As you plot your Spring 2011 accessory purchases, don’t leave out one crucial fashion accessory, HATS!

All shapes, sizes, and forms of hats dominated the runways this Spring. No need to limit yourself to wearing hats for purely functional reasons, it will pay to invest in a few good hats as fashion accessories this Spring!

THE STRAW FEDORA

Straw fedoras are the most practical and easiest hat to wear. It’s the ultimate beach accessory, that provides comfortable, chic protection from the sun. Straw fedoras are universal and easy to throw on to cover a bad hair day or simply to add some chic to your look!

Dsquared used straw fedoras on models to create a slightly boyish look. Vivienne Westwood models wore straw fedoras which had nothing in common to the outfits they were teaming it with.

Straw fedoras can be made more interesting by trying a colored straw that contrasts with your hair color. Red/Auburn hair color – try a black straw. If you have dark hair – try a bright bold color.

You could opt for a bright colored one for a casual outing, or neutral colors for a semi formal occasion. Also try adding an accessory such as a flower pin to make this look stand out more.

THE WIDE-BRIMMED FLOPPY HAT

Taking cue from carefree 70’s style, floppy hats are a classic that will always be in style. Audrey Hepburn wore her wide-brimmed hat to evoke romance and mystery. Kate Moss wears her wide-brimmed hat to create an urban-chic look while shopping in Paris.

No need to relegate your floppy hat for sunning at the beach or a formal chic event like the horse derby races. Mix up your everyday look by wearing a wide-brimmed hat with an unexpected outfit.

For a literal 1970’s look wear it with wide-leg pants and a tucked in blouse. For a more modern look, try a pair of skinny jeans and a striped tank.

Wear it with your hair down and wavy if you want to create an approachable, easy-going casual look. Tie your hair into a neat bun at the back of your neck or braid it interestingly to create a more conservative almost strict look.

THE TURBAN

Feeling more daring? Although this trend will lay lower than other hat trends, the turban is the ultimate way to show confidence in your style this Spring!

This desert headwear accessory proved surprisingly wearable in the vast interpretations seen on the runway. Issa and Vena Cava went for bulbous and bright look, while Milly took on a more sleek and sophisticated look.