This One Item Is the Secret to Making Every Summer Outfit Way Chicer

Picture this: It’s the weekend, the sun is out, and you’re lying by the water as seagulls fly above and the waves crash against the sand. In this idyllic summer daydream, what are you wearing? For me, I’d want to be wearing a designer bucket hat. In my mind, there’s no better piece to invest in for the summer than this trendy accessory because it does all the work for you. Bad hair day? Bucket hat to the rescue. Need to freshen up your summer staples? Add a hat. Want to avoid sun damage? A hat is your secret skincare weapon. A designer bucket hat can solve all woes—it is that accessory, through and through. And while there are a plethora of affordable versions, considering that this style continues to be a favorite among the fashion set, why not invest in one you’ll wear for years to come?
In that vein, below, you’ll find some of the best designer bucket hats to shop for right now. From raffia iterations ready for a trip to the French Riviera to leather bucket hats that can be worn well into the fall, there’s something for everyone ahead. Fair warning, though: These bucket hats are begging to be bought, so be prepared to pull out that wallet of yours.
Under $250:
Come fall, this hat will be the only thing you will want to wear.
It’s giving coastal vibes in the best way possible.
Olivia Rodrigo would approve.
Style this with a puff-sleeved white dress, and you’ll be serving the perfect summer look.
When in doubt, a pink bucket hat will never be a bad buy.
Not to play favorites, but my leopard-print Ganni bucket hat has a special place in my heart.
Made in collaboration with an artist, this hat is truly one of a kind.
The moiré fabric on this hat takes it from simple to stunning.
I didn’t think I’d ever be a fan of PVC bucket hats until I spotted this one.
Faithfull the Brand’s hats are beloved among the fashion set.
This Max Mara hat is minimal, but it’s sure to make a maximum impact.
Pair this with platforms and a bikini, and you’ll be serving a look by the sea.
Splurges:
Now, all you need to do is style this hat with a micro miniskirt, and you’ll look like you came fresh off the Miu Miu runway.
The ribbons on this hat are delightful.
Jacquard is the grandmother-inspired fabric that I can’t get enough of at the moment.
Is this not one of the most unique hats you’ve ever seen?
Terry cloth bucket hats are a vibe, but this logo-adorned Burberry hat is on a whole new level.
Bottega Veneta knows how to speak to a girl’s soul.
Next: Bucket Hats Are Here to Stay, so Here's How to Actually Wear Them
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.
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