HATS ARE SO BACK – HERE'S HOW TO STYLE THEM

Hooray for crochet! The unexpected style is ruling summer wardrobes.

Be it a sunny day, a wet forecast or a whimsical wedding, there’s always a place for this coveted accessory. So, if you’re on the fence like me, keep scrolling for my guide on how to wear a hat like a seasoned professional. And with a style for almost every conceivable summer plan, this one’s for the reading glasses!

I knew it was curtain call for my hat aversion when I faced the facts. You’ll always need one – like it or not. Beyond the practical benefits of a good hat (rain, sun, what have you) formal occasions have hat requirements of their own. Take a wedding – milliners have made their millions crafting bespoke head toppers for the most special of parties. Gabriette’s recent bridal looks from Matières Fécales put hats right back in the wedding spotlight (I’ll be thinking about that miniature, off-centre top hat for some time), so whether you’re a guest or a host, consider topping things off with a headpiece.

GET THE LOOK: 

01: ASOS DESIGN twist bardot midi dress, £55
02: ASOS DESIGN pillbox hat in red felt, £26
03: Mango faux leather heeled mule in black, £35.99

I wasn’t lying when I mentioned the backwards cap. All the girlies (and by that I mean the fashion lot) are throwing it back this summer. Dua Lipa had me readjusting my screen when she sported the 90s look on her Instagram, and then It-girl Iris Law followed suit. I can’t say I’m ready to dive into the reverse look quite yet, but baseball caps have finally won me over thanks to the stylish girls of East London. Their secret is balance – pairing this casual staple with a crisp white shirt and cropped trousers. I’ve been reaching for a bold blue cap to bring some colour to my everyday pieces – and I haven’t looked back.

GET THE LOOK: 

01: Topshop ponte capri leggings in black, £18
02: Topshop Axel toe thong mid heel sandal in black, £32
03: New Era NY Yankees 9forty cap in blue, £23
04: Stradivarius Poplin shirt with pleats in white, £25.99

The term ‘summer hat’ usually conjures images of a straw headpiece strewn across a sunbather in the Algarve. And frankly, it should. Beach hats are top of the packing list thanks to their protective silhouette (no sun damage here, thanks) and their old-Hollywood glamour. Sure, an oversized brim isn’t great for a tight carry-on, but sacrifices must be made. You’ll never regret looking elusive and sophisticated on a European beach – and this hat makes that vignette a sure thing.

GET THE LOOK: 

01: Tommy Hilfiger summer shop straw hat in natural, £85
02: Reclaimed Vintage 90s oval sunglasses in brown, £12.99
03: Pull&Bear Gingham bikini bottoms with gathering in red, £15.99
04: ASOS DESIGN linen co-ord trouser in natural, £26

Straw hats might have claimed the seaside destinations, but crochet is quickly coming for the crown. Loose knit styles are the latest must-have, making a great addition to festival outfits and night-out looks. I love the 70s boho imbued in these pieces, especially when worn with a simple floaty dress. Plus, I saw everyone wearing them in Europe’s forward-thinking fashion capital, Copenhagen, this month – and the Danes are nothing if not trendsetters.

GET THE LOOK: 

01: & Other Stories volume cinch sleeve midi dress in white, £87
02: ASOS DESIGN Libra mesh mary jane ballets in white, £26
03: Dragon Diffusion Santa Croce small woven leather bag in poppy red, £384
04: Kiwi & Co floral crochet hat in blue, £24

You might already own all of the above (check you out), or you might still be looking for your style. Either way, if this list has left you wanting, might I suggest the statement hat? Whether it’s the infamous pillbox, the Americana cowboy or the often misunderstood utility cap – there really is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to hats. And that’s what makes them the ultimate accessory: there’s something for everyone. The weird, wonderful and wacky – a hat is always waiting to take your outfit from ‘nice’ to ‘she knows something I don’t’. So stop sleeping on the hat. Put it on your head.

GET THE LOOK: 

01: ASOS DESIGN straw pillbox hat in natural, £24
02: New Era NY Yankees wool beret in beige, £34
03: Von Dutch straw cowboy hat in black and white, £45
04: Sui Ava utility cap in washed brown, £25