Rotogravure Etiquette, Hats On or Off

Perhaps we should all brush up on etiquette before wearing our Easter bonnets. Even though not as many hats are seen in the rotogravure, many still wear them on special occasions such as Easter or to the Derby. And by the way that funny sounding word you’ve sung for years in Irving Berlin’s classic “Easter Parade” is the section of the newspaper devoted to photographs.
Etiquette sage Emily Post, who believed that behavior – not income – defined class, is quoted as saying in 1959: "It is impossible for a hatless woman to be chic." Hats can be worn to theaters or concerts, but people should remove them if they are blocking anyone's view.
And be careful when putting something on the hatband, by the way. Anything put on the band of a man's hat must be on the left side, and anything on a woman's hatband must be on the right.
Amy Vanderbilt gave women the choice about whether to wear hats to outdoor parties and weddings in her 1963 "New Complete Book of Etiquette." Women should keep their hats on in homes holding christenings, weddings and funerals, because in those occasions the house is treated as if it were a house of worship, she said. Women should not remove hats that go with dinner suits or dinner dresses throughout the evening.
Ladies in hats at the Kentucky Derby is a tradition that is probably as old as the Derby itself. From small and tasteful to large and frilly, you will see hats in all colors of the rainbow on women of all ages. Often they are together in groups and sometimes even the guys get into the act! Everyone enjoys the hat parade and the wearers are all glad to show them off.

I have included a couple of the hats I spotted at the Derby a few years back along with a couple of my favorites and some classics from yesteryear. Oh and to the Derby, I wore a wide brimmed black French straw with a black tulle band and tail. A few dried pink roses were underneath the tulle and it was designed by Isabella of St. Augustine Florida. And the hatpin is one of my favorite possessions. I hope this may give you some ideas for your own hat in the future.