Hat Trick

As much as we can't wait to get out in the sun when summer finally rolls around, one thing we realize more and more with each passing year is that sun + face = not good! While a golden tan may look great for a few days, in the long term, it's not doing any of us any favors. Case in point- have you ever seen Miss Porcelain Skin herself, Nicole Kidman, out in the sun without a hat or umbrella (or both?). Sure the botox helps...but you've got to admit she's got fabulous skin!

There's no reason that you can't use a great hat this summer not only to save your skin, but to make a hip fashion statement. We love Reese Witherspoon's straw fedora! It looks fresh and fun without being overly trendy.

And of course, how can we talk about hats and fashion without a nod to America's hat event of the year- the Kentucky Derby! It certainly bring out the worst.....

Yikes! Little Bo Peep gone awry!

And also the best! We love the shape of this hat and the flattering style. It's definitely dramatic without being cheesy.

For your next excursion to the beach, on a picnic, or just for a long walk outside, consider these stylish hats that will flatter just about anyone:

This Proper Topper Back Bow Hat, $56 is eternally classic. You can wear this for golf, to the pool, to the beach, or even around town and look effortlessly chic. It definitely makes a statement without rocking the boat.

This Packable Fedora, $34, from Proper Topper, is great for throwing in your suitcase. We love the medium-brown color- it will go with anything. We'd love sporting this on vacation.

For a slightly dressier alternative to your standard straw hat, try this Proper Topper Contrast Stripe Ribbon Hat, $38. This would look great with your favorite Tory Burch tunic by the pool!

Drama, drama, drama- we love this Eric Javits Swinger Hat, $325. Here's a little secret- last year we found plenty of Eric Javits hats at TJ Maxx for $49! Never hurts to look.

For something a little more subtle, we also love this Eric Javits Squishee IV Hat, $195. Hats need to withstand being thrown in a beach bag, a suitcase, or getting blown away by the wind, and Eric Javits hats are ideally suited for all three.

It's the Birkin of hats! Loro Piana Johannesburg Hat, $895. For that price, does it come with a pool boy too?

It doesn't change much from year to year, but it doesn't have to. The J Crew Classic Straw Hat, $49.50. Buy your own grosgrain ribbon to decorate it, or tie your favorite silk scarf around it to really make a statement.

Ok, they're not beach hats, but sometimes you just need something a little sportier, and these Monogrammed Golf Hat, $24, really fit the bill. We love the diamond monogram (second row right) or the single initial (front row right).

Don't forget about Tar-zay as the best place to score an inexpensive hat. They always have tons of straw hats for under $20. They've also got ones a little more exciting, like this Merona Herringbone Bucket Hat, $12.99.

Finally, this Helen Welsh Madras Ribbon Hat, $29.95, combines all the things we love- a slightly oversized straw hat, summery pastel colors, and madras. This would look so adorable with your favorite coral bikini and gold sandals, don't you think?