The Easter Bonnet Parade is a spectacle of locals and tourists donning spring themed hats. This beloved tradition marks the end of winter in NYC and dates back to the late 1800's. Today it attracts attention from local and national media including Time Out New York and WGSN. Junior Baby Hatter even bumped into Humans of New York! Being a hat family, we had to make an appearance to admire the extravagant headdresses. From butterflies to baskets to bunnies, here’s a roundup of the top 5 hat trends Junior Baby Hatter spotted parading down 5th Avenue.

Metamorphosis

After a long winter, clusters of butterflies float above crowns and emerge from brims of hats and bonnets.

In Full Bloom

Hats and headdresses brimming with spring blossoms.

Wearing local Etsy Seller, Dora Marra, Easter Derby Hat, $90. Buy it here — Wearing local Etsy Seller, Dora Marra, Easter Derby Hat, $90. *Buy it here*

Spotted another Dora Marra Easter Fascinator, $80. Buy it here — Spotted another Dora Marra Easter Fascinator, $80. *Buy it here*

Birds and the Bees

Nest and hive hats that are a home for the birds and the bees.

Basket Case

Wicker Easter basket headdresses filled with brightly colored eggs and flowers.

Hippity Hoppity

Wouldn’t be an Easter Parade without a few floppy ears springing from caps, hats and bonnets.

Photos by Alex Velazquez

Markisha Velazquez is the designer and owner of Junior Baby Hatter, based in Weehawken, NJ. When she’s not making dapper caps for babies and toddlers she commutes to New York with her family and blogs about her adventures in the city. She gravitates towards things that are eclectic, ethnic, vintage, colorful, and have multiple influences. She loves hat making because hats are nostalgic yet timeless.