As Britain faces one of the longest heatwaves since 1976 and temperatures of 35C this week, many will be eagerly reaching for a sunhat for some protection.
But while the accessory may be practical, some types are certainly more stylish than others – and have the damning ability to either make or break an outfit.
If styled correctly, they can add a sophisticated finishing touch to your overall look – helping to enhance your sense of sophistication and class.
However, the wrong hat can run the risk of your entire outfit being tarnished by cheap and unattractive headwear.
Fortunately, celebrity stylists Lisa Talbot and Rochelle White are on hand to share the ultimate do’s and dont’s when selecting your go-to sunhat as Britain basks in the sweltering heat.
Rochelle told the Daily Mail: ‘Sunhats have gone from being a holiday extra to in some cases an everyday wardrobe essential.
‘There is a misconception that “I just don’t suit hats,” but I feel that most people simply haven’t found the right shape for their face or the right style for their wardrobe.
‘A good hat should frame your face in exactly the same way a flattering haircut does.’
Read on to discover which sunhats look effortlessly elegant and elevated, and which A-listers have made a fashion faux pas with their ‘awkward’ and ‘disproportionate’ choices…
WHAT TO AVOID
Sun hats that are too small or impractical
One of the ‘biggest mistakes’ you can make when selecting a sunhat is ‘squeezing into a hat that is too tight’, such as this one worn by Nicole Kidman
According to Lisa, one of the ‘biggest mistakes’ you can make when selecting a sunhat is ‘squeezing into a hat that is too tight’.
She added: ‘Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can leave marks across your forehead and look disproportionate.
‘A hat should sit comfortably and securely without feeling restrictive. Many quality brands now offer adjustable sizing, so it’s worth taking the time to find the right fit.’
Meanwhile, Rochelle noted that while it can be tempting to change your fashion habits in keeping with the trends, ‘fashion should never come at the expense of function’.
‘With temperatures reaching record highs this summer, hats have become one of the easiest ways to protect your face, scalp and neck from prolonged sun exposure,’ she said.
‘Look at wider brimmed styles naturally provide more protection than caps, making them ideal for long lunches outdoors, sporting events, festivals and holidays.’
‘Floppy’ hats that don’t fit your frame
Petite women such as Anya Taylor-Joy can sometimes disappear beneath oversized floppy hats, Lisa warns
Hats can either make or break your summer outfit, and it is key that you take into consideration your frame when opting for a stylish piece of headwear this summer.
‘Petite women can sometimes disappear beneath oversized floppy hats, while taller women often carry wider brims beautifully,’ Lisa warned.
‘It’s all about proportion, the right hat should enhance your outfit rather than overwhelm it.’
Likewise, Rochelle stressed the importance of a hat ‘never overwhelming your outfit’ as this can be a grave ‘mistake’.
‘If the brim extends far beyond your shoulders or hides your face completely, people notice the hat before they notice you, not always a good look, unless you want that look.
‘Likewise, hats that are too small can make your head appear larger and throw off your proportions, I would say the most flattering hats always create balance.’
Wearing a hat that has been pushed too far back
Not only is the type of hat you purchase key, but it essential you consider whereabouts the hat is placed on your head to avoid an ‘awkward’ and unflattering look such as this one modelled by Diane Kruger
Not only is the type of hat you purchase key, but it is essential you consider whereabouts the hat is placed on your head to avoid an ‘awkward’ and unflattering look, Lisa warned.
‘Wearing a baseball cap perched on the back of your head can throw off your proportions and often looks awkward,’ she said.
‘It should sit comfortably just above your eyebrows, framing your face naturally while still providing protection from the sun.’
Falling victim to the trends
Many people tend to buy what’s popular online without considering whether it suits them or their lifestyle
While tempting to lean into the trends, both Lisa and Rochelle advised against going too far against your fashion boundaries this summer.
‘A styling mistake that people do is buy what’s popular online without considering whether it suits them or their lifestyle,’ warned Rochelle.
‘Just because an oversized floppy hat might look beautiful on a luxury holiday shoot, doesn’t mean it’s always practical for everyday British life.
‘The most stylish women tend to repeat pieces that genuinely work for them rather than constantly chasing trends. This is where I think style always lasts longer than fashion.’
However, Lisa noted that ultimately ‘confidence is the finishing touch’, and the key to feeling comfortable this summer is selecting the hat that is right for you.
‘Many women say they “can’t wear hats,” but more often than not they’ve simply never found the right one,’ she said.
‘Try different shapes, wear it around the house first if you’re unsure, and remember that when a hat fits well and suits your proportions, it becomes part of your style rather than the centre of attention.’
Accidentally leaving labels or stickers on
While it may seem like an easily avoidable fashion faux pas, sadly this is a ‘common mistake’ that many are guilty of when making a last-minute hat purchase amid the heatwave. Pictured: Naomi Watts
While it may seem like an easily avoidable fashion faux pas, sadly this is a ‘common mistake’ that many are guilty of when making a last-minute hat purchase amid the heatwave.
Lisa explained: ‘Leaving the brand stickers on the peak doesn’t make the cap look more expensive, it simply looks unfinished.
‘Remove any labels before wearing and keep the cap clean and well maintained.’
SUNHATS THAT ALWAYS FEEL ELEGANT
Those which successfully frame your face
Making sure a hat frames your face is key, which is clearly a rule understood by restaurateur Lisa Vanderpump
Making sure a hat frames your face is key, according to Lisa, just as a ‘great haircut or a pair of glasses does’.
‘If you have a round face, a fedora or a structured Panama with a higher crown can help create length. If your face is longer, a wider brim can add balance.
‘Don’t simply buy the latest trend, find the style that works with your proportions and you’ll wear it with far more confidence.’
Rochelle noted that those with a round face should ‘look for structured hats with slightly wider brims that help elongate your features’.
She added: ‘Longer face shapes often benefit from flatter crowns or bucket hats, while heart-shaped faces suit medium-width brims that balance the forehead. Oval faces are naturally versatile and can wear almost every style successfully.
‘The reason celebrities always appear to “pull hats off” isn’t luck. Their stylists understand proportion and use the hat to enhance their features rather than competing with them.’
Hats that help elevate, rather than detract from your overall look
Victoria Beckham created a cohesive look in Ibiza by wearing a sunhat that complimented her black dress
‘Your hat should feel like part of your outfit, not an afterthought,’ said Lisa.
‘Think about the textures, colours and occasion. A raffia hat pairs beautifully with linen and relaxed holiday dressing, while a structured Panama looks polished with tailored shorts, a shirt dress or wide-leg trousers.
‘The aim is to create one cohesive look rather than competing elements.’
Meanwhile, Rochelle noted that as hats slowly become a part of ‘everyday dressing’, items such as a ‘woven hat with linen trousers and an oversized white shirt instantly feels elevated and chic’.
‘A clean baseball cap paired with tailored shorts, a crisp shirt and leather sandals feels relaxed yet put together. We’ve seen celebrities including Hailey Bieber have helped redefine the baseball cap as an everyday fashion accessory rather than something purely sporty.
‘It’s now just as likely to be worn with oversized tailoring as it is with leggings. That’s why hats feel more relevant than ever, in many cases they’ve become part of a complete outfit rather than an accessory you only pack for holiday.’
Invest in good quality pieces with natural fabrics
The Princess of Wales clearly understood the mantra of ‘buy less, buy better’ with her sunhat at Wimbledon 2022
While some sunhats on the market may be cheap, it is key to consider the value of the item, especially if you are hoping it will span several heatwaves.
When considering which hat to splurge on, Lisa recommends ‘natural fibres such as straw, raffia and woven paper’ as these can look more refined than cheaper synthetic alternatives’.
Likewise, Rochelle suggested taking account of the materials of the hat to ensure you are being best protected from the heat.
‘Natural materials such as straw, linen and breathable cotton allow air to circulate while keeping you cooler throughout the day,’ she said.
‘I feel that they’re also visually softer, which helps create that effortless, expensive-looking summer aesthetic we’re seeing everywhere this season.’
Consider a baseball hat as a stylish option
While they may have been typically associated with simply exercise baseball caps have vastly evolved to appear ‘incredibly chic’, especially when worn by Kendall Jenner
While they may have been typically associated with simply exercise, baseball caps have vastly evolved to appear ‘incredibly chic’.
Lisa explained: ‘Pair one with a crisp white shirt, tailored shorts, relaxed denim or a co-ord set for an effortless off-duty look. Neutral shades such as navy, beige, white or black tend to be the most versatile and timeless.’
Rochelle added: ‘The baseball cap has quietly become one of fashion’s most versatile accessories, but there are differences between stylish and sloppy and that often comes down to quality.
‘If you choose a premium cotton, subtle branding and neutral colours like cream, navy, chocolate, olive and black, they all look timeless and expensive.
‘I would try and avoid oversized logos or heavily distressed styles, which can instantly make an outfit feel dated.’
Hats paired with a good hairstyle
Jelena Djokovic at Wimbledon last week wearing a hat that showed off her hairstyle
Both Lisa and Rochelle advise that one should be mindful of their hairstyle when wearing a hat this summer.
Low ponytails, loose waves, soft buns or a side braid all work beautifully with summer hats and help create an effortless finish,’ said Lisa.
‘Planning your hairstyle before you leave the house means you’re less likely to feel the need to take your hat off halfway through the day.’
Meanwhile, Rochelle advised that ‘soft waves, loose low buns, relaxed ponytails and tucked-behind-the-ear styles all allow the hat to sit naturally while still framing your face’.
‘This is something that we consistently see on celebrities because the styling looks effortless, even though every detail has been considered,’ she added.
‘The whole aim is for the hat to look like part of the outfit and not something you’ve squeezed on at the last minute.’
You must be logged in to post a comment Login