When we're going somewhere special, we want to look our best, so we take our time creating a fashionable ensemble where each item adds to the overall effect. A great dress or outfit is the starting point, of course, but it's just as important to pay attention to the way we accessorize our clothing, from the shoes we wear to the bag we carry. There's one way to add a spectacular finishing touch to any outfit, and that's to top it off with a great looking hat, after all, if you want to get ahead, get a hat.

When I look at old photographs or watch early movie footage, one of the first things that grabs my attention is that everybody seems to be wearing a hat, young and old, men and women. This was a time when style was king, and when nobody would be seen outside unless they were looking their very best. It seems that we're making a welcome return to this philosophy, for wherever you go it's hard not to notice that the hat is making a spectacular comeback. Beautiful headwear isn't just for weddings anymore, although they can still make a stunning fashion statement when you choose the perfect hat for yourself and your outfit.

One of the reasons hats are becoming so popular again is the rise of the Steampunk movement that's taking vintage clothing styles and adding a very modern twist. For many people, steampunk is a way of life, and the clothing they wear is as eye-catching as it is beautiful. The most important element of steampunk clothing is the hat, often a play upon the top hats of the nineteenth century, but with a thrilling and contemporary twist. Women's steampunk hats are a great addition to any wardrobe, and whether you like your hat with floral patterns or complete with a striking hatband or laced up sides you'll find one that's perfect for you.

There are lots of hats to choose from, but whether you buy online or from your local fashion retailer, it's important to put quality first. A well-made hat will probably last a lifetime and you really can tell the difference when it's been made by a top-class milliner. American Hat Makers take pride in the hats they produce and sell, and it's a family business that has grown to become a much-loved brand in the hat world. They've become the go-to website for high-quality headwear.

One of the greatest fashion revelations I've had in recent years is that by adding a hat you can turn a good outfit into a spectacular outfit. Whether you want a strikingly modern hat or hark back to an earlier age, or even if you want to look like Audrey Hepburn walking past Tiffany's [and who doesn't want to look like that?], there's a high-quality hat that has your name on it.