Summer 2024 Hat Trends: Must-Have Millinery for Every Occasion

Leisurely alfresco lunches on the terrace that stretch into the glowing sunset, endless ice creams and cocktails by the shimmering pool, partying from dusk till dawn in style at Coachella or Glastonbury – summer 2024 has officially arrived. As we revisit our wardrobe to dust off our favourite summer dresses, let’s not forget about headwear: the right hat or hair accessory can elevate or even transform your entire look, taking it from great to unforgettable.

In this article, we’ll explore the hottest hat trends for summer 2024, showing you how these hats can be coordinated with different types of outfits for all kinds of occasions, from casual to formal. Whether you are planning the perfect race day ensemble or a capsule holiday wardrobe, this guide will be essential reading to ensure that your outfit gets the attention it deserves.

Trend 1: Baseball Caps

While baseball caps have always been a sartorial evergreen, especially in the warmer months, designers have reinvented this casualwear staple. For the past few seasons, they have showcased these pieces on the runway. For summer 2024, baseball hats are getting a sophisticated makeover as they are paired with more elevated outfits. For example, on the Chanel SS24 runway, baseball caps were styled with head-to-toe tweed, giving the traditionally sporty accessory an unexpected couture twist.

How to wear: Why not pair it with a sundress and sneakers to create the ultimate go-to summer outfit? You can even try wearing it with a work dress during the day for that perfect high-low contrast. Also, consider opting for a baseball hat in a bold shade to bring a pop of colour to a neutral outfit.

Trend 2: Wide-Brim Hats

Wide-brim hats instantly evoke sun-filled vacations and outdoor vibes; styles created in straw, in particular, are synonymous with summer. What’s more, wide-brim hats offer excellent sun protection for your face, neck and shoulders, reducing the risk of sunburn even after a long day lounging on the lawn. They are also extremely versatile, with styles ranging from formal hats designed for weddings and other formal occasions to cowboy hats suited for fashion-forward outfits. 

How to wear: For an everyday look, pair a wide-brimmed straw hat with wide-leg Palazzo pants. This effortlessly chic yet comfortable combination makes summer dressing a breeze, whether you’re holidaying abroad or simply heading out for a coffee date. Alexandra Harper Milliner’s signature straw boater is the perfect example of a versatile wide-brimmed straw hat that will perfectly complement a wide range of outfits – you can wear it to the park, to the races, or even outdoor weddings.

Trend 3: Bucket Hats

The bucket hat is another headwear staple that is still going strong in summer 2024. Many designers and fashion brands have incorporated bucket hats into their collections, riding the wave of the 90s revival that continues to dominate the fashion world. Just like wide-brim hats, bucket hats also offer some sun protection – a crucial factor in the summer months – making them the ideal choice for warm weather.

How to wear: The best thing about this summer headwear staple is its versatility: easy to wear and universally flattering, the bucket hat is the perfect accessory to elevate your casual outfits. Pair it with a basic t-shirt, jeans and sneakers for the ultimate off-duty look, or opt for an embellished style for a statement look.

Trend 4: Visors

Just like bucket hats, visors have made a major comeback as part of the 90s/Y2K trend. Evoking a sense of effortless chic and retro charm, visors are making a bold statement on runways and streets alike. From classic straw designs to futuristic transparent iterations, there’s a visor style to suit every taste and occasion. Not just a stylish accessory, visors offer practicality with sun protection for both face and eyes, making them the ultimate summer essential. 

How to wear: Spending a day at the beach? Pair your visor with a breezy sundress for a fuss-free yet stylish look. Alternatively, elevate an urban streetwear outfit with a statement visor to give your look a sporty edge. At Alexandra Harper Millinery, we have created the perfect straw visor in a pale pink and cream colour combination. This summer staple, crafted by our trusted artisan partners in Italy, features a light cloud of pale pink veiling that will instantly inject a touch of glamour and chic into any summer outfit.

Trend 5: Headbands

While hats often steal the spotlight, it’s essential not to underestimate the transformative potential of headbands in enhancing any ensemble! This season, headbands are experiencing a revival with a modern twist, offering endless versatility and style possibilities. From vibrant floral patterns to sleek metallic finishes, designers are reinventing the classic accessory with bold new textures and embellishments. Whether adorned with pearls, crystals, or playful prints, headbands can elevate every outfit with a touch of glamour and sophistication. 

How to wear: Why not opt for a style in a vibrant shade to add a pop of colour to beachside attire? Headbands are also perfect if you want to elevate a casual outfit: pair them with a simple t-shirt and jeans to instantly create more visual interest. Looking to channel vintage vibes? Floral or retro-inspired headbands will be the perfect choice. Our Spring/ Summer 2024 collection features several headbands that will instantly lift your summer outfit, including Heightened, a knotted headband in a versatile cream shade that will effortlessly take you from the beach to the boardroom. Going for a statement look? Look no further than our highly Instagrammable pompom headbands – and you can even design your own! Choose from a selection of colours, from ivory and biscuit to hot pink and electric blue. This chic and whimsical accessory will instantly make you stand out from the crowd.

Curate Your Summer Millinery Collection

We hope this article has inspired you to curate your own millinery collection for summer 2024. Be sure to check out our Spring/Summer 2024 collection and the rest of our offerings – no matter the occasion, we have the right headpiece for you. And if you would like a bespoke millinery creation for a special event this summer, why not explore our custom design service? You can visit us in the studio, your home, or a mutually convenient location. We can also conduct consultations via telephone, Zoom or email. Photographs and updates will be emailed to you throughout the construction process, and we are more than happy to match colours and fabrics to your outfit, even custom-dyeing where necessary. The process can usually be completed within two or three weeks. Contact Alexandra today to create a millinery masterpiece unique to you.