When Yankee Doodle stuck a feather in his hat, he called it macaroni. Crazy as a loon? Clearly. Ahead of his time? Surprisingly so.

Ride the plumed headwear wave with Featherbrain, a collection of chic, ’20s-inspired headbands from local designer Kristin Wilcox.

In keeping with the jazz-age look, each piece is named for a period musician. Go for the whimsically curled black feathers of the (Billie) Holiday or the layered peacock elegance of the (Nina) Simone.

Wilcox uses milliner’s techniques and quilting felt to keep her work in place, so the satin and suede bands are comfortable and light. They’re also much less expensive than other headpieces we’ve seen.

And that’s just dandy.

Available at Après Peau, 1430 K Street NW, between 14th Street and Vermont Avenue (202-783-0022 or aprespeau.com); online at featherbrain.etsy.com.