This week, stylist Shan Williams looks at how to turn heads in a headpiece

Despite the wonderful history of millinery we have here in Britain, many people are a bit fearful of hats. Gone are the days when people wore a hat everyday; we now reserve them for only the most special of occasions, which means we find them unfamiliar, a bit alien, something to be wary of.

How many times have you heard people say "Oh I can't wear hats, they just don't suit me"? Nonsense! "Saying you don't look good in a hat is like saying you don't look good in shoes!" (anon).

Summer is the season for dressing up and special occasions - from a day at the races with friends to family weddings, there are lots of excuses to get glam!

Hats have been an accessory of the chic and sophisticated for decades but in recent years the likes of the Duchess of Cambridge, Zara Phillips Tindall, Katherine Jenkins, Dita Von Teese and even Lady Gaga have made hat-wearing current and fun.

A fabulous hat is the perfect way to give your look the WOW factor and there are a multitude of options to choose from, whether it's small and simple to fabulous and flamboyant - the question is, which to go for?

This week, I have collaborated with milliner Beth Hughes who launched her bespoke millinery label in 2012, By Betty, to offer you some expert advice on choosing the right headwear for your special occasion this Summer.

Key factor to consider - colour

We say:

"There are several things to bear in mind, the first of which is colour! As your hat will be worn so close to your face, it's really important that it's a flattering colour.

We recommend picking an accent colour from your outfit for your hat, or go for a complete opposite which you can carry through to other accessories like your bag and shoes.

Once the colour has been decided you must then ensure that the hat works with your face shape and hairstyle, as well as it being in proportion with your build and stature (generally the taller you are, the bigger the hat you can carry off).

Consider your natural colouring – taking into account your hair colour, eye colour and skin tone. For example: a black and white hat on a lady with soft brown hair will look overwhelming.

Key factor to consider - face shape

We say:

As with dressing your body, choosing the most flattering headwear is all about balance.

If you have a round face, choose headwear with some height to help lengthen and narrow the face. With her round face Cameron Diaz looks great in hats with a tall crown and shallow brim.

Square-shaped faces suit hats with irregular brims and headwear worn at a slant, for example, the slanted brim on the hat worn by Carole Middleton below helps balance out the squareness of her jaw.

Narrow or oblong shaped faces look best in wide brims and should avoid high crowns and narrow brims. Liv Tyler has balanced out her oblong shaped face beautifully with this large-brimmed floppy hat.

Those with heart-shaped faces or wide cheekbones can wear most styles of hat. Styles worn straight across the brow are most flattering. Ensure the crown isn’t narrower than the width of the cheekbones.

If you have an oval shaped face, you’re lucky; almost any hat shape will suit you! The Duchess of Cambridge is perhaps one of the best examples of this.

Headwear for short hair

We say:

"The danger with hats and short hair is that if you're not careful your hat will cover all your hair and give the impression that you have no hair at all!

Rather than choosing a traditional hat with a crown and brim, opt for a headpiece or fascinator that leaves plenty of hair on show. This doesn't mean you have to go for something small; discs are ideal for ladies with short hair as they have the size and impact of a full hat but still leave plenty of hair on show."

Be aware that black or dark colours will cast dark shadows across your face which will show on pictures.

A day at the races

Getting a group of friends together for a day at the races is a wonderful way to spend a Summer's day - but striking the right balance with your outfit can sometimes be tricky.

We say:

"There are lots of headpieces available now, you'll have seen the Duchess of Cambridge opts for berets and perchers on a regular basis. More tailored and formal than fascinators, they are very easy to wear and are a great alternative to the traditional hat; perfect for a trip to the races.

They are generally worn on an elastic which can be easily disguised in amongst your hair whether it's worn up or down, plus you have the added benefit of keeping your hairstyle in tact!"

And finally…

Following all these rules will enable you to feel comfortable in your hat. When you find 'the one' it will make you stand taller and straighter and you won't be able to help but smile at yourself in the mirror!"