Hats in the 50s were a necessity for the well dressed woman (or man). It was a very important part of the 50s fashion. The choice of hat style, color and material was almost limitless. Designers kept getting more avant-garde but traditional styles were the norm. Haute couture designs often included a matching hat and department stores would always feature coordinating hats with their everyday clothing displays.
The 1950s was the last real heyday for hat makers. Popular since the turn of the century, the casualness of the 60’s and onward saw the demise of many of the large haberdasheries. Hats are still worn today but usually to very formal or special events. The Kentucky Derby is probably the best example of this as is any Royal wedding in the UK.
Designer Mushroom Style Hat
This entire outfit is Christian Dior including the modified Mushroom style hat. Notice the animal print fabric on the brim. This is definitely a designer touch.
Christian Dior designed ensemble including the hat
Coordinating Hat
This vagabond style hat was purchased to coordinate with this coat and outfit and possibly other outfits in her closet.
Notice how put together she is. Matching or coordinating coat, outfit and hat. Gloves and a subtle string of pearls with matching earrings. She was prepared to go out in the 1950s.
Bucket style hat in a coordinating fabric
Sun Hat
Jean Patchett was one of the top fashion models of the 1940s and 1950s. Here she is wearing a designer suit with a contrasting hat. This outfit was put together by Sacony of Palm Beach for a “Better Sportswear” ad in Vogue, 1951 and it certainly was everybit of 1950s fashion hats.
Jean Patchett in Vogue 1951, modeling a wide brimmed sun type hat in a coordinating color for Sacony of Palm Beach.
A pale look was preferred by most 50’s women so wide brimmed sun hats were a popular accessory. Unlike modern sun hats these hats were made to go well even with dressy daytime outfits.
1950s Fashion Designer Sun Hat
Photographers loved what hats could do for a fashion picture. Many times the hats used were not a part of the outfit but rather supplied by the photographer as a prop. This wide brimmed beauty is probably an example of that. 
This summer ensemble is nicely finished with a oversized Sun hat.
Matching Cap Style Hat
This cap was patterned after the Cloche hat which was at the height of its popularity in the 1920’s.
This is Jean Patchett again modeling a wool 1950s fashion Bergdorf suit with matching hat.
Jean Patchett wearing a cap type hat
Cartwheel Style Hat
Soft, feminine, romantic…these words can be used to describe 1950’s fashion hats. This Christian Dior suit is softened by the addition of this feminine hat. 
1953 Christian Dior outfit with matching cartwheel style hat
Beret Hat
Used by military’s since the 1800’s. The 1920s saw mass production of the beret, with the hats being favored by the working class in France.
They were inexpensive enough so that the 1950s woman could own several in different colors.
1950s Beret style hat
Pillbox Hat
Although popularized by Jackie Kennedy in the 1960s, pillbox hats were worn from the 1930s on. Worn for their simplicity, the pillbox hat could finish off any outfit without overpowering the clothes.
1950s Pillbox style hat
Mushroom Hat
Designers would send bolts of their fabric to the hat factory to make a particular hat style to match the designers new line of clothing.
The same hat would be made in matching fabric and also coordinating fabrics to round out the particular line.
Designer 1950s Mushroom style hat
This beautiful suit and coordinating mushroom style hat are being modeled by Lucinda Hollingsworth a popular 50’s face.
(I wonder if the dog gets paid for this fashion shot)
Enjoy some additional pictures of 1950s Fashions Hats
Here are a few examples of avant-garde hats
Designed by Adolfo in black tulle
Jean Lanvin design 1958