Taking the Stand: Mini Top Hats

Let’s Review the Case: The mini top hat or fascinator as some call it, comes to us all the way from the streets of Harajuku Japan where mini top hats are a staple to the Goth Lolita wardrobe. And while young fashionistas in Harajuku may be to credit for bringing mini top hats back into play, there are (at least) two other populations for whom mini top hats have always been in style. (Refer to Exhibit A)

Mini top hats are already in stores like Forever 21 and Wet Seal (Refer to Exhibits B and C) where they look super cute on store shelves, but do they still look cute once on your head?

Evidence:

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

Exhibit C

Images via Refinery 29, Sugar Rock Catwalk, and ASOS.

Members of The Pretty Committee, Are Mini Top Hats suitable as everyday street wear?

Left-Tie: This just won’t do. A hat should serve at least one of two purposes: 1) Shade you from the sun or 2) Make you look fashionable. These hats achieve neither. The only head these hats belong on is a Chihuahua.

Trendspotter: Hmmm. This is a toughy. I think they are super cute, but then again everything is cuter smaller. I wish I had the cahones to wear one out, but I know I wouldn’t. Unless it was a costume party of some sort. I think the medium size ones as seen on the two girls on the left hand side of exhibit C are best. I’d be wary of going too small. You don’t wanna end up looking like gramps the leprachaun.

Lady Lex: I do think they’re kind of cute, and I’d be all about it if I was attending a tea party with Betsey, Britney, and The Mad Hatter.  Again there’s a time and a place. Main St., USA is not one of them. Question: Did little J from GG wear one in the episode where she does the guerilla fashion show?

Jess: Ugh…I cringed when I saw these exhibits. The top hat gives a costume-like look and is not considered high fashion to me. On the stage, it’s cute…on the runway, maybe…on the street, absolutely not!

Ashley: For me, this is just a deranged look. I’m not a mini monkey hopping on people’s shoulders. Nor will I allow a Mini Top Hat to hop on my head and take me for a spin. This look is way to costumey for my taste and while I salute those willing to try something new, there is a difference between being fashion forward and dressing up like an awkward giant in a tiny head piece. This is a no go.

Verdict: Sorry mini top hats, The Pretty Committee has spoken.

XOXO,
The Gals and Guys of INPT