trendwatch saturday: summer straw hats

With the glimmer of sunshine and warm summer days to come, I've got sun protection on my mind. If you're anything like me when it comes to sunshine, you revel in it and frolic in it, but you also know that it's a cruel mistress that causes sunburns, dry skin, and premature wrinkles that result from too much squinting. To fight all this, I recommend sunblock, lotion, sunnies, and a fun straw hat.

Straw hats are everywhere this season and are a fun way to keep the sun out of your eyes. Gone are the days where straw hats only came in Farmer Joe styles - now nearly any hat style comes in a summer heat-friendly straw format!

THE FEDORA/PANAMA:

'Rat-a-Tat-Hat,' Modcloth, $24.99

I know there's a technical difference between a straw fedora and panama hat, but to me, they're interchangeable. Both are great menswear-inspired styles that will add a "boy's club" touch to anything you wear. The above hat, which comes in bigger sizes for people with huge noggins like me, would look smashing paired with a simple t-shirt and jeans ensemble or with a breezy calico summer dress.


THE PILLBOX:

'50s Pill Box Hat' from etsy seller persephoneclothing, $10

Made famous by a certain lady named Jackie O., the pillbox hat is for the more daring and fashion-forward ladies out there. In a classic stacked circle shape, the pillbox hat instantly evokes a retro-chic vibe. Done up in straw form, it would add instant class and elegance to a gauzey summer dress. Just don't expect it to really shield any rays from your eyes.


THE CLOCHE:

Pins and Needles 'Straw Cloche with Bow,' Urban Outfitters, $28

Made famous in the 1920s and thus largely associated with the fashionable flappers of the era, the cloche hat is most often made of felted wool. Made with straw, the hat is obviously less form-fitted to the head, but that's probably a good thing given the heat that summer brings and the importance of air circulation around the head. Smashing down all your hair against your head is probably the last thing you'd want when it's sweltering outside! I love how fun the straw cloche looks. It's reminiscent of a straw bonnet, but stops just short of being too twee. This would look amazing with a striped shirt, ankle skimming pants, and gladiator sandals!


THE BOATER:

'Blue Straw Boater' from etsy seller eveningangel, $15

With a flat top and wide brim, the boater is probably going to be the best style here to keep the sun out of your eyes. The shape is so fun, and I can just imagine this blue straw boater being worn with a simple white tank, navy and red skirt, and strappy sandals. The big flower is a sweet touch too without being too church hat-ish.

What are your thoughts on summer straw hats? Is there a particular style that you're partial to?