Now that we’re finally taking sun protection seriously given the scorching heatwave this week, not only do they add a bit of chutzpah to your outfit, they also provide shade for your face.
For me, the idea of a summer hat conjures up memories of trying to squish a straw variety into my suitcase for holiday each year. Only to find when they get to your destination, they no longer hold their shape or resemble a hat at all.
For so long I stuck with the humble sports cap. It’s a great addition to an off-duty outfit and it gives off Kendall Jenner incognito vibes instantly. But now that straw hats have made a comeback, thanks to Jacquemus and that spring/summer 18 oversized straw hat that went viral, I’m willing to give them another go.
They’re an easy accessory to add some oomph to any outfit, and no longer need to be crumpled into a bag to travel. Go for the Little Women look and opt for a style with a ribbon attached – makes for an influencer-approved outfit when it’s hanging around the back of your neck. So chic. Or, lean into the streetwear vibe and go for a super cool bucket hat.
A hat is a must for your upcoming summer social life – whether you are off to the races in a chic chapette, or to dance the day away in a crochet style for the return of festival season, take a look at our top picks below. No matter where your head is at style-wise this summer, make sure it’s covered.
The best high street hats of the season
1. The classic straw hat
Opt for this classic look for a little bit of protection and a lot of style. The wide brim instantly makes it look less granny lampshade and more summer chic. This oversized one from Free People will add instant drama to any look.
A general rule for the more petite of us (me included) is to stick to a hat rim size that’s within your shoulder blades – that way it will keep your look balanced. We love this more structured style from COS.
2. The festival-friendly bucket hat
We’ll be seeing the return of the bucket hat again this summer – the sort of thing you wore when you were five years old (perhaps minus the my little pony motifs). If you’re looking for a way to wear the style in a more sophisticated way, choose a stiffer fabric and wider brim, like this pink one from Free People.
If you want something a little more casual and wearable for your day-to-day errands, go for a cotton one. Something branded with a subtle logo will help you to nail the streetwear vibe too, especially if you rock it with some fresh ’90s dad trainers. There are plenty of luxury options under £100 by designers like GANNI, Jacquemus and Acne Studios.
3. The crochet hat
Sticking with the old school vibes, channel your grandma’s tea doyley and try a cute crochet style – works perfectly for a summer day trip or festival outfit accessory. This bright pink option from Bimba y Lola or this stripy option from Ganni will add some vibrancy to your look, or if you’re looking for something that nods to the trend but is a bit more subtle, try this tonal option from & Other Stories.
4. The baseball cap
No, you don’t have to be doing sport to sport activewear in your day-to-day outfits. Thanks to the two years we spent in the pandemic, joggers are fully acceptable again. Not only that, but they’re cool. With any low-key outfit, whether it’s an oversized hoodie, leggings, or t-shirt and jeans, throw on a cap to make it instantly look pulled together.
This bright purple option gives off a retro look, but you can literally wear any style – even if it’s one you picked up from a tourist stand in Rome or this funny margarita hat – and wear it in a knowing ironic way. Or try one out from one of the cool kids brands like this Pangaia cap, which will suit a myriad of face shapes and hairstyles (plus it’s great for keeping frizz at bay).
5. Straw hat with ribbons
Ribbons are an added detail that give off that Riviera look to any straw hat. Whether tied in a bow around your nape, and the hat swinging behind you as a style statement, or sat on top of your head with the ribbons hanging loose, a hat with ribbon ties are instantly stylish.
Even if the ribbon is fashioned as a band around the hat rather than a tie around the neck, it’ll instantly level up a simple straw hat.
Go full south of France and wear your hair long with summery waves with a floral midi dress (like the dreamy ones House of CB is stocking right now). All you’ll need now is a lavender field to skip through.
6. A panama hat
A panama hat is another classic – it adds instant pizazz to your warm-weather ensembles. Seeing you through all manner of events, from boat races to weddings and summer holidays, go for something fairly neutral so it can be easily thrown on with any outfit.
This simple straw style from Mint Velvet is super versatile, and the leather studded trim adds a cool boho feel that would work well with long, flowing dresses. And the neon green band on Aspiga’s hippy-looking Panama hat means it wouldn’t look out of place with a bikini and kaftan in Ibiza.
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