You might think that winter would be the reigning season for hats, but when it comes to women’s fashion, summer is the time for headwear to really shine. To the untrained eye, it may seem like most women’s summer hats are identical, but the truth is that there’s a wide variety of styles to choose from, and picking the right one is as much a matter of mood as it is style. Here are five summer hat trends for 2016 to get you started.
The Deconstructed Straw Affair
This amazing piece from Gigi Burris is a little bit pricy, but is a perfect example of the casual, deconstructed straw hat. Some loose straw around the edges, or some obvious patching adds a great fun visual element that takes a typical summer hat from just one in a crowd to a real standout. Use one to dress down a more formal outfit, or just to show off that you’re not afraid to have a little fun.
The Sassy, Sexy Beret
Long gone are the days when a beret was reserved for a night at the club or keeping your head toasty during the winter months. A number of designers are starting to push the straw or raffia berets this year, and we love the funky look it creates. This is one of our favorite hat trends of all time.
Say It With A Look (at your hat)
For people that love the expressive possibilities of baseball caps, but don’t love baseball caps. This is a great new trend we’re seeing pop up everywhere, and we absolutely love it. Nothing says fun like pairing a traditional summer hat with a fun slogan. It’s sure to get you looks wherever you wear it.
The Top-Down Convertible
Want to wear a hat AND let the world see your gorgeous new hairstyle? You’re in luck, because this year, the topless hat is really coming into its own. Long gone are the boring tennis visors of years past – this year, topless hats come in every shape, shade, color, and texture you can imagine. From elegant evening affairs to casual beach shade, topless hats give you the best of both worlds.
Going Boating
The humble boating hat, or skimmer, has enjoyed a long reputation as the summer hat of choice for men. Now women are getting in on the action, and we couldn’t be happier about it. These hats look vintage without looking too kitschy, which is perfect for people who want a more interesting head covering but don’t want to feel like they have to put on a period costume to pull it off. If you have difficulty finding a ladies’ skimmer, they are essentially identical to a straw pork pie hat, which are a little more common.
