Fashion 11 Types of Hats Every Woman Should Have in Her Closet We searched through the latest trends to hand pick the most stylish hats. By Alyssa Rotunno Alyssa Rotunno Alyssa is a beauty, fashion, and lifestyle commerce freelancer for InStyle, where she covers skincare, haircare, makeup, on-trend fashion, and more. She is keenly committed to discovering stellar sales, innovative launches, and highlighting truly excellent products in the ever-expanding beauty and fashion space. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on March 14, 2024 @ 01:52PM Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Getty Images Let’s talk about hats. Arguably one of the more underrated accessories, hats are not only functional in cold and hot weather, but they can really add that pièce de résistance to your look. Hats come in a multitude of forms and can fit into any style. From Bella Hadid's bringing back the baker boy hat to the always-chic beret, the right hat can elevate any style and make you feel like you just jutted off the runway in seconds—so don’t overlook this accessory when on your next shopping spree. “Outside of wearing a baseball cap on a bad hair day or a simple beanie when it’s cold, [hats] can be tricky to style in an elevated way,” says celeb stylist Emily Essen. “Accessorizing with hats can be a fun opportunity to showcase your personal style, as well as display thoughtfulness and creativity in how you present yourself.” We scoured the runways, red carpets, and chicest streetwear to cultivate the ultimate must-have collection of hats every woman should own – read on below for inspiration. 01 of 11 Bucket Hat Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Bucket hats remain the hottest style on the market. An iconic ‘90s trend and now also a Gen Z staple, the style has been rocked by the likes of it-girls Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid in recent years – making them a must-have for any fashionista. Not only do they scream effortlessly cool, but they also offer a layer of protection from the sun, making the bucket hat a must-have for your summer fits. 02 of 11 Beanie Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images Though a popular pick on a cold winter day, beanies aren’t just for keeping you warm while out in the snow. The ultimate cold-weather accessory beanie offerings today are limitless – from a range of fabrics, colors, and textures, you can really mix and match to pair with any winter outfit. Try adding a chunky knit beanie for a just-off-the-slopes look or a bright and bold color to add a bit of streetwear edge. 03 of 11 Sun Hat Karwai Tang/WireImage Ahh, the classic sun hat! A quintessential for summer outings, sun hats come in a variety of styles and are the perfect add to give your outfit a little extra flair. Big, floppy straw hats have endless styling potential – you can pair it with something more casual like a coverup for a day at the beach or even try throwing on an elegant sundress for a more elevated evening at a tennis match. 04 of 11 Newsboy Caps Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Don’t knock this one until you try it. Newsboy caps may not be for everyone, but they sure do make for a Carrie Bradshaw moment. For an off-the-runway look, try pairing with ripped denim jeans, your favorite pair of stylish sneakers and a casual top – people on the street will be admiring your fit all day, trust me. 05 of 11 Baseball Hat ZZHollywood To You/Star Max/GC Images To emulate a celebrity-under-cover look, a baseball hat is a must-have. Not only does this style add a bit of sporty flair, but it is also a quick and chic option for covering up a bad hair day. Lucy Hale styled her fashionable baseball cap with an oversized sweatshirt, leggings and high waisted socks and sneaker combo – a look that truly never goes out of style. 06 of 11 Trucker Hat Getty Images Trucker hats are seemingly everywhere right now. Though similar to the classic baseball hat, trucker caps have a broader front and often a plastic mesh back which provides a boxy and edgy silhouette. When looking for a more laid-back and effortless ensemble, balance out your trucker hat with a retro one-piece bathing suit and classic denim shorts to emulate this style. 07 of 11 Beret Edward Berthelot/Getty Images If you want to feel like you just stepped out into the streets of Paris while eating a macaroon (too much?) – the beret is the hat for you. A staple in any fashionista’s wardrobe, the beret screams class and sophistication. For a twist on a classic style, try a knitted option for a bit of je ne sais quoi. You can style down for a chill, leisurewear vibe or dress up for an elegant night on the town. 08 of 11 Boater Hat Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images Obsessed with royal style? Try adding a boater hat to your wardrobe. A timeless option seeped in British history, this elegant hat is defined by its flat top and a wide brim. No longer just for formal events, boater hats can be worn on any occasion from a sunny afternoon in the park to brunch with the girls. Pro tip: try wearing it slightly tilted to the side to give a modern edge. 09 of 11 Visor Streetstyleshooters/Getty Images Embrace cute Y2K trends while also getting sun protection? Sign us up! The second you put on a favorite visor, it instantly brings the vacation vibes to any ensemble. Choose your own style with either a sporty style to wear to the tennis court or a laid-back raffia style for the beach – you can’t go wrong. 10 of 11 Cowboy Hat Christian Vierig/Getty Images In case you haven’t heard – or seen – western style is in full force thanks to the queen herself, Beyoncé. Though not for everyone, the cowboy hat is an undeniably chic statement piece. For the girl who won’t shy away from the unconventional, try pairing with a denim jacket and bold pants. 11 of 11 Baker Boy Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images A close cousin to the beret and the boater hat, the baker boy hat (also known as newsboy or pageboy caps) screams couture. Perfect for a cold winter outfit, pairing with a chic pair of gloves and luxe scarf is the epitome of it-girl fashion that even Katie Holmes and Penélope Cruz have rocked – and if they can do it, you can too.