Urban Outfitters Ivy Hat

 THE ASKMEN TAKE

Collegiate-cool saw a return to men’s fashion with ivy league-inspired apparel turning up in several major menswear shows for fall and at New York Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer 2010collections. Think emblazoned jackets, stripes and lots of plaid. Made of soft wool and polyester, the Urban Outfitters Ivy Hat is an ideal way to try out the trend in a non-committal way. Wear it with oxford shirts, a blazer or corduroys.The only rule to remember is to avoid going preppy head to toe. Avoid a too-perfect look by combining this hat with a crumpled oxford and some seriously distressed jeans, for example.

UNIQUENESS

Picking up a new hat is always a great way to add quirk to your ensembles as well as showcase the latest trends in a way that won’t make it seem like you live for fashion. With splashes of blue, red and yellow on a black-and-white background, this hat will pair well with most other pieces in your wardrobe, particularly light-hued dress shirts or dark T-shirts.

Additionally, the super short brim on this cap gives it a very of-the-moment feel, and though you certainly won’t be the only one sporting this style this season, the plaid pattern ensures you (and your outfit) will be more memorable. On a practical level, a woven lining and wool exterior provides some insulation for your head on those early fall days when it’s not yet time to break out your tuque, but you’re starting to feel a bit of a nip in the air.

DURABILITY

Because the Urban Outfitters Ivy Hat is made from wool, you can’t just throw it in the washing machine. To keep it in good repair, you’ll be relegated to spot-cleaning; however, unless you experience an unfortunate accident with a pigeon, you probably won’t need to tidy your hat at all this fall. Come winter, you won’t be wearing it, so place it somewhere it won’t get too dusty because you’ll want to break it out again in spring 2010 when the preppy trend will still be going strong.

Expect a lifespan of about two years from this hat, though you shouldn’t necessarily count on keeping it past next spring if you want your look to remain current. Fortunately, this hat comes with a price tag everyone can accept. Even if you choose to only wear it for one season, or that pigeon happens to ruin it before next spring, you will definitely have got your money’s worth.