I rarely wear hats these days though I have got myself a lovely woollen one for winter now. Looking in a more recent dictionary this word’s not in it. There were times when to be bonetted or unbonneted was part of the etiquette and may still be in some cultures. Women at ascot on women’s day without a hat? Culturally unheard of. We live in a huge mix of society and cultures but if you are from a particular culture and find you self ‘unbonneted’ or it’s equivalent that can be very unnerving.
There have been times in my culture when I was ‘unbonneted’. Usually because I had no idea what the etiquette was and if you don’t think you need to ask, people sometimes forget to tell you. That can lead to some unfortunate, though humorous (with hindsight) images. One where I didn’t know I had to say grace when invited to lunch at the home of a bishop… Another when I wore my best red top for a church service that I was supposed to wear white at.. hmm I would have liked to be in the audience for that one!
What does unbonneted now mean to me?
Unbonneted is how you can find yourself when your Dad brings you up, through your teens, on his own. He did a great job of bringing up a very independent, unconventional, brightly dressed woman, with a lot of brilliant, hilarious (with hindsight) memories!
un bon net ed
‘Wearing no bonnet or cap; bareheaded.’
bon net
‘head covering usually tied under the chin with strings or ribbons, by women and children.’
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lynnelives 
As a North American expat in England, I know that feeling of being “unbonneted.” Like I just don’t quite know the rules and expectations.
Next time you’re unsure just ask me! Then you’ll realise you’re not the only unbonneted one around! xx
I have found myself unbonneted plenty of times. I once was at a fine restaurant and called the pate….liverwurst. Live and learn, right?! 🙂
Yes live and learn then use the story next time you go out!
I am not a hat person myself. The height of sophistication for me was wearing a veil at my wedding! However, having come to England on my own in my early twenties with no guide as to the very secret, very subtle social etiquette prevailing over here, I have had many an unbonnetted moment; too many to share, in fact. But if a funny one pops to mind, I’ll come back and share, promise! XX Great post, as always. Love the fact that you are sticking with the challenge–what an achievement!
Thanks Nicky. It’s really interesting that you say we have a secret, very subtle social etiquette. Doesn’t everywhere if you’re not brought up there. I was brought up here and I still don’t get it right most of the time.. Huge thanks for your comments. Yes it feels like an achievement. I think I’ll miss it but already have another challenge lined up to keep me busy most of May. Exhibiting in Peterborough Open Artists Studio in June. Must get painting..
I tried wearing a barrette one time and it looked so cute! But I felt super self-conscious and dropped it altogether. I never wear hats.
Elizabeth
A to Z co-host
Yes Elizabeth if you don’t feel confident you’ll feel self-conscious. I’ve so much hair they don’t stay on easily.