Want to look trendy, and still stay protected from the sun? Hats the way to go!

A black wide-brimmed hat from Kate Spade’s latest collection offsets a floral ensemble. Photo: Kate Spade

Judging by the phenomenal sales of skin brightening products, some of which have made multi- millionaires of their sellers, like Datuk Seri Vida of Qu Puteh fame, we seem to be a nation obsessed with having fair skin.

Yet, while we slather on sunscreens and brightening creams, we have forgotten one item that should be used alongside these as it’s also quite effective at blocking the sun’s harmful rays.

No clue? Put your thinking cap on (pun intended). We’re talking about hats, caps and such.

A blue baseball cap completes this outfit meant to look worn out fromLoewe’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection. Photo: Loewe

Although boys often don baseball caps, usually front to back in an effort to appear cool, few adult Malaysians seem interested in sporting headwear for either practical (this is a hot and humid country after all) or aesthetic reasons.

Speaking of the latter, when chosen carefully and worn appropriately, headwear has the potential to look fantastic, draw attention to the wearer and transform an ordinary ensemble into something stunning.

Read more: As the weather heats up, stay cool with sunglasses that match your style

Among the currently popular hat trend is the bucket hat. Seen at Louis Vuitton, and accessible luxury Parisan label, Sandro, this type of hat gives a laidback vibe and is best worn with casualwear like jeans, tees and sneakers.

The bucket hat’s best feature is that it looks good on practically everyone, including men, women and children. It can also be worn with the brim up, down, or only partially up.

From Gucci’s Spring/Summer 2023 line comes the boater hat, which is known for its versatility as it pairs well with a variety of outfits, from casual to dressy. It’s a wardrobe essential for sure, since it has a classic design and timeless charm.

Designer Hedi Slimane gets nautical at Celine, with the French label’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection featuring nautical sweaters, sailor button fittings and a captain’s hat in black with the house logo in gold.

Of all hat designs, the wide-brimmed variety is our favourite because of the air of drama, mystery and authority it exudes.

More importantly, its broad brim offers additional sun protection, covering the face, ears and neck.

Read more: Fashion's use of pink is leaving Barbie behind for a new meaning

We love the black design from Kate Spade New York’s Spring/Summer 2023 range as well as the handmade straw ones by local hat designer Hanna B.

Singer Daiyan Trisha poses in Hanna B’s humongous straw hat designed byHanna B. Photo: Instagram/gethanna_b

The latter’s outrageously large hats have graced famous heads like Los Angeles-based fashion blogger Aimee Song, and appeared on billboards in the US for Michele Watches, as well as partnerships with beauty powerhouse Laura Mercier. Hats off to Hanna!

Whichever you prefer, any headwear, be it a beret, bowler, bucket or boater, is what every woman, and man, needs not only to shield from the sun but also to disguise everyone’s beauty crisis – a bad hair day!

Now, have we got your attention already?