What accessory comes to mind when you think of sipping lemonade at the beach, strolling through the farmers market and staying protected from the sun? That’s right, a straw hat! This quintessential accessory often gets associated with the sunny days of spring and summer. However, with a little creativity and the right styling, you can seamlessly transition straw hats into your fall wardrobe. Just as cowboy hats aren’t confined to a particular season, straw hats can adapt beautifully to cooler weather, adding a unique touch to your autumn style. In this blog post, we’ll answer the question “Can you wear a straw hat in the fall” and help you discover a few ways on how you can achieve the perfect fall look with a straw hat you already have at home.
Why Straw Hats Aren’t Just for Summer
Like the seasons, fashion is always evolving. Straw hats have a unique feature that expands beyond just a summer accessory—they are stylish and functional as the year continues into the cooler fall months. The sooner you understand how versatile straw hats are, the sooner you’ll style and transition them into your autumn wardrobe effortlessly.
What makes straw hats so versatile that you can wear them from summer to fall? Because they are lightweight and breathable, they are an excellent companion for both warm days and the cooler days of early fall. Instead of storing your hat in the closet as soon as Labor Day is over, try and style your straw hats with outfits in the following few weeks. We know that your straw hat can be the perfect accessory to help you bridge the gap between seasons.
Styling a Straw Hat in the Fall
Now that we’ve established why wearing a straw hat during fall is also a good idea, let’s talk about styling.
Combining the Textures
Note the texture and style of your straw hat and consider how you can create depth when styling. For example, a rough straw hat with a soft wool scarf will add an eye pleasing contrast, while suede will blend exceptionally well with straw because of the soft, slightly rugged feel. Both of these options will keep you warm and cozy while still protecting you from the sun’s rays in the early days of fall..
Combining the Colors
You can also play around with color combinations to create contrast with your straw hat. Consider mixing the light color of a straw hat with the beautiful, deep and moody colors of a typical fall wardrobe. A good example of this includes pairing a light beige straw hat with a deep burgundy sweater. This will make the outfit look intentionally contrasted and rich in style.
If your fall wardrobe includes mostly monochromatic or neutral tones, there’s another point of inspiration when it comes to curating an autumn look. Create a head to toe look by matching your outfit with the color of your hat, making for a curated and uniform look.
Combining Different Styles
Style your casual straw hat with a structured blazer to add a laid back vibe to a typically polished look. This will make your outfit feel less stiff, which will work out perfectly for semi-formal occasions or casual Fridays at the office.
Combining Different Silhouettes
Combining your structured straw hat with a flowing silhouette creates a balance with your fall look. Try pairing your straw fedora with an oversized cardigan or a long trench coat that flows. The structured brim will ground the outfit, making for an even and elevated shape.
Combining with Layers
As the temperatures dip, the trick is to balance lightness of accessories with warmth. Try pairing a thin sweater with your favorite straw hat for a relaxed look. For chillier days, layer a classic, neutral-colored trench coat and a colorful scarf to complete your look. This outfit will be perfect for brunch with your friends or an afternoon walk through the city.
If you’re a summer dress lover, like us, a great way to keep wearing your floral dress in the first few weeks of fall is layering it with cozy pieces and accessories. Combine your favorite sundress with a chunky sweater and ankle boots for a look that looks and feels like fall. Add in your straw hat and you are good to go!
Make your straw hat a staple for this year’s fall by incorporating sweaters, boots and cozy details into your outfit. Whether that’s layering them with warm cardigans or choosing rich colors to make your look seasonal, you can make simple styling decisions for your straw hats that make them feel appropriate for fall.
When and Where to Wear Straw Hat Outfits in the Fall
Every outfit and accessory has a time and place to wear it and the same goes for your fall straw hat outfits.
Outdoor Events
If you love participating in autumn events that make the season packed with exciting moments, then straw hat outfits will be a must. Harvest festivals, pumpkin patch days and laid back Sunday markets are ideal for wearing a straw hat. As the outfits need to be chic and Instagrammable, yet functional, straw hats will also protect you from the fall sun. Day trips or casual hangouts, like brunches, are great opportunities to pair your straw hat with denim, a flannel shirt and boots. This look is effortlessly casual, yet styled for a perfect day with friends. Make sure to avoid rainy weather, as straw hats should be kept dry. Or, opt for a weather resistant hat style!
Formal vs. Informal Events
Like any accessory or styling choice, finding the perfect balance between fashion and formality is key – and will change depending on the event you’re going to. If you’re going to a formal event, like an outdoor autumn wedding, then a structured straw hat will be the best choice to match the sophistication of the occasion. Styling with a fedora that has clean lines and a refined shape is an excellent choice. This style of hat will look polished and elegant paired with a formal maxi dress or a stylish suit.
Informal events like backyard birthdays and lunches allow for straw hats that have a more relaxed shape. Cowboy inspired hats will evoke a playful and lighthearted style to your entire outfit.
While it’s easy to think of a straw hat as a summer-only accessory for beach days and fun in the sun, a little bit of creativity can take your hat straight into the changing seasons. Incorporating thoughtful layers, playing around with color and texture and finding a style that fits you is the ultimate inspiration in straw hat fashion for autumn.
We hope you feel inspired to wear a straw hat this fall!
