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No one—save Beyoncé, Faye Dunaway, Judy Funnie and that beatnik poet in An Extremely Goofy Movie—has ever looked natural in a beret. Fascinators are just that: fascinating to look at, but unlikely to make you feel comfortable unless you're attending an antiquated royal wedding. And let's not get started on the fedora's reputation. Sometimes, hats just make you feel silly. No other accessory makes you question your sense of self or prompt world-shattering introspection in the mirror: Are you wearing the hat, or is the hat wearing you?
Still, this challenge doesn't discourage us from trying to find the perfect chapeau, but the combination of casual and interesting hat often eludes us. You can fall back on your basic dad hat or easy bucket, but we found 25 styles that strike the perfect balance ahead.
This sweet hat looks like it belongs to a toddler, which is exactly why we love it.
When in doubt, go with a crisp white baseball cap.
Layd is a genius label that creates hats with removable silk liners. In other words, you can actually clean your toppers without destroying the integrity of the brand's handmade straw hats.
Just when you thought 2020 couldn't get more surprising, it's time to brace yourself for the return of the trucker hat.
Hat Attack New York Canvas Packable Hat
I think I found the perfect beach hat.
Jacquemus Le Chapeau Valensole
Jacquemus' extra-wide brim hats are all over Instagram, but this one is slightly more subtle.
A Loewe hat with mermaids? Sign me up.
This H&M find is a steal considering how many compliments you'll receive while wearing it.
Urban Outfitters Canvas Tie Bucket Hat
Never let your hat blow off in the wind again with this season's super trendy tie-on bucket hat.
Brixton Essex Raffia Bucket Hat
This hat will make you feel like you're on vacation, even if you're only running errands.
Oxford stripes but make it streetwear.
Add a faux flower for '90s Blossom vibes.
Ok, this hat isn't that low-key, but Romulada is a brand on the rise. You can choose your own statement adventure, because almost every hand-printed style comes in a a range of widths. Your grid will thank you.
Burberry Vintage-Check Bucket Hat
As someone who owns a vintage Burberry bucket from the '90s, I can assure you that these are built to last.
Janessa Leone Nico Packable Hat
For my fellow head-sweaters out there.
Hedi Slimane is known for making the best basics with a high-fashion eye. This deceptively simple Panama hat is the perfect example of his craftsmanship.
Here's a dad hat with streetwear clout.
A raffia hat is just what summer deserves.
Frankie's Bikinis Jax Bucket Hat
Don't forget to wear this hat with its matching terrycloth bikini.
Madewell Gingham-Tie Straw Hat
For the stylish country bumpkin.
Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again. When she isn’t approaching style through a modern, accessible lens, she’s scouring eBay for vintage Levi’s and pretending she knows how to surf. Before joining ELLE.com in 2015 she worked as a freelance writer and stylist in New York City.
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