Hats Are Officially A Must-Have Accessory—5 Chic Trends to Try

Isabella Blow, often regarded as one of the most stylish people who ever lived, was once described by legendary fashion critic Cathy Horan as “the woman that no hat could tame”. With a preference for eccentric millinery, she was often spotted in the front rows at shows for Dior or her former protégé Alexander McQueen, wearing surrealist and sculptural headpieces: a lobster hat decorated with pink Swarovski crystals, air light feathers that spelt out her last name, an 18th-century-inspired ship. Today, our penchant for hats is far less daring than hers, but it’s a potent reminder of the power that this understated accessory holds.

That’s not to say that we as a society have completely forgotten about styling our outfits from top to bottom, right up to the cap or cloche that finishes off our ensembles. The past few seasons have made great headway in reintroducing, well, headwear back into our wardrobes. From the rise of Grace Kelly-esque silk scarves to the bandanas Gracie Abrams helped reprise during her debut Glastonbury set, those with taste aren’t averse to donning a hat that makes a statement.

These days, however, styling a chic hat isn’t as simple as throwing on a backwards cap and thinking your work is through. As the key hat trends are proving, this style is becoming less of an afterthought and more integrated into the overall look, making investing in one a considered choice.