If you haven't worn a hat since your mother plopped one on your head 20 years ago, then it's time to think about having a hat attack. Give them another chance. Hats aren't just for the Kentucky Derby anymore. They make a unique fashion statement and set you apart from the crowd. All you have to do is find the hat that works best for you. Here are some tips to topping it off in style:

—Plan a shopping trip. You may be able to buy a knit beanie online, but chances are you'll need to try on several hats to really find the perfect fit. While a good mirror is essential (full-length is even better), a great selfie is another way to "frame up" the whole picture — the hat, the face, the hair.

—Don't leave home without a friend. This is also one time when taking a friend shopping with you is a good idea. A good friend who is style savvy will give you free advice and even take pictures for you. But, just remember, you are always the final judge of what looks good on you ... and what feels comfortable.

—Consider the occasion. If you're searching for headwear for the beach, then you will not be quite as particular as searching for a dressier hat to wear to your daughter's wedding. For more special occasions, if you know what dress you'll be wearing, then take it with you when shopping for a hat to accessorize it. It may be rare that you need a hat as special as one you would wear to an event like the Kentucky Derby, but one rule of thumb: If your hat is the star of the show, keep the rest of your ensemble simple.

—Keep it in proportion. Certain hats do look better with certain silhouettes. Just look at Amal Clooney — the poster model for hat lovers everywhere. Giant platter hats complement flowing garden-party dresses; snappy short-brimmed boaters and fedoras team up perfectly with menswear trousers; dressier veiled hats look best with chic sheath cocktail dresses. My favorite hat for all occasions? A Western-inspired cowboy fedora — always a classic that adds a little kick to whatever you wear.

—Face up to your features. Face shape and body type do matter when choosing the hat that looks best on you. Wide brims balance out fuller figures; tall crowns make you look taller; brimless hats like berets and knit beanies flatter round faces.

—Think about hair. This one can really make or break your hat attack. The hair styles that are trendy today — long bobs and soft curls—are the perfect backdrop for spring and summer hats. Or you can always pull your hair back or put it up...a real boost for wearing a hat in humid weather and on bad hair days.

—Don't forget sun protection. This may be the most important reason to shop for a hat this summer. Whether you're basking in the sun at the beach or just taking a stroll through your neighborhood, wearing a brimmed hat (as well as sunscreen) will definitely protect you from those harmful rays. There are lots of possibilities out there this year — straw Panamas with a Havana vibe, patchwork bucket hats and iridescent baseball caps. Soft, foldable hats may be your best bets when traveling. Save those knitted beanies for colder weather.

To find out more about Sharon Mosley, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.