Cathy Karuga is the writer behind Three Outfits, a fast-growing fashion newsletter exploring personal style, culture, and the evolving nature of taste. With an insider’s understanding of emerging designers, It brands, and shifting fashion trends as well as an outsider’s perspective on the industry itself, Karuga has developed a distinct voice, blending fashion commentary with cultural analysis.
I think we can all agree that summer is the hardest season to get dressed in.
The hotter it gets, the harder it is to look chic. As temperatures climb, there are only so many layers you can remove before every outfit starts looking the same. That’s why the most stylish women aren’t relying on clothes alone this summer. They’re letting their accessories do the heavy lifting.
An underrated accessory that rarely gets its flowers, a hat can elevate or neutralise an outfit instantly. You can bring down a dressy outfit with a relaxed cap or canvas bucket hat or elevate your look with a pillbox hat or structured raffia hat. It finishes an outfit, saves you from squinting all afternoon, and protects your skin at the same time. It’s hard to think of another accessory that works quite as hard.
I’ve tried them all and looked through the feeds of the chicest fashion people on Substack, and here are my picks for the best summer hats that It girls are wearing this season.
1. The Canvas Bucket Hat
If I had to crown one piece as the hat of the season, it would be the TWP Nantucket Sound Hat. It is the one all the fashion people are wearing. Spend any time in the fashion corner of Substack, and you’ll spot it everywhere. There’s a reason it’s perpetually sold out or on preorder. The red chin strap is such a great touch that gives this otherwise relaxed bucket hat just enough personality, taking it from outdoorsy athleisure to casual and effortless.
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