Hats may have taken a bit of a dip in some fashion circles of late but they are still essential wear for those out and about in the countryside. HEATHER BARRON checks out some of the latest headwear styles

"You need a hat to get ahead," is the old saying that seems to have taken a dive in recent years.

Hats used to be an essential accessory to any outfit, whether male or female. Think of the trilby or porkpie worn by every self-respecting man in the 40s; the quintessential bowler-hatted Englishman from the 50s; and the jaunty fedora in the 60s.

And for women, the hat had to match the dress was a fashion creation in its own right.

Sadly - apart from baseball caps worn backwards - hats have fallen out of fashion and are consigned, for the most part to weddings and functional-wear.

There might be a squashed straw hat still lurking in the suitcase from last year’s holiday abroad, but even if you have a fancy hat for ‘occasions’, I bet it’s vegetating in a hat box on a high shelf at the back of the wardrobe.

These days, headwear is primarily for warmth and rain-proofing. Flat caps are still essential-wear down on the farm, and woollen hats get dragged out from the under-stairs cupboard once Jack Frost starts to nip. But, for the most part, ‘fancy’ hats have had their day.

At Sam Turner and Sons, Northallerton, with country wear becoming increasingly fashionable, sales of hats have continued to be the ‘need to buy’ essential rather than the finishing touch of an outfit.

And, if it’s warm or water-proof you’re looking for, with that added bonus of looking stylish, there's a great selection to choose from.

Our intrepid male model, Scott, was joined by clothing department assistant Sam Adamson to try some of this season’s best.

Hats off to them for being great sports.