Q: I am a woman suffering from severe hair loss. I desperately need a hat or cap to cover my head. Please tell me where to find attractive (not fanciful) hats or caps for everyday use. No wigs, please.

A: It so warms the cockles of my heart to receive a missive from someone who is not only particular about the semantic difference between attractive and fanciful, but who is also opting for hats – that most dramatic and retro of accessories – as a solution for hair loss.

I am assuming that fascinators (doll-sized clip-on hats) and veil-trimmed pillbox hats fall into the category of fanciful, so I won’t steer you in that direction.

Head to Far East Plaza and Salvation Army thrift stores if you ever change your mind.

For attractive but still sensible headgear, your best bet in Singapore is to visit department stores.

Robinsons, for example, has several classic hat styles such as the fedora and the panama hat (prices start an outfit with a hat. from $29.90).

These are typically associated with traditional male dressing and will add a touch of smart androgynous charm to your look, especially when paired with simple, elegant clothes such as a crsip shirt teamed with tailored slacks.

Takashimaya Department Store also has nice floppy, wide-brimmed straw hats ($388 each), as well as charming flapper-style bell-shaped cloche hats ($228 each).

For more tips on hat styles and maintenance, consult websites such as www.villagehatshop.com and www.hatsinthebelfry.com

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.