Steamboat Hatter in Steamboat Springs, steamboathatter.com
Photo by Ian V Santiago
“Here at Steamboat Hatter, we believe a good hat should be able to fit any occasion. Whether you’re dressing up for a special event, headed out to the grocery store in a snowstorm or rafting class five rapids, a good hat should stand up to the challenge.
The custom hats we make here at Steamboat Hatter are fur felt hats made the old-school way. Though we love to adorn our hats and create fashionable statement pieces, the heart of what we do here is make durable hats that will stand the test of time; hats that you can re-shape and re-style endlessly. We want our hats to be a reflection of the person wearing them and show off each person’s unique personality and style.
We believe the best way to style our hats is simply however you want! That being said, we personally love to embrace the western heritage of these hats by styling them with fun vintage pieces made of suede, leather, silk and wool. A casual black dress or pair of blue jeans can be easily dressed up with a unique jacket, good pair of boots and an awesome hat! We love to create a more modern take on traditional style ideas by mixing and matching elements from different eras and regions. The possibilities are truly endless and we are constantly discovering new and fun ways to style our hats.”
CAMP BIRD
Kim Lake, owner of Camp Bird in Telluride, campbirdtelluride.com
Photo by Abie Livesay Photography
“I love to make and wear beautiful cowboy hats. To me, it represents the Wild West, wide open spaces, freedom. I believe in authenticity when wearing a cowboy hat and integrating it into your everyday style. I’m not going to put on a bunch of western garb because I have a cowboy hat on. I wear my hat with my hightop sneakers, T-shirts, overalls, leather rocker jackets, cashmere sweaters, sequin skirts and camo pants. When I get dressed, I want to put on things I love and feel like me. No ‘costumes’ here.
Cowboy hats are glamorous and start conversations with strangers. When you put a great cowboy hat on, you walk taller and feel more confident. So, my advice on how to style a cowboy hat is to ‘just do-it’ and be yourself. The Wild West has no rules!
The average cowboy hat has a 4-inch brim. That is a lot of volume, so my advice when styling hair is to keep it soft. Leave some strands in front of your ears. If you put hair in a braid or ponytail, keep it low and a little loose. Your hair creates some volume underneath the hat and helps to balance everything out.”
SUNWARD
Carrie Calvin, owner of Sunward Studio in Gypsum, shopsunward.com
Photo by Haley Nord Photography
“A hat is an extension of your outfit — it should make you feel confident.
Sunward hats are custom designed for the client. When fitting a client, the style and size are the boxes I check first, then the color. Often clients say to me ‘I don’t look good in hats’ and I tell them they haven’t found the right style for their head shape. Round, narrow, large, small … there is a fit for everyone. Often requested for special occasions, I will customize each hat with personal engraved branding, gemstones, recycled Sari silk, custom leather hat bands and more.”
Originally published in the Spring 2024 issue of Spoke+Blossom.