FUN IN THE SUN

Looking for a playful, trendy accessory to dress up your outfit? Consider a hat

By Allison Bills Photos provided by Six + Cypress and Ines Ruzicka

ats may have been originally designed for

Hprotection from the elements, but now, they can be so much more than that. From practical sun protection to stylish accents, hats have the capability of making (or breaking) any outfit. “Hats are the smallest piece you can add to make your outfit cuter and unique while being comfortable,” says Hannah Thuer, owner of JADE Clothing in Geneva. “It’s so nice when you put a hat on and you’re like, ‘Yes, I know what I’m going to wear with this and how cool I’m going to look.’” From wide-brimmed hats to baseball caps, an array of styles exists for different occasions. However, this summer, local Kane County fashionistas say fedoras and straw, sun and bucket hats will be all

the rage. “Hats give any low-key, regular outfit an edgier vibe,” says Sarah Graves, owner of Artemisia in Geneva. “It’s a fun thing to add and it changes your outfit for sure.” Sun and straw hats tend to be tightly wound and circular in shape, with wide brims all the way around. “I see a lot of women wearing them at the beach or on a boat,” Graves says. “They can offer protection from the sun, whereas raffia hats have a much shorter brim and the sun tends to get through that.” The fedora trend was popular in the winter, and it’s not going anywhere. However, the fabrics may look a little bit different — wool and felt hats with thicker materials are more practical in winter months, while straw tends to be more popular in the summertime. “I find that people really wear fedoras yearround,” says Kasey Hoag, owner of Six + Cypress in Batavia. “And baseball/trucker hats because they represent something or are super witty.”

Like fedoras, Thuer says she’s seen the bucket hat trend carry over from the winter. But bucket hats today aren’t the traditional kind — they have a sturdier brim and a more exaggerated shape. “Bucket hats can be a statement piece,” says Thuer, noting that she carries the brand Lack of Color. “You can be wearing shorts and a T-shirt, and when you throw on a bucket hat, it dresses it up so much.”

While hats can be a nice addition to an outfit, they can also be their own statement piece. “I see a lot of funky bands on hats,” Thuer says. “You put a tribal band on a hat and it changes the entire look and makes it more unique.”

Orijinal, Graves’ hat brand at Artemisia, comes in mostly muted colors, although the bands around the hats are anything but. The designer takes kilim fabric from Turkish rugs and transforms them into a fun pop of color. Orijinal is also known for doing leather cutout bands or even adding vintage coins. “We sell the heck out of those hats,” Graves adds.

Trends like this summer’s array of hats may come and go, but classics like beanies and baseball caps are never going to go away.

“Wear what makes you feel comfortable and put your own touch on your hat style,” Hoag says. “Trends are super fun, but comfort and confidence win all!”

ACCESSORIZE

Your Style

Peak Boutique

Anew Consignment

We are busy moms who know what it is like to go from bus drop-off, to workouts to meetings! We created Peak Boutique, so women could feel good and look amazing from their yoga mats to lunch with friends to after school activities. We always pair our outfits with our favorite accessory, Gemelli Italia Jewelry. Gemelli Italia Jewelry is designed by two local sisters who create beautiful, unique, boho inspired pieces using natural gemstones and rare beads.

Peak Boutique is located in the historic district of Geneva.

207 S. Third St. | 630-253-1434 | peakboutiquegeneva.com

Anew is a luxury boutique located in downtown Geneva that specializes in modern women's fashion and is revamping what consignment means. Anew focuses on providing women and teens in the area with a way to freshen up their wardrobe without paying “new” prices every season and gives a new life to clothing that no longer suits your style or needs. We also appeal to the lady looking to add a little luxury to her life with our constantly changing stock of designer bags and accessories, ranging from Louis Vuitton to Chanel to Gucci. Anew has something great for every guest that stops by!

27 W. State St. | Geneva | 630-262-0944 | anewwaytoshop.com

 This white bodysuit, blazer and belted black shorts can be found at Apricot Lane Boutique. Black hat available at Artemisia.

8 trendy spring outfits, whether you’re going to yoga or out to dinner

Photos by Ron McKinney Photography Hair and makeup done by One Salon & Bridal Co. stylist Melanie Harman

CHIC & Stylish

The open spaces, vintage furniture and beautiful brick at Company 251 provided an elegant backdrop for Kane County Magazine’s annual spring fashion photo shoot. See the captions for information on where to find these outfits, included from six local Kane County boutiques.

 She wears a ruffled white sweater, black jeans and yellow plaid blazer, an elegant transitional look for spring, available at Flourish.

 Far Left: Intricate earrings, a chain necklace and gold cuff bracelet elevate this classy patterned shirt and black pants. Find the outfit and jewelry at Artemisia.

 Matching sets are all the rage; find this one — and the hat — at JADE Clothing.

 Stay comfy and stylish with these loose, slightly distressed jeans and flowy top, both available at JADE Clothing.

 Find this flowy green and white dress at Six + Cypress. Forest green hat available at JADE Clothing.

 She wears a marble cropped hoodie and textured black leggings, both available at Six + Cypress.

 Whether you’re headed to a workout or an afternoon with friends, these maroon leggings, gray tank top and casual flannel will keep you in style. Find the outfit at Peak Fitness Studio & Retail Boutique.