Top Hat Styles for Summer Festivals
With July upon us, the festival season has officially kicked off! From Coachella and Burning Man to Glastonbury and Tomorrowland, festival-goers around the world are gearing up for a summer of unforgettable experiences. But beyond the music, crafting the perfect festival look is a key part of the fun. And what better way to elevate your outfit and stand out from the crowd than with a statement hat?
This guide delves into the hottest hat styles for summer festivals, offering expert tips on pairing them with various outfit aesthetics. We’ll also showcase some stunning festival-worthy pieces from Alexandra Harper Millinery’s collection, inspiring you to create a look that’s both unique and flawlessly on-trend.
The Classic Wide-Brimmed Hat
Wide-brimmed hats are a summer festival staple for a reason. They’re not just effortlessly stylish but also offer sun protection. These hats shield your face and shoulders from UV rays throughout those long, hot days spent dancing under the sun.
But the benefits go beyond practicality. Their classic silhouette flatters most face shapes and offers incredible versatility. Imagine effortlessly elevating your look, whether you’re rocking a flowing maxi dress or channelling a carefree vibe with a romper. They’ll even add a touch of cool to a trendy crop top and denim shorts combo.
Styling Tips
Boho Vibes: Pair with a flowing maxi dress and gladiator sandals for a bohemian look.
Edgy Chic: Combine with a band crop top, high-waisted shorts and ankle boots for a more contemporary vibe.
Jazz It Up: Add a bandana or feather headband around the hat for a personalised touch!
The Floppy Hat
Step into the summer festival scene with the quintessential accessory: the floppy hat. Its timeless appeal lies in its relaxed, easy-going vibe that effortlessly mirrors the festive atmosphere. Crafted with soft, flexible brims, these hats exude a laid-back charm, perfect for those sun-soaked days filled with music and good times.
What makes floppy hats truly versatile is their ability to blend seamlessly with any ensemble. Whether you’re rocking a flowing maxi dress, casual denim shorts, or a billowy top, the floppy hat effortlessly ties your look together with a touch of laid-back elegance. No wonder they’re a favourite of Sienna Miller, the queen of Glastonbury’s boho scene.
And just like wide-brimmed hats, floppy hats will keep you shielded from the sun – essential when you’re spending all day outside. The soft, flexible brim also makes them truly comfortable for all-day wear.
Styling Tips
Feminine Romance: Pair with a lace dress and strappy sandals.
Casual Cool: Wear with a graphic tee, distressed denim shorts, and sneakers.
Jazz It Up: Layer with long necklaces and stackable bracelets for a festival-ready look.
The Fedora
The fedora has long been a festival fashion staple. With its distinctive silhouette and structured design, a fedora can elevate any festival outfit with a touch of sophistication, giving it a refined edge. It’s a subtle nod to classic Hollywood glamour, reimagined for the modern festival scene. What’s more, its unisex appeal also makes it the perfect choice for creating coordinating looks for couples.
Even better, the fedora is endlessly versatile – whether you’re rocking a vintage-inspired dress, a sleek jumpsuit, or a laid-back jeans and tee combo, this accessory will effortlessly elevate your look with a touch of polish and sophistication.
Styling Tips
Modern Minimalism: Pair with a sleek jumpsuit and platform sandals.
Vintage Flair: Combine with a retro-inspired dress and cat-eye sunglasses.
Jazz It Up: Accent with a silk scarf or a statement brooch for added flair.
The Straw Hat
Nothing says summer more than the straw hat. This hot-weather staple seamlessly blends style with functionality, making it an ideal choice for fun times outdoors. Their breathable, lightweight design offers a refreshing respite from the sun’s heat, ensuring that you stay cool and comfortable as you soak in the festival atmosphere.
What makes straw hats particularly appealing is their natural aesthetic, which effortlessly complements the earthy, bohemian vibes of music festivals. Crafted from organic materials, they seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings, enhancing the laid-back, carefree ambience of the event.
Our classic and extremely versatile straw boater hat, showcased below, is the ultimate straw hat that will effortlessly take you from festivals to the beach all summer long! It also comes in different colourways, so there’s one to suit every outfit.
Styling Tips
Rustic Charm: Pair with a floral romper and espadrilles.
Beachy Style: Wear with a bikini top, sarong, and flip-flops for a beach-ready festival look.
Jazz It Up: Decorate with shells or beads to enhance the boho aesthetic.
The Bucket Hat
In recent years, bucket hats have made a major comeback, reclaiming their status as a must-have accessory for festival-goers and trendsetters alike. With their retro charm, bucket hats will add an air of laid-back nonchalance to any festival outfit, whether you’re channelling 90s nostalgia with a pair of cargo pants or a graphic tee or embracing contemporary streetwear style with a sleek jumpsuit and trainers.
While bucket hats may not provide the extensive sun coverage of their wide-brimmed counterparts, they still offer substantial shielding for your face from the sun’s rays. What’s more, their laid-back structure ensures unparalleled comfort, making them the perfect choice for long, sun-filled days. It’s the ultimate “wear and forget” option!
Styling Tips
Street Style: Pair with a crop top, cargo pants, and chunky sneakers.
Playful Patterns: Choose bold prints and colours to stand out.
Jazz It Up: Add quirky pins or patches to personalise your hat.
The Cowboy Hat
For those looking to make a bold statement, the cowboy hat is the perfect choice. It adds a touch of wild-west flair to your festival outfit while offering ample sun protection with its generous brim, making it the ideal choice for all-day partying in the sun! And don’t just take our word for it – cowboy hats were all the rage at Coachella this year, seen on celebrities including Megan Fox and Paris Hilton.
What’s even better is that cowboy hats are surprisingly easy to style. They can be dressed up or down, and their unique silhouette looks fantastic on all face shapes. Another benefit is that these hats are usually made from sturdy materials, making them a hardy, festival-proof choice!
Styling Tips
Western Chic: Pair with a fringed jacket, denim shorts, and cowboy boots.
Glam Cowgirl: Wear with a sequined top and a mini skirt.
Jazz It Up: Accentuate with a bolo tie or chunky belt for an authentic look.
Scarves and Headbands
One often-overlooked accessory when it comes to festival fashion is the headscarf. They offer endless versatility, allowing you to transform your outfit with a single piece that will easily fit into your bag or suitcase. Going for the boho look? Tie a floral scarf in your hair for a whimsical touch. Rocking a sleek jumpsuit? Wrap a silk scarf around your neck for a touch of effortless elegance. Headscarves are also incredibly practical. They can tame flyaway hair on windy days, protect you from the sun, or even double as a sarong if you need a quick outfit change. Plus, with a vast array of fabrics, patterns, and sizes to choose from, you can find a headscarf that perfectly complements your unique festival look.
At Alexandra Harper Millinery, we have created a gorgeous collection of scarves in vibrant shades and patterns that will truly make you stand out from the crowd this summer. Channel flower power chic with the Flower Child silk twill scarf, patterned with a bold fuchsia pink floral motif, or rock a darker, edgier look with the Chained scarf in black – the choice is yours.
Headbands are another great way to elevate and even transform your outfit. They take up minimum space in your suitcase yet offer a myriad of styling possibilities. At Alexandra Harper Millinery, we are passionate about headbands. Found Balance – a grosgrain-lined headband featuring multi-coloured straw pompoms – is the perfect statement piece for any festival outfit with its vibrant colours. Going for boho vibes? Have A Good Trip, a double bandeau headband featuring vintage-inspired patterns and colours, is your top choice.
Expert Tips For Pairing Hats With Festival Outfits
Beyond the particular hat style, there are additional factors to consider when choosing the right headpiece for your festival outfit. Here are our expert tips to help you put together a knockout festival ensemble!
- Balance Proportions: If your hat is oversized or has a wide brim, opt for more fitted clothing to balance out the proportions. Conversely, a smaller hat can be paired with flowy, voluminous outfits.
- Coordinate Colours: Make sure your hat complements your outfit’s colour scheme. Neutral hats like beige, black, or white can match almost any outfit, while bold-coloured hats can be paired with simpler clothing to avoid clashing.
- Consider the Weather: While style is important, practicality should not be overlooked. Choose hats that offer sun protection for the daytime and consider materials that won’t be too hot or heavy.
- Mix Textures: Don’t be afraid to mix different textures in your outfit. A straw hat pairs beautifully with a lace dress, while a felt fedora can add depth to a silky top.
- Personalise: Add personal touches to your hats with ribbons, scarves, pins, or brooches to make your look uniquely yours.
Find Your Perfect Festival Headpiece at Alexandra Harper Millinery
We hope you enjoyed this comprehensive guide to choosing the right hat for the festival season! At Alexandra Harper Millinery, we have a broad range of headpieces for every occasion; our Spring/Summer 2024 collection, in particular, offers a stunning selection of headwear for the warmer months, whether you’re planning an outfit for Glastonbury or your best friend’s wedding. Discover our full collection on our website. However, if you’re looking for something truly unique or need a headpiece to match a specific outfit, you might also want to consider our custom design service.
At Alexandra Harper Millinery, we believe every woman deserves a hat that reflects her unique style. That’s why we offer bespoke creations tailored to your budget, personal taste, and intended use. Whether you have a specific deadline in mind or a cherished outfit that needs the perfect finishing touch, we’ll work with you to bring your vision to life.
We understand that life can be busy. That’s why we offer consultations in a variety of ways to suit your needs. Visit our studio, have us come to you, or connect virtually via phone, Zoom, or email. If that’s something that interests you, contact us today at contact@alexandraharpermillinery.com to arrange a consultation!