HATS! ~ Part 1

The Headwear of “I Love Lucy” 

During the 1950′s hats were a standard wardrobe item for men and women. They combined form, function, and fashion. Here’s a look at some of the amazing hats that graced the heads of “I Love Lucy.” 

Right from the start, Lucille Ball made hats comedy by wearing a lampshade on her head to transform herself into a Ziegfeld Girl. The same moment was later recreated on the series itself. 

For Lucy, nothing was worse than shopping with no money to spend!  Mrs. Mumford wasn’t shy about tempting Lucy into buying a new hat.

Lucy went to great lengths to conceal the price tag of her new hats from budget-conscious Ricky!  Gulp! 

When Lucy noticed Ricky wearing his hat to breakfast (to hide his receding hairline), she fought topper with topper! 

LUCY: “It’s like having breakfast in a beanery!” 

A good hat could be used time and again!  This jacket was seen with and without its fur collar – from New York, to London, to Paris – fashion capitols of the world!

Lucy got comic mileage out of crushing a straw hat, as she did here with Maurice Chevalier, and earlier with Ricky’s Uncle Alberto in Cuba. 

Sometimes a hat can be more than just a wardrobe item, but an important prop! 

MY TOP TEN TOPPERS of I LOVE LUCY

#1 ~ HAT SALAD 

When you just can’t make up your mind!

#2 ~ HEDDA HATS

Known for her elaborate hats, Hedda Hopper appeared with Lucy on several occasions. 

#3 ~ SHOWGIRL ELEGANZA EXTRAVAGANZA

#4 ~ THE JACQUES MARCEL COLLECTION

#5 ~ THE BROOKLYN BEEKEEPER

#6 ~ THE TWENTY FIVE GALLON HAT

#7 ~ THE FRUIT BASKET

#8 ~ THE FUZZY FISHBOWL

#9 ~ THE INFLATABLE TOP HAT

#10 ~ EASTER BONNETS

HONORABLE MENTIONS (in no particular order)