Hat and Gloves

Wearing a hat and gloves for my Jackie Kennedy Halloween costume

When I was home alone in the 1960s fine-tuning my female presentation, there were two things that I thought were important to my womanly wardrobe that you seldom see these days. My mother was my model and whenever she dressed up, she wore a hat and gloves – not to fend off the weather, but as fashion accessories. Fashionable hats and gloves were essential accessories for women. These items were not just about style but also about social norms and etiquette.

During the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, hats were a staple in women's wardrobes. Styles ranged from the elegant pillbox hats popularized by Jacqueline Kennedy to wide-brimmed hats and smaller, more decorative options. Hats were often adorned with ribbons, feathers, and other embellishments, reflecting the wearer's personality and social status. Wearing a hat was considered a sign of respectability and was almost mandatory for formal occasions and church services.

Gloves were equally important. Women wore them to complement their outfits, especially for formal events, social gatherings and  even casual outings. Gloves came in various lengths, from wrist-length to opera-length, and were made from materials like cotton, silk, and leather. They were seen as a symbol of elegance and sophistication.

The decline of these fashion staples began in the 1960s. Several factors contributed to this shift.

Cultural Changes – The 1960s brought significant cultural and social changes. The youthquake movement emphasized individuality and freedom of expression, leading to a more relaxed approach to fashion.

Practicality – As lifestyles became more casual and practical, the need for formal accessories like hats and gloves diminished. Women started prioritizing comfort and convenience over strict fashion rules.

Influence of Icons – Fashion icons and celebrities began to adopt more casual styles, influencing the general public. For example, the rise of casual wear and the popularity of hairstyles that didn't require hats contributed to their decline.

By the late 1960s and early 1970s, hats and gloves had largely fallen out of everyday fashion, becoming more of a niche or occasional accessory rather than a daily necessity.

Personally, I adopted hats and gloves in my wardrobe. My mother had a nice selection of both to choose from including gloves in a variety of colors. But at six feet six in my mother’s 4-inch heels, the low overhead was even lower wearing a hat and I kept losing my hat passing through doorways. So I stopped wearing hats. However, gloves were a perfect fit and I wore them often and I even bought a few pairs myself. 

These days, I seldom wear gloves as a fashion accessory, but I do wear them to fend off the weather.

Wearing Cynthia Rowley

Long time Femulate.org reader, Mindy