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The big-brimmed, floppy hat trend that started last winter has carried over into spring and summer as a very feminine, retro fashion statement. While wool and wool-blend hats were the fibers of choice for the colder months, the hats for spring and summer feature cotton as well as braided, woven or crocheted straw.
While feminine hats were once a fashion staple, floppy hats were relegated to beach accessories during the 80s and 90s. Thanks to celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Kate Moss and Nicole Richie, wide-brimmed hats have made a comeback from the high-fashion runways to BoHo street style.
This year’s hat trend features a more stylish, tailored look than its 70s counterpart. Rather than being the anti-fashion statement of the past, today’s hats are decidedly feminine and stylish, and are a dressy and accessory to both casual and formal wear. Tighter weaves and quality finishes on straw hats make them perfect for outdoor weddings and social occasions. Looser weaves, openwork and crocheted styles, and ultra-floppy brims are still great for the beach or casual gatherings. Two-toned hats, sophisticated colors and trims, and slightly stiffer brims are more formal and can accentuate everything from jeans to dress pants and suits.
In addition to being the must-have accessory for this spring and summer, hats with wide brims provide the added benefit of protecting the face and neck from the sun’s damaging rays. With interest in beautiful, feminine hats showing no sign of slowing down, it’s expected that this welcome trend will continue to carry over well into the fall and winter, making a floppy hat a worthwhile fashion investment this year.
