This summer headgear is back. Again. But for many wearers, it never went away . The bucket hat may be back – searches have gone up by 36% since last month (according to Lyst) while there has been a 51% increase in searches on eBay – but it never really went away.
Recently seen on Billie Eilish, Diplo, and Meryl Streep in the film Laundromat and at the spring/summer shows of Bode, Kate Spade, and Anna Sui, it is ideal lockdown wear: great for hiding a headful of curls that have been untouched by the hand of a hairdresser.
It is also a hat that screams “it’s summer!” while giving you a Madeline moment. The shape – both charming and pretty silly – evokes a smile and a fizz of memories. This seeming duality has given the hat longevity that somehow transcends trends.
Reemergence style is a work in progress. Trends are starting to develop, though, and it looks like the ubiquitous bucket hat will be this summer’s slam dunk. As you can see from these street-style looks, there’s no wrong way to wear this grab-and-go accessory. Whichever way you choose, it will definitely give you a little extra swagger.
The Bucket
Ah yes, the bucket hat trend lives on for the fall—only now, it’s getting a luxe upgrade. Swap your basic bucket for one that’s made from denim, leather, or vinyl this season. Or, choose one with quilting for a slightly preppier vibe. Whatever makes your bucket stand out will put you ahead (I’m sorry) of everyone else.
Quilted Rain Hat
This Quilted Rain Hat from San Diego Hat Co. is giving me all the fall vibes. Plus, now you can keep your hair looking cute even if it rains.
Cotton Bucket Sun Hat
This Cotton Bucket Sun Hat makes me want to be a skater girl. This pick is proof that denim makes just about anything look cool.
Waterproof Rain Hat
If a leather hat is too pricey, consider a vinyl option! This Waterproof Rain Hat has a high-shine finish that feels so on-trend for fall.
The Trucker
With all the early aughts trends back in style right now, it was only a matter of time before trucker hats came back, right? These new iterations are just as bold as the ones you remember, so feel free to dress them up with a slip dress or down with jeans and a leather jacket.
I have always been slightly terrified to experiment with hats (they are such a statement!), but to me, there is nothing more intimidating than wearing a bucket hat. That brimmed shape—always tight fitted to the head—reminds me of hats I’d wear as a kid. There’s something slightly infantile to them, and wearing one as an adult, I’m always afraid that I look silly—as though I’m trying to recapture my youth or something. But for fall a number of celebrities have been wearing classic bucket hats, and I’m totally changing my tune.
It all started when Rihanna stepped out in New York this summer wearing Prada’s nylon bucket hat in a chic seafoam green colorway. Paired with a printed top and jeans, she made it look downright cool and not at all childlike. Soon after, in September, I spotted Brad Pitt wearing a sleek all-white style to the U.S. Open, looking like the style icon that he is. Cut to Fashion Week this fall, and many VIPs were wearing them in the front rows too, including British Vogue’s Edward Enninful, who wore a black bucket hat to many shows. He even managed to pair it with a sleek suit and look like a total boss.
By Rida Khan
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