Ellen Christine

Last week we chatted with renowned milliner Ellen Christine about the importance--and difficulty--of hats. She's preparing for the Veuve Cliquot Polo Classic, where she has previously designed hats for the celebs in attendance. While the event is an elite fantasy, Ms. Christine was down to earth and charming. Originally a costume designer, Christine stumbled into millinery when a director demanded an elaborate helmet for a scene. It was all hats from there on out. Even with the accidental start, Ellen calls her job "a metier, a calling." And when you're that good, we'd believe it. She most recently crowned Linda Evangelista in W and added some mouse ears to Tina Fey in Vogue. Click through for her advice in selecting the perfect hat for you!

The prospect of wearing a head piece is often frightening. Whether it's to a traditional English wedding or a chic night on the town, going out with a sculpture on your head can cause unnecessary anxiety. To soothe your souls, we've compiled the best head pieces for every style, from casual day wear, to absolute drama. Click through to see some fantastic toppers.