Sun has arrived, and it’s time to pull out the straw hats: paired with beach bags, layered into outfits, worn at the beach, or brunch. We hear it all the time that women style it only for the beach, so we put this guide together to help!
Below are simple outfit ideas, not complicated layering formulas, that you can pull off with things you already own.
Before we dive in, a quick practical note: if you’re choosing a straw hat for sun protection (not just the look), make sure it carries a UPF 50+ rating, so you are also protecting your skin from UV rays.
It’s also worth noting – straw and raffia are often used interchangeably because they’re very similar. Raffia has a slightly softer, more textured look, but the styling rules are the same for both. If you want to go deeper on the material difference, we’ve got a whole blog post on What is Raffia and Why You Will Love Raffia Hats and Bags.
Now, let’s dive into some outfits!
Denim and Straw
Blue denim and natural straw are genuinely one of the best color combinations – the blue plays beautifully against the beige of the hat. Throw on a basic white tee or a simple button down, add a straw mini bag, and you’ve got what we like to call the “sandwich look.” It’s casual, easy, and it works every time.
All White with a Bohemian Twist
A mostly white outfit sounds simple, but it’s actually the details that make it. Think a shirt or blouse with a subtle Aztec or embroidered pattern in blue, white trousers or a flowy skirt, and colorful stacked bracelets or a few gold rings. The white straw hat and bag tie everything together and keep it from looking overly polished.
This is a great outfit for a summer lunch, farmer’s market, or an afternoon exploring a new city. It’s put-together without trying too hard!
Poolside Ready
Let’s not overlook the most obvious pairing: a straw hat with a swimsuit. A one-shoulder swimsuit in olive, rust, or any earthy tone looks incredible with a natural-colored straw hat and a woven raffia tote on the side. The whole look feels curated even when you’re lounging poolside.
Florals and Straw
A timeless pairing that always feels effortless. Florals bring softness, straw adds texture, and together they strike the perfect balance for warm-weather dressing.
Choose the floral print in your favorite color – bold orange, soft blue, classic white with tiny flowers, anything goes. Complete the look with a straw beach bag and a few simple rings. For shoes, flat sandals or espadrilles keep the vibe relaxed and approachable.
The Coordinated Set That Does It All
If you love the floral look but want more versatility, a matching set is your answer. A floral shirt and wide-leg pants or a skirt in the same print gives you the full look but lets you mix and match the pieces separately. Wear the top with denim cut-offs, or the skirt with a plain white tee. The straw hat works with all of these combinations.
Teal and sage green matching sets photograph especially well with natural straw. If you see one in your size, grab it for the ultimate summer style!
Golden Hour in a Fringed Hat
For those golden-hour walks when the light is soft and the sun is starting to set, a fringed straw hat is one of the most beautiful accessories you can wear. Pair it with a white lace blouse and white linen pants. Add a raffia bag in a natural tone and your look is complete.
Stripes, Denim and a Straw Fedora
Stripes are always having a moment, so pair a striped oversized top with high-waisted denim shorts or straight-leg jeans, a structured straw beach bag, and a sun hat of your choice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the hat color here. Since the outfit itself is simple, you have room to play.
Cowboy Hat Slip Dress
A cowboy-shaped straw hat is easier to style than you think. Let the hat do the talking and keep the rest minimal: a simple white slip dress or sundress, a delicate gold necklace, and flat sandals. That’s genuinely all you need. The contrast between the structured cowboy silhouette and the softness of a flowy dress is what makes this work.
Now It’s Your Turn
Hopefully these ideas have given you a starting point — or reminded you that the straw hat that’s in your closet has a lot more potential than you’ve been giving it credit for.
If you’re ready to invest in a new style for spring and summer, at Hat Attack we focus on quality straw and raffia hats that are built to last, designed with UPF 50+ sun protection, and look great season after season. Many of our styles are also packable – some can even be tucked right into your beach bag, so you don’t have to worry about where to put it when you head indoors.
Want to go even deeper on hat styling? We’ve got guides for all the other styles too:
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