to the original poster….
we wear hats (for davening) because we are supposed to cover our heads with more than just a yarmulka. back in the early 1900s the color available wasnt black so they wore whatever the prevailing color was – usually greyish. as for the dress of a yid, i would rather walk around with clothing on than to walk around looking like the typical goyish’e b’haima who feels the need to expose just about every part of their disgusting body. Think about it, you have probably seen animals in the zoo covered with more!