During the past few years, the beanie has become a staple in every young woman’s wardrobe. It’s a quick way to look cool and accessorize without doing your hair. 

Unfortunately, for every hat, the time must come when it needs to be hung up, and that time is now for the beanie.

Today’s hat trend is cool and chic and oh-so different. The more exciting and interesting your hat is, the better. Seriously, on the runways this season, hats were almost stealing the show.

What’s hot in hats

Signature hats are setting the mood for entire outfits, and while not everyone is going to be in the market for a Gucci houndstooth felt hat with a yellow visor, there is a hat out there that fits your fashion-forward attitude.

Bucket hats. The classic bucket hat is back. This shape is a standard for the beach, but it’s just been given an upgrade for fall. 

Do - look for corduroy, faux fur, or suede fabric and a fun print. 

Don’t – settle for the ubiquitous, light tan color that your grandpa wears fishing.

Cloche hat. The cloche hat was a staple for flappers of the 1920s. This felt hat was originally worn low on the head with the brim down, but eventually, a flipped up brim took over, making it easier to see, became the standard look. 

Do - Today’s cloche comes in prints, bold colors, and accessorized with lace and feathers. It’s a lovely bold statement with a delightfully retro flare.

Don’t – You may be tempted to go all flapper with this look, it’s simply too retro. Keep it to just a hat to maintain the whimsical charm.

Fedoras. Speaking of grandpa’s hats. The fedora, a classic for men for ages, is a big trend for women this season. 

Do – pick a nice neutral hue that matches an oversized, statement coat for a look that screams class, and without saying a word.

Don’t – go crazy with bold colors, prints, and gobs of embellishments. This hat is good as is.

Caps. Not hats but caps, think tight-fitting swim caps, are a huge hit. These head-hugging hotties need to have an edge because they’re so eye-catching. 

Do - look for interesting fabric, bedazzled glam, plucky prints, or sleek leather. 

Don’t – wear a fussy hairstyle that is going to be ruined by these form-fitting caps. Stay sleek and straight. 

Newsboy caps. If you want to go somewhere between a hat and a cap, the newsboy is the thing. 

Do - This look is always best when set at a jaunty angle. 

Don’t – pass this trend up because you’ll regret it. It’s cutest when paired with trendy, cropped, high-rise pants.

How to style hair with a hat

Now the tricky part, how to style your hair so it looks great with the hat on and off. Current hair trends have moved far, far away from overdone, fluffed up looks that require tons of maintenance and product. This is great news for the hat aficionado. 

The less product in your hair, the less likely it is to stay in that “hat position” forming a seemingly permanent ring around your skull.

Low and sleek

Wearing your hair down and straight works with most hats, and this year it’s all about the middle part. But if down isn’t the look you’re going for, a chignon at the nape of the neck or a soft braid is a great hat companion.

As an extra tip, look for hats with satin linings. The fabric is especially forgiving on curls and lets them bounce right back after the hat is removed.

Loose twists pulled back

A hat can force shorter and curlier hair out under the brim, in a way that’s similar to a clown. Fight this by using bobby pins to pull twisted front strands back and away from your face. 

The bobby pins don’t add bulk between the hat and your head, yet they do a great job of holding your hair. If you’re going to have the hat off for a long time, take out the pins, and you’ll still have curls.

Use a serum

Natural, lightweight hair serum is essential for moisturizing your hair, so it bounces back while also holding it with gentle care.

Braids

Braids, especially Dutch braids, are a big trend this season, and they work wonderfully with hats. Added tip–wear your braids with your hat in the daytime, then take the hat off and let your hair free for a soft, wavy look at night.

Final thoughts

Are you ready to rock the hat this season? These tips should point you in the right direction and give you the confidence you need to own this trendsetting style.

While the beanie is still around, you can move beyond that and try your hand with a bucket or a cloche hat, a classic fedora, or a cap. Remember that hats bring a lot of personality, and this season, the more personality they have, the better. 

Taming down your hair and opting for a simple style is the best way to go. It also looks best when you remove the hat. But, before you head out the door in your new chapeau, try a couple of different angles to get just the right attitude.