What is proper hat etiquette?
Gloves and a hat are always appropriate at a formal event and given the vagaries of weather (and the concerns that ladies should have about exposure of our porcelain skin to the elements), they are to be recommended. Large brimmed hats, regardless of how dressy, usually are not considered evening wear and it would be unusual to see one after 6:00 P.M. Perhaps the only exception would be in an outside gathering in hot weather where it legitimately could be claimed that the large brimmed hat was protecting you from sun and wind.
