The 28 Best Beach Hats To Complement Your Sunny, Summer Outfits

If you plan on hitting the beach or pool this summer, we recommend a few crucial essentials for your look: a swimsuit, some sunglasses, sandals, and a good sun hat. Sure, a beach hat may seem like a superfluous accessory since you’ll also be slathering on the SPF — but, on top of adding an additional layer of sun protection, hats can help keep you cool while pulling your whole beach getup together. The trouble is finding the best beach hats to effortlessly complement your summer ensemble while efficiently protecting you from the sun.

Good thing there’s a sea of chic, affordable options floating around the internet. We were able to pull together a guide to some of the best low-key beach hats that are adorable, comfy, and easily packed. Think everything from classic baseball caps for the athletic types to straw hats for those who want to channel a Euro-boating look and even printed silk headscarves that your great-grandmother would stan — plus, a handful of other perfect top-offs for your beach-ready noggin. Keep scrolling to shop.

The Best Straw Hats

Madewell Packable Braided Straw Hat, $39.50 $29.50

Straw hats are the ultimate summer headpieces — they’re lightweight, quick-dry, and available in an array of fabulous silhouettes. Plus, the wide brim slouches ever so perfectly to keep your face shaded from the sun. If you’re limiting yourself to just one beach hat this summer, go with one made of good-ol’ straw.

Shop Madewell

The Best Bucket Hats

Ganni Cotton Crochet Bucket Hat, $135 $94.50

We’re certainly not mad at seeing this throwback hat — inspired by the fisherman’s go-to topper — return for another moment in the sun. The bucket hats we’re seeing these days are wonderfully floppy and consist of whimsical patterns in summery hues.

Shop Ganni At Shopbop

The Best Baseball Caps

Wyeth Nubby Baseball Cap, $42

You can’t go wrong with a classic dad hat or baseball cap. These beach hats are super-casual and low maintenance, adding just a hint of effortless cool to any outfit.

Shop Wyeth At Anthropologie

The Best Visors

Alo Solar Visor, $54

The visor is the ultimate lightweight beach hat. They’re best suited for sporting activities like frisbee and volleyball because the band keeps eyes shaded and soaks up sweat while still allowing for plenty of ventilation.

Shop Alo

The Best Head Scarves

Free People Lotus Paisley Print Bandana, $30

For a more romantic beach look, opt for the fluttery silk headscarf or bandana. You can style it by tying it around your head like a babushka or headband, or use it to hold your ponytail together. For a complete day-to-night transition, tie it around your neck after sundown.

Shop Free People

The Best Cooling Hats

The North Face Women’s Horizon Breeze Brimmer, $45

Need an even sportier option? These breathable performance sun hats are specifically engineered to cool you down. A few impressive technical details: The sweatbands have a cooling lining. There are strategically placed mesh ventilation holes everywhere. And the UPF 50+ protective brims are made to resist ultraviolet rays.

Shop The North Face

The Best Extra-Wide Brim Sun Hats

San Diego Hat Co. Oversized Floppy Straw Hat, $85

If you’re simply not a summer person and prefer to go incognito all season long, we’ve got the perfect hat style for you: the oversized, extra-wide brim sun hat. A little theatrical maybe? Sure. But, good luck to the sun — nothing’s getting past this statement hat.

Shop Anthropologie

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Hear Me Out: Headphones Make An Outfit

Last year, I got over-the-ear wireless headphones for the first time ever, wanting to prove that the headphones we wear are a vital styling choice. Although I had always been enthused by the way they made people look cool without trying so hard, it had never occurred to me to wear headphones that mimicked the look of a bygone era. My generation did grow up in the time of wired headphones, but it was at the point when the sleek white string of Apple earphones hung over your outfit. As such, I just could never understand why other commuters chose over-the-ear headphones, or even wireless Airpods.

Turns out, I was right: your headphones can make or break an outfit.. 

Take, for example, Succession’s Kendall Roy, who wears over the ear headphones because he’s trying to tell us he’s hipper than his L-to-the-OG dad, Logan. Listening to Jay-Z while being driven to his dad’s company and dressed in thousand-dollar suits, Roy is trying to be the kind of “progressive” billionaire that attempts to be so cool it’s borderline hilarious. Meanwhile, today’s It girls like Bella Hadid sport wired headphones to channel a nostalgic look, preferring the ones made cool during the Y2K era. Then there’s the stereotypical finance executive look that has made in-ear wireless headphones synonymous with this sector, essentially showing their knack for any tech that’s ahead of the curve.

Headphones are functional. They allow us to be on-the-go, while still jamming to our favorite music. Putting on headphones has always been about being at the forefront of technology. Back in the 1880s, switchboard operators started using 10-pound headphones, with a large one-ear piece and a microphone attached. Throughout the early 20th century, they rapidly developed into more portable devices mainly used by the military. The first wireless headphones came in the 1960s, an era of futurist thinking, allowing people to bring their radio with them. Still, they looked different from the ones we know today, featuring radio antennas and bulky speakers in the ear cups. That same decade saw the release of the Beatlephones, a collaboration between the John Koss audio company and The Beatles that started marketing headphones to teenagers, changing their usage and demographic in the process. Then, came the 1980s, when Sony’s Walkman cassette player upended music and radio listening, transforming it from passive to an on-the-go activity. By the beginning of the 21st century, the rise of iPods brought forth the wired EarPods, making their easily-tangled white strings the protagonists of this era. Similarly, Bluetooth technology revolutionized the way people listen to music and communicate, allowing tech companies to play more with the look and feel of headphones, including the popular Beats by Dr Dre headphones that updated the vintage over-the-ear headphones with a wide range of colors. 

I first put on headphones when they were still in their wired era, during the early 2000s. Throughout my wired headphones adoption, I thought the over-the-ear versions would make me cooler, like a relic from an earlier time that was above any innovative technology. But still, I stayed with the wired in-ear headphones from Apple out of habit. Then, on a random day in 2022 — nearly 20 years since I first put on wired headphones — I figured it was time to buy a wireless over-the-ear pair, just for the plot. 

Instantly, the pair — a sleek black wireless over-the-ear version with padded ear cups from Zihnic — made any outfit I wore look more commuter-ready than any other accessories I tried before. And to my surprise, it went well with everything from a leather jacket and jeans to a knit top and linen pants. Out of nowhere, putting on the over-the-ear headphones made me look like a woman on the go — with (literally) no strings attached.

As a commuter, it’s my hobby now to see if outfits I see on the subway could be made better with other models of earphones. I’ve seen women carry two-to-three tote bags that keep getting tangled with their clothes, for example. A pair of wireless headphones could make them look like someone who has their life together, while over-the-ear headphones could make them look like they’re straight out of a party at the office. 

It’s no wonder brands have put so much effort on the look of their headphones over the years. Apple’s AirPods Max wireless headphones have adopted sleeker looks than older pairs of over-the-ear models, making them more fashionable in the process, with a variety of colors available. Similarly, luxury fashion and tech brands like Montblanc, Bang & Olufsen, Bose have prioritized minimal styles in their versions of over-the-ear wireless headphones, including materials like leather and memory foam. On the other hand, brands like Nothing — an emerging tech company making affordable audio products — have opted to make their wireless in-ear headphones transparent, showing the hardware involved in the buds to anyone who looks at them, making for a rawer look. On the wired front, Sony MDR in-ear headphones have added a metallic sheen to their buds with a variety of colors to choose from, while Apple has stayed true to its white wired headphones for nearly 30 years now, betting on their capacity to blend in. 

While most commuters put so much effort in telling the world who they are through their clothes, their headphones probably say as much — if not more — about their personality. Yet, unlike most of our fashion choices, it’s not a decision we put as much thought into beyond their tech aspect. So the next time you think about your headphones, it might be a good moment to consider what they, along with your outfit, tell the world about who you are. If not, just at least consider how they make the outfit — they’ll do it on their own, anyway. 

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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24 Summer Wedding Guest Dresses For Black Tie Affairs & Casual Parties

It's no secret that Refinery29 readers and editors love any excuse to stock up on summer dresses, whether it's for a happy hour, picnic, or fancier event. And when it comes to summer, one fancy event reigns supreme: The wedding. If your calendar is filled with save the dates, you might be thinking about what you're going to wear.

There's a lot to consider when looking for a wedding guest dress, like comfort, weather, and, of course, dress code. So don't leave it to the last minute to peruse for summer wedding guest dresses.

We've compiled a roundup of dresses for black tie events, cocktail parties, casual summer nuptials, and destination beach weddings in a range of straight size and plus size wedding guest dresses. Discover a bountiful array of airy silhouettes in summer's trending colors, like terracotta, cherry red, cool blue, and vibrant lime green.

Ahead, scroll through to find the 24 best summer wedding guest dresses on the market. Then all that's left for you to do is pick out your mani color, throw on a pair of comfortable dancing shoes, and toast to the happy couple.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

Dress to impress for black-tie weddings. The formal affair calls for cascading gowns in satin, tulle, and silk fabrics. Feel free to dive into your red carpet dreams of rich gem tones, or opt for a lighter pastel-hued shades. No matter your vibe, there's a range of summer wedding guest dresses perfect for your upcoming formal affairs.

Shop Lulus

Lulus Spellbinding Beauty Navy Glitter Sleeveless Tulle Maxi, $, available at Lulus

BCBG Max Azaria Kiana One Shoulder Gown

Shop BCBG MAX AZARIA

BCBG MAX AZARIA Kiana One Shoulder Gown, $, available at BCBG MAX AZRIA

ASOS EDITION Satin Off-the-Shoulder Drape Wrap Maxi Dress

Shop ASOS

ASOS EDITION Satin Off-the-Shoulder Drape Wrap Maxi Dress, $, available at ASOS

Birdy Grey Mia Convertible Satin Dress

Shop Birdy Grey

Birdy Grey Mia Convertible Dress Curve, $, available at Birdy Grey

L'Idée Renaissance Sleeveless Pleated Gown

Shop Saks Fifth Avenue

L'IDEE Renaissance Sleeveless Pleated Gown, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Reformation Frankie Silk Dress Es

Shop Reformation


Reformation Frankie Silk Dress Es, $, available at Reformation

Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses

Get ready to dance all night long with a cool drink in hand in a sleek cocktail dress. Pick a midi-length style with eye-catching details like a one-shoulder neckline, puffy sleeves, or a frilly skirt for a bit more summer pizzazz. Cocktail dresses are tried and true and will have you looking perfectly on theme no matter what.

Shop Nordstrom

ELLIATT Cassini One-Shoulder Dress, $, available at Nordstrom

& Other Stories Babydoll Tied Sleeve Detail Dress

Shop & Other Stories

& Other Stories Babydoll Tied Sleeve Detail Dress, $, available at & Other Stories

Norma Kamali x Revolve Diana Gown

Shop Revolve

Norma Kamali x Revolve Diana Gown, $, available at Revolve

Embellished Bandeau Column Midi Dress

Shop Karen Millen

Karen Millen Embellished Bandeau Column Midi Dress, $, available at KAREN MILLEN

Eloquii Tiered Puff Sleeve Dress

Shop Eloquii

Eloquii Tiered Puff Sleeve Dress, $, available at Eloquii

River Island Lime Green Fringe Mini Bodycon Dress

Shop River Island

River Island Lime Green Fringe Mini Bodycon Dress, $, available at River Island

Casual Wedding Guest Dresses

The styling opportunities are endless when it comes to a casual wedding. You can opt for a mini, midi, or maxi dress in a simple one-tone shade with subtle touches, or you can choose a cheerful pattern. The perk with these wedding guest dress designs is that you can actually wear them to plenty of other non-wedding summer events too.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Lace-Up Back Slip Midi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie

BTFBM Ruffle Cap Sleeve Belted Maxi Dress

Shop Amazon

BTFBM Ruffle Cap Sleeve Belted Maxi Dress, $, available at Amazon

Saloni Neelam Dress

Shop Shopbop

Saloni Neelam Dress, $, available at Shopbop

Love by Design Athen Plunging V-Neck Maxi Dress

Shop Nordstrom Rack

Love by Design Athen Plunging V-Neck Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

Madewell Ruffled One-Shoulder Midi Dress

Shop Madewell

Madewell Ruffled One-Shoulder Midi Dress, $, available at Madewell

HBEYYTO V Neck Swiss Dot Sundress

Shop Amazon

HBEYYTO V Neck Swiss Dot Sundress, $, available at Amazon

Beach Wedding Guest Dresses

Embrace your whimsical side for summer beach weddings. Slide into sandals, wedges, or espadrilles and feel airy and cool in a tropical-colored frock. Lightweight maxis or midis with a flowing skirt not only look dramatic in the summer breeze, but they can also protect you from, ahem, wardrobe malfunctions.

Shop Farm Rio

Farm Rio Yellow Sleeveless Maxi Dress, $, available at Farm Rio

Anthropologie The Lorelei Ruched-Bodice Midi Dress

Shop Anthropologie

Anthropologie The Lorelei Ruched-Bodice Midi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie

Free People On My Level Maxi Dress

Shop Free People

Free People On My Level Maxi Dress, $, available at Free People

Pinup Fashion Off The Shoulder Maxi Dress with Pockets

Shop Amazon

Pinup Fashion Off The Shoulder Maxi Dress with Pockets, $, available at Amazon

Shebird The Emma Satin Dress with Built-in Bra

Shop Shebird

Shebird The Emma Satin Dress with Built-in Bra, $, available at Shebird

Staud Ombré Floral Tie-Strap Gown

Shop Saks Fifth Avenue

Staud Ombré Floral Tie-Strap Gown, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

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Lauren Chan Is Constantly Evolving — But Always Has One Goal in Mind

“My career was so multifaceted, if you look at it one way — messy, if you look at it another way — because I just wanted to do as much as I could with the throughline, the goal, and the North Star that I have,” model-entrepreneur-advocate Lauren Chan said during Thursday’s Refinery29 Twitch stream. “[And that] was to make fashion a more inclusive space when it came to size.” 

Chan, who appeared in April’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, is a true multihyphenate in every sense of the word, so it’s next to impossible to sum her up in just a few words, but that insight she shared with R29 Entertainment Director and Twitch host Melissah Yang comes pretty close. And her resume proves it. 

Growing up in Canada, Chan was an athlete up through university until a health issue forced her onto the bench. Before that, she’d never seen fashion as a possible path in her Asian family, but now she had time to lean into her interests and make it happen. She started out in NYC as a model before becoming a fashion writer with bylines at Vogue, Interview, and the New York Times’ T Magazine. When she eventually landed as the fashion features editor at Glamour, everything started to click. There, she personally owned the plus-size style beat – spearheading efforts to ensure that people of all sizes felt represented in the pages of the magazine — and designed stylish pieces for a collaboration line between Glamour and Lane Bryant. After leaving journalism, she returned to modeling and became an influencer (again, making sure to highlight the issues she’s passionate about) while also launching her brand Henning, a line of covetable plus-size clothing, which was acquired by Universal Standard this spring. 

Her most recent evolution is yet another example of Chan letting her North Star guide her: In April, she made history as the first openly queer plus-size Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rookie. Alongside her photos, she penned a thoughtful personal essay in which she publicly came out as a lesbian. When the casting process started for the magazine’s hallmark issue, Chan was going through a divorce and had only come out to people in her personal life. When she sat down to film her self-tape in order to be considered for the shoot, she remembered the many instances of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit going against the most rigid conventions — pushing like Chan has pushed — by featuring people like Ashley Graham, Leyna Bloom, Halima Aden, and now Kim Petras and Martha Stewart. At that moment, she felt this was the right space to share her story in a positive, far-reaching way. 

Chan spent months prepping — but not in the way you might expect. She was so focused on and anxious about crafting the essay and doing it justice that she almost forgot about the photo element. It wasn’t about being a picture-perfect example of representation. Chan ultimately wanted to do herself and her coming-out story proud, while reaching people who might be in a similar situation. “The LGBTQ community is so vast and there are many different stories, and mine is new. I hope, first and foremost, there is room for folks who have been here and deserve that platform,” she said. “But had I seen a story like mine that was not so clear, not out and confident, more on the questioning side, a little late in life, already down the road on marriage and all that other stuff, maybe it would have helped me sooner. Maybe I would have felt less alone. I just hope that there are people who resonate with my experience, I get to represent that for them.” 

Up next? Chan is continuing to focus on making fashion — and, hopefully, the world — a better place by staying candid, authentic, and passionate. Earlier this week, she shared an IG post spotlighting both the highs and lows in the aftermath of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit launch, opening up about her mental health. But, after years of grinding and holding multiple full-time jobs at once, she also wants to prioritize her own wellbeing for a bit and “allow” herself some rest. 

“I kind of let people ask me to do something these days rather than being hella proactive. I stop answering emails after a certain hour. These things may sound silly or inconsequential … but for me it’s kind of revolutionary, so I’m really, really excited about it and feel different,” she said, adding that she wants to purely be passion-driven rather than a bottom line. “I want to relish in that, because that means I get to do all the things I love, like talking to people, connecting with people, making beautiful images and products, and helping people’s lives through the fun stuff that I know and love how to do.” 

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