Katy Perry steps out in a big black hat

By J J Anisiobi

PUBLISHED: 08:07 EST, 16 October 2012 | UPDATED: 08:58 EST, 16 October 2012

With Halloween just around the corner, Katy Perry was seen getting into the swing of things early.

The pop singer went for a spot of shopping in Soho, New York, and stood out from the crowd as she wore a rather fetching big black hat.

Her headgear may be a popular feature with witch costumes, but there was nothing gruesome about her appearance on Monday afternoon.

Head and shoulders above: Katy Perry looked cool in her big black hat as she went shopping on Monday, in Soho, New York

Head and shoulders above: Katy Perry looked cool in her big black hat as she went shopping on Monday, in Soho, New York

Katy, 27, looked pretty cool in her laid back attire as she was joined by friends in the trendy shopping district.

She often wears racy and creative outfits when she performs on stage but Katy kept her curvy figure well covered for her jaunt around town.

She wore a multi-coloured jacket which she teamed with a red gilet, black trousers and a low cut top.

Cool cat: Katy looked pretty cool in her hat and colourful jacket and gilet combination as she grabbed some lunch with friends

Cool cat: Katy looked pretty cool in her hat and colourful jacket and gil! et combination as she grabbed some lunch with friends

Cool cat: Katy looked pretty cool in her hat and colourful jacket and gilet combination as she grabbed some lunch with friends

Always be prepared: Katy was able to avoid getting caught in the rain as her bodyguard protected her with an umbrella

Always be prepared: Katy was able to avoid getting caught in the rain as her bodyguard protected her with an umbrella

Earlier in the day, Katy and her entourage had picked up some food at Parisian themed bistro Pastis.

With her appetite fully satisfied the singer shopped until nighttime and her trusty bodyguard carried an umbrella to protect her from the rain.

Katy may have been dressed a little more conservatively than her fans are used to but she was more adventurous on Sunday night when out with on/off boyfriend John Mayer.

Steps in the city: The pop star had some lunch at trendy French bistro Pastis before going shopping

Steps in the city: The pop star had some lunch at trendy French bistro Pastis before going shopping

Steps in the city: The pop star had some lunch at trendy French bistro Pastis before going shopping

Leader of the pack: Katy looked dashing in her hat as she wondered around the Soho shops with her friends

Leader of the pack: Katy looked dashing in her hat as she wondered around the! Soho sho! ps with her friends

Out of sorts: The singer was dressed rather conservatively by her own standards but had been more adventurous on Sunday night

Out of sorts: The singer was dressed rather conservatively by her own standards but had been more adventurous on Sunday night

The high profile pair, who been keeping everyone guessing with their complicated romance, headed out for an intimate dinner at the Pearl Restaurant in New York on Sunday night.

Wearing an eye-catching, sheer green dress, it didn't seem like Katy was exactly trying to keep a low profile.

The floor-length, lace gown was completely see-through and the star added what looked like an olive green swimsuit underneath to preserve her modesty.

The Firework singer added a pair of clumpy black boots, leather jacket and again wore her big black hat.

Back to normal: Katy was seen leaving Pearl Restaurant, in New York, with on/off boyfriend John Mayer on Sunday night as she wore a revealing lace dress

Back to normal: Katy was seen leaving Pearl Restaurant, in New York, with on/off boyfriend John Mayer on Sunday night as she wore a revealing lace dress