Wide-brim floppy hats

Photo: Nicole Radja; Photo Illustration, Jamie DiVecchio Ramsay; Makeup, Jennifer Brown, Model, Hannah/Elite

THE CHAPEAU OF THINGS We don’t have to explain the importance of protecting your skin from nasty UV rays. Cancer? Wrinkles? Need we say more? Cover up, kiddies. That’s why we’re champions of the floppy hat, a smart style that’s stuck around for more than a few seasons. A throwback to ’60s fashion, the cloche-style chapeau fully protects your face and adds a lady-who-lunches charm to your look without—necessarily—appearing prissy. Think Brigitte Bardot strolling the streets of Paris. Fortunately, a handful of brands have created retrofit renditions for those who’d rather not go the way of vintage shopping on eBay. While the extra-large brim makes a statement, Brooklyn Industries’ ($58, 1426 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-360-8182) contrasting hat (1) offers a versatile option with its neutral palette of gray and yellow or black and white. For a casual, beach-bound look, consider this mint-green-and-white-striped version (2) by Goorin ($45 at p+L, 2958 N Clark St, 773-248-3758) or this berry-colored swirling-winds raffia hat (3) ($58 at Anthropologie, 3532 N Southport Ave, 773- 935-2693). Or, for a true Bardot look, keep it classic with this wool topper (4) ($40 at American Apparel, locations around the city), which comes in black, brown and gray and works year-round…because lathering up just isn’t enough anymore.

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