Summer Hats: Stylish Sun Protection
By Meghann Foye
Not only do hats make a chic fashion statement, but they can also help protect your face and neck from the sun’s UV rays. Choose one of these four new styles for an instant summer wardrobe staple
AllSaints Ranger Straw Hat
This season, many stores are doing a different take on the Western. Call it a Preppy Stetson. “Consider it an upscale take on classic American style,” says Sheree Wu, accessories designer and lifestyle blogger at TommyandElla.com. Wu recommends pairing the summer hat with a classic white eyelet summer dress or a crisp menswear shirt-dress.
Classic Straw Fedora
This season, neon has come back in a big way. But while the ’80s trend was all about bright-color overload, this time it’s about all about subtle pops paired next to neutrals like beige or taupe. “I’m seeing loads of neutral-tone floppy hats trimmed in neon colors all over the place, from designers’ look books to the Pinterest boards,” Wu says. The trick, she says, is to make the summer hat the star of your outfit. “These hats would be great with a simple black maxi dress or a white T-shirt and shorts.”
Straw Floppy Hat
Another oversize hat that never goes out of style? The classic ’70s Starlet. “These look great with a bathing suit at the beach,” Wu says. “And when the sun gets strongest, at around noon, you can be sure your face stays protected.” The floppy summer hat can transition well too, when you’re running from the beach or pool to dinner. “Just don a pretty cover-up, like a floaty tunic or terry dress,” Wu says, “and keep the hat to give the look a little more fun.”
Women’s Whipstitch-Straw Cowboy Hat
If your summer days are usually spent relaxing at the beach or pool with a simple cover-up and flip-flops, a Relaxed Cowboy may be your best floppy hat. “The look has been around forever, but I’m seeing a lot of models wearing them after shoots,” Wu says.
“It’s kind of like the new fedora — anyone can pull it off.” Although this summer hat covers the delicate skin on your forehead, nose and cheeks, don’t forget to cover exposed parts like shoulders, arms and legs with sunblock. “Vaseline® Aloe Soothe Body Lotion is a great, refreshing lotion that contains SPF,” Wu says.
