Trends change, but timeless pieces, such as hats, are still the norm for some on Easter.

“I wear a hat because it’s classy,” said Essie Gary, a model Saturday during Eureka Temple No. 737’s Pre-Easter Hat, Talent and Fashion Show. “Every dress I wear, I wear a hat with it. I get more respect from the younger crowd.”

Lilly Moore, another model, agrees. “Wearing a hat is so elegant.”

It “has been a tradition from older generations,” she said, “but I wear it for the fashion.”

The Mother Board at Travelers Rest Baptist Church is also into hats.

“We have a dress code for the fall, spring, winter and summer,” said Mamie Deyamport, an honorary member of the group. “We wear white suits with black hats, black shoes and black purses. We only do it on anniversaries, Easter and anything big pertaining to the church or the pastor.”

Hat-wearing inside the church is considered appropriate for women, Deyamport said.

“The Bible said a woman’s head should always be covered, in a sanctuary,” she said.

For children, said downtown children’s shop owner Norma Massey of Frederick’s, bonnets are still around but many mothers are choosing alternatives.

“Bows and headbands are taking the place of bonnets,” she said.

Also, Massey said, the old rule, “You can’t wear white until Easter,” is something of the past.

“I don’t think people pay attention to that anymore,” she said. “Parents are more worried about their kids staining white.”

Massey’s shop has been around for about 60 years. Her most popular piece for girls, she said, is a lightweight, gingham smock in purple and light blue.

“People are not dressing their little girls as dressy as they used to,” she said.

For boys, plaid is still in season, she said.

The biggest change in menswear from season to season is the switch from heavy to lightweight fabrics.

“It depends strictly on the individual,” said Ronnie Wroten, owner of the Men’s Closet downtown. “Most guys buy something they can wear all year ’round.”

For spring, he said, “A lot of guys like sport coats in lightweight wool or silk. Most guys stay with blue or gray.”

For women, Tanya Lee, manager of the Dress Barn at the Outlets at Vicksburg, said her store’s most popular piece is an A-line, knee-length, sleeveless, belted dress that comes in 20 different colors. “It’s definitely dresses,” she said. “A trend is that women are choosing more feminine pieces.”

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Contact Manivanh Chanprasith at mchan@vicksburgpost.com