One of the most intriguing people I met in Charleston was an artist named Leigh Magar, who creates one-of-a-kind hats. Magar says she began as a sculptor and then moved into the millinery arts. The cocktail hat Magar was wearing when I met her was a soft and feathery nest (complete with a diminutive bird) that was instantly alluring, though not pretentious. Check out her website—the men's hat are pretty special, too.

Daisy cocktail hat.

Pheasant cocktail hat.

Cabbage cocktail hat.