Checking Out is a new shopping column straight from the cart of Simone Oliver, Refinery29’s global EIC. She wears many hats (all of them stylish), and she’s always got an inspiring, wish-worthy list on deck. Watch this space for monthly market musings from Simone (and sometimes a special guest). These aren’t just editor’s picks — they’re THEE editor’s picks.
The arrival of summer means longer days, less clothing, and chilled wine (for me, at least). For some, summer is also the season for rebounding from awkward DIY hair experiments. Remember when growing out bangs used to be the biggest seasonal hair hurdle? Well, shout out to all the micro beauty trends on TikTok because now folx are growing out their very visible invisible layers or just realizing they took the butterfly haircut way too literally. Then there’s dealing with increasing temps and humidity in some locales. Help us!
Jennifer Behr. Gigi Burris. Eugenia Kim. Lele Sadoughi. If you know, you know. If you don’t, let me tell you. These names mean more hair accessory options: more headbands, head scarves, turbans, visors, and bucket hats. Headgear knows no bounds these days. The latest proof is the balaclava and ball cap being the hit cold-weather accessory of 2022.
But as peak wedding season arrives, headpieces are an alternative to stressing over the ‘do, especially for the surrounding festivities. Add Free People, Zara, and A-Morir to your list for nuptial-friendly adornments. These pieces are more modern than fascinators, just as chic, and would make Isabella Blow proud.
Coachella kicked off festival season, and there’s nothing like starting your outfit brainstorm headfirst or punctuating a sweat-friendly look with festive and irreverent headgear, from macrame to straw hats. Milliners continue to bring heaps of imagination to straw hats and visors. Even luxury brand Eugenia Kim introduced a Mother’s Day-themed capsule collection with a lavish blush-colored straw visor.
You don’t actually need a reason to wear any headgear. It’s simply another way to express your style and not think too hard about your hair, so say less. Find 12 of my favorite hair accessories — from ornate headbands and designer scrunchies to festival-ready bucket hats and more swoon-worthy headgear — well, ahead.
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. The product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Lele Sadoughi Jet Velvet Headband
Lele Sadoughi has the knotted headband game on lock. Nothing says “sophisticated,” “proper,” and “yes, I have my life together” quite like a black velvet hair accessory — even if you’re totally faking it ’til you make it. This best-seller procured 5 out of 5 stars from 105 on-site reviews. Per one happy customer: “This is my go to headband everyday, it’s so comfortable! I wear it with my hair up and down, makes me feel put together when I just need to get up and go!”
Shop Lele Sadoughi
Lele Sadoughi JET VELVET HEADBAND, $, available at Lele Sadoughi
You Go Natural Paradise Open T-Shirt Turban
Whether you’re rockin’ fresh summer box braids or taking your ‘fro out of hibernation, it’s always helpful to have a colorful turban on standby. You Go Natural’s T-shirt turbans are crafted from cozy jersey knit with protective satin lining. (Bonus: You have 18 colors and patterns to choose from.)
Shop You Go Natural
You Go Natural PARADISE OPEN T-SHIRT TURBAN, $, available at You Go Natural
Asos Design Crochet Bucket Hat With Happy Detail
We said it before, and we’ll say it again — knitwear is, in fact, “warm-weather It wear.” The fabric continues to dominate the fashion industry, from groovy party dresses to funky tops, and now we’ve got our eyes on crochet bucket hats. The accessory may not protect you on rainy days, but it will elevate your summer ‘fit.
Shop Asos
ASOS DESIGN Crochet bucket Hat With Happy Detail, $, available at ASOS
Ganni Cotton Crochet Bucket Hat
Ganni’s 100% organic cotton bucket hat is available in both a muted, earthy hue and an electric yellow, multi-colored one. Pop it on for a lovely picnic in the park or to make the most out of a bad hair day.
Shop Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale’s Cotton Crochet Bucket Hat, $, available at Bloomingdale’s
Mango Raffia Beret
Yes, festival fashion also includes berets — specifically those of the palm plant variety. This straw hat is easy-going, delightful, and ideal for relaxed warm-weather fashion.
Shop Mango
Mango Raffia Beret, $, available at Mango
Zimmerman Post Card Crochet Hat
Zimmerman’s crochet cap is a modern spin on the traditional straw hat, but it also makes for chic festival attire. Just replace the classic uniform weaving with unique crochet patterns, swap the original stiff structure with a relaxed fit, and shrink its size just a tad for a more casual appeal.
Shop Shopbop
Zimmermann Zimmermann Postcard Crochet Hat, $, available at Shopbop
Fendi Hair Foulard
With the revival of Y2K fashion came an increased demand for frivolous accessories — Coco Chanel said to take one thing off before leaving the house. Meanwhile, the trends of the early 2000s promoted piling on 20 more bracelets. Take your teenage scrunchie game up a notch with a luxury silk Fendi hair tie and scarf combo.
Shop Fendi
Fendi Hair Foulard, $, available at 24S
Ganni Patchwork Denim Bucket Hat
Sometimes patchwork can be a little intense, but this Ganni bucket hat only flirts with the classic look. The contrasting denim and decorative stitching has us sold.
Shop Ganni
Ganni Patchwork Denim Patchwork Bucket Hat, $, available at Ganni
Gigi Burris Millinery Sharina
We don’t add the best-selling Gigi Burris beanie to our carts for head warmth. Rather, we order this unisex cap for its stylish structural flair and luxury craftsmanship. Often found atop the heads of celebrities (Billy Porter, Skepta, and Ne-Yo to name a few), the Sharina is a timeless, versatile accessory that’s worth the investment.
Gigi Burris Sharina Punch, $, available at Gigi Burris
Jacquemus Le Bob Artichaut Hat
Looking like a fisherman sometimes comes with the bucket-hat territory — but, instead of rebuking the possibility, lean into the accessory’s innate nautical charm with Jacquemus’s cotton beach hat. The blue and yellow headgear features a quilted brim, adjustable chin strap with engraved silver hardware, and cotton lining.
Shop Ssense
Jacquemus Blue & Yellow ‘Le Bob Artichaut’ Hat, $, available at SSENSE
Ceremonia Frida Headband
We know and love this Latinx-owned brand for its effective hair care, so it’s only natural we also adore Ceremonia’s collection of accessories — especially the Frida Headband. Come for the refreshing lilac hue and shiny satin finish; stay for the lightweight feel and comfortable, thick hair-friendly design.
Shop Ceremonia
Ceremonia The Frida Headband, $, available at Ceremonia
Eugenia Kim Arianna Headband
Eugenia Kim’s understated straw headband Arianna doesn’t dare to distract from or overpower your outfit. Add it to your closet, and it’ll only complete your summer looks from here on out.
Shop Shopbop
Eugenia Kim Arianna Headband, $, available at Shopbop
ASOS DESIGN Padded Headband In All Over Pearl Design
Shop ASOS
ASOS DESIGN Padded Headband In All Over Pearl Design, $, available at ASOS
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Summer Dress Of Your Dreams Has Pockets
