Hats lead in fashion news. And never have they been more diverse, planned, each one, for a particular age and type. Therefore choosing a hat becomes, not merely a pleasant task, but an artistic pastime. It reminds one a little of the type of newspaper competition where the reader is asked to sort out, and match in pairs, a medley of hats and film star faces.

It is a fur and feather season. A cap or toque may be entirely of fur, or, even smarter, of plumage. Felt, velours or velvet almost of necessity adds a soft touch of fur, or the sheen of wings. Fur or feathers, again, are ideal for the matching muff.

We will see the “dolly” hat with the spring, but for the winter season crowns are high and trimmings well to the front. Hats are perched well forward, to show a charming nape and brushed up hair.

Illustrated are hats for three ages. The young girl wears a high, pointed toque of ermine and astrakhan. It is so simple, but so — different! And how the fur enhances the fairness of her skin and the sparkle of her eyes!

The young matron dresses in more sophisticated fashion. Notice the forward dip of the black astrakhan toque, the height of the feathers, the flattery of the muff she holds to her face. I have seen a similar toque and muff in royal blue plumage—so new, so soft, so different, and just right for this fair type of beauty.

The older woman wears velours, cleverly fashioned for dignity and the forward tilt. The plumage gives lightness and smart height. The veil is subtly flattering.