Fisherman Hats Are Trending—Here Are 10 Ways I’m Styling Them Right Now

If you’ve spent any time in the fashion sphere this spring, it’s hard to deny the return of one specific trend: fisherman hats. Like it or not, this sportswear-inspired accessory has hooked the attention of the style crowd, leading many to wonder how to wear a fisherman hat in a way that’s actually fashion-forward.

It can be hard to discern whether or not a new accessory trend is worth adopting or if there’s better fish to fry, especially when considering those that seem as “niche” as this particular sportswear-leaning hat style. However, this specific trend isn’t solely for those who participate in game fishing, as it has a universal appeal. At least, that’s the stance of accessories designer Eugenia Kim, who helms her own eponymous label. “Fisherman hats remain a timeless favorite because they offer the perfect balance of practicality and style. Its breathable design makes it ideal for outdoor adventures, but it can add nautical charm to any outfit,” she tells InStyle.

Ultimately, what has made this accessory stick out from the sea of current trends can’t necessarily be attributed to the rise of the fisherman aesthetic or even the uptick in statement hats in general (though those elements helped). Instead, it all goes back to the innate wearability of this style. “There are so many different ways to wear a fisherman hat. You can pair the hat with joggers, a sweatshirt, and sneakers for a sporty look. Alternatively, for a beach-bound vibe, you can wear it with swimsuits or a cover-up, adding sunglasses and a woven tote bag,” Kim adds.

But if you’re looking for even more fisherman hat styling inspiration, you’ll want to keep reading. Below, I’m sharing 10 outfit ideas that will give you ample hat styling options for the spring (and beyond). We might not be able to teach you how to fish, but we can provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to wear a fisherman hat.

In-Between Seasons

Anyone in a colder climate can attest that springtime doesn’t always mean temperatures will immediately climb overnight. Despite our desire to start wearing spring-coded pieces, you’re not necessarily able to ditch the extra-thick wool coats just yet; that’s where accessories, specifically fisherman hats, come in handy. Styling this type of hat with your favorite wool coat, a button-down shirt, trousers, layered belts, and a structured handbag is the perfect way to slowly transition your wardrobe into the new season without freezing.

Moody Dressing

Let’s be honest: those first few weeks of spring aren’t all they’re cracked up to be when you haven’t yet gotten around to switching over your closet for the season. Navigating dressing for transitional weather can be time-consuming unless you turn to a few trusted accessories, aka the fisherman hat. Your favorite leather jacket, dark-wash jeans, and ankle boots can suddenly become spring-coded simply with the addition of a vibrantly-hued fisherman hat. Bonus points if you opt for one in a similar or contrasting textile to dial up the visual contrast.

Rain-Proof

Even if it’s finally not freezing outside, figuring out how to rain-proof your spring outfits without sacrificing your style can be hard—luckily, fisherman hats are the perfect solution. Lean into the functionality and frivolity of this hat by styling it with other weather-proofed pieces such as a classic trench coat, button-down shirt, straight-leg jeans, and boots with good anti-slip traction. Not only will styling your hat this way ensure your hair doesn’t frizz in the rain, but it will also give your staples a fun twist for spring.

Getting Physical

When you can’t be bothered to come up with a creative outfit, you can circumvent needing to put too much effort into your ensemble by wearing a comfortable sweatsuit. The secret to making it look like you spent a ton of time picking out your sweatpant outfit (even if you didn’t) is dressing it up with accessories, specifically slingback heels and a fisherman hat. It’s a straightforward outfit formula that’s effortlessly cool every single time.

Matching Separates

For those days when you want to tap into the comfort of wearing a sweatsuit without actually wearing one, turn to a printed set instead as a solution. Whether you opt for a striped linen top with matching trousers or a colorful knitted set, styling a matching separates with a fisherman hat will always be one of the easiest ways to look cute without sacrificing comfort. And if you have a little extra effort to give to your ensemble, opt for more spring-coded accessories, such as raffia hats, breathable sneakers, and compact shoulder bags.

Minimalist Dream

Devout minimalists might cringe at the idea of wearing a printed set with this particular hat. Thankfully, there’s another straightforward approach to styling this accessory: opt for a neutral-toned look. You can make your fisherman hat feel more approachable by pairing it with a mocha mousse button-down shirt, matching brown trousers, and black Chelsea boots. The contrast between the two neutral colors will add as much visual interest to your look as any other printed set, without making you feel like a fish out of water.

Hooked to Workwear

While fisherman hats aren’t necessarily the most office-friendly accessory, you can find ways to dress them up for work-related excursions in the springtime. The key to making this hat work for more professional outings is pairing it with work-wear pieces such as a boxy blazer, fitted T-shirt, baggy trousers, and chunky sneakers. Whether you’re meeting your colleagues for a picnic in the park or drinks on a sunny patio after hours, you can rest assured that this look will strike the perfect balance between corporate and casual.

Off-the-Clock

In addition to styling traditional white-collar work staples with your hat, you can also find new ways to wear blue-collar pieces, too. For example, the cargo pants in the back of your closet or the Timberland boots can be worn off the clock by styling them with unexpected pieces such as colorful sweater vests, woven hats, and oversized jewelry. It’s a foolproof way to get more wear from your wardrobe’s workhorses.

Capri Sun

While styling your fisherman hat with work staples is one of the most straightforward ways to pull off this trend, it won’t necessarily speak to those who are maximalists at heart. If you want to dial up the ante of this accessory, first, you’ll want to find a version with a distinct print to ensure that it will be a genuine statement piece in your wardrobe. Once you’ve invested in a printed fisherman hat you like, lean into the “more is more” ethos of maximalism by styling it with contrasting printed pieces, such as a floral-print scarf top. Should the mismatched prints feel too punchy, you can dial back the look by adding black capri pants and matching ballet flats.

Summertime Fun

Whether you choose the minimalist or maximalist styling route, there’s no wrong way to embrace wearing a statement hat this spring. But if you’re still stressed out trying to figure out how to wear a fisherman hat, follow our final advice: keep it simple. When in doubt, wearing a sundress, a small handbag, flat shoes, and a fisherman hat will always be a failproof styling formula. Ultimately, the key to embracing any accessory trend is to “look for something that suits your personal style, works with your wardrobe, and is comfortable to wear,” Eugenia Kim explained. “Spring is the perfect season to experiment with accessories,” so don’t be afraid to cast a wider net with your choices because you might be surprised by what you reel in (or, in this case, end up wearing).

Read the original article on InStyle