How to Add Pizzazz to a Dull Hat and Make it a Unique Masterpiece

Hats are not the daily wear requirement they once were, but they still serve as a fun and fashionable accessory on occasion. Sometimes, however, even the best hat could use a little help. Do you have a beret in need of some zest? A straw hat in need of color? Or maybe a military cap in need of bling? Look no further!

Dress Up a Beret

There are a few different beret styles with the main difference between varieties being the amount of material available to "poof" at the top of the hat. No matter the amount of vertical inclination, the best place to detail a beret is at the base.

Break out some embroidery thread in a metallic shade or in a color that highly contrasts with the beret (i.e. contrast a black beret with red thread, navy blue with white, white with black, etc.). If you can embroider or cross-stitch, more power to you! You can take your skills and actually create a border and texture around the rim by creating a slightly flowing scallop stitch along the beret. If you can't embroider, that is also A-okay. Even a straight stitch will add an extra bit of oomph to your hat, especially if you are using a metallic thread or a more textured embroidery floss.

Straw Hat Blues

Do you like to garden or go for walks without having to worry about sun exposure? If so, then chances are you own at least one straw hat. When that plain garden hat starts to get to you, there are a few techniques for dressing it up!

First, think about My Fair Lady. Yes, the movie with Audrey Hepburn. In one promo shot for the film she is wearing a white hat (not straw, but in a typical straw shape) that would be quite plain without the addition of a blue satin ribbon. You can do the same with your straw hat, or you can create a similar illusion by using a cross-stitch or embroidery hoop to mark a perfect one-quarter inch to half-inch line across your hat just above the brim at the base of the crown. Paint in this line with a dark color to create a runway worthy contrast.

My Military Hat Is Too...Military

Military hats have increased in popularity a great deal in recent years, but only a few mass merchandisers have gotten bold with the bling when retooling this classic. To do it yourself you need a ruler, a tracing pencil, a hot glue gun and fake bling.

Use your ruler to evenly space out a geometric pattern of your choice on the bill of the hat. Mark the spots for your bling with the tracing pencil. Apply the bling with the hot glue gun. Bam! Instant customization. To deck out the side of your hat similarly, I would recommend avoiding the glue gun. Instead, purchase a few large jeweled pins and attach them when you want an extra bit of shimmer.

With styles these unique, it's okay to walk with a bit more swagger. Cock that hat and hit the runway.