Though many Western New Yorkers may not know this, New Era Caps didn’t start out making the 59FIFTY we all know and love. The earliest New Era hats were a little more fashion-forward, which is why their EK collection, designed with the authentic, original New Era cap in mind, is right up my alley.

The EK collection includes fedoras, duckbills, military caps and much more. And the best part? They come in a variety of neutral shades to please guys and girls alike. But not everyone is a full-time hat-wearer, so adding a stylish chapeau into the mix may seem like a daunting task. With the help of one extra-fashionable duo who just so happen to look great in caps, I’ve put together three different looks to turn you all into mad hatters.

The Military Cap

Though I would never tell a Marine this to his face, I’ve always thought the hats they wear are adorable, so I’m particularly excited about this style. A military cap is also a great alternative to guys’ tired old baseball hats that I’m sure wives and girlfriends around Buffalo are dying to throw out. This short-brimmed cap adds that extra something to a more laid-back ensemble: guys should wear one with shorts, boat shoes and a sweatshirt, while high-waisted jean shorts, a bright top and colorful sandals is a great summer look for girls. 

The Fedora

The straw fedora has been a summer staple for a few seasons and it’s not going anywhere quite yet. A gray fedora is a more dressed-up alternative to a casual tan one, so why not throw it on for a night out? For girls, a patterned mini skirt, fringed top and wedge ankle booties in monochromatic shades of gray and black looks even edgier when topped by a fedora. Guys will look cool and a little badass in slim colored jeans, a baseball-style shirt, some pretty sweet kicks and a leather jacket. Not to mention their favorite fedora, of course.

The Porkpie

The most underrated of all hats by far, the porkpie is just quirky enough to set you apart from all the other hat enthusiasts. With a flat top and short brim, you may feel like a ringmaster, but when you’re all dressed up, your inner ringmaster is exactly what you should be channeling. A porkpie hat paired with a loose chambray shirt, dark pants, striped socks and boat shoes is the perfect outfit for a dinner on the patio, party outside or a meet-and-greet with the girlfriend’s parents. Girls should keep it simple in straw wedges and a bright shift dress with those oh-so-trendy cut-outs. No need to go crazy when your hat has a personality all its own.

Models:
Julia Hardick
Brendan Lovelock

Photographer:
Kasey Poloncarz