• Part of our How to Wear It series •

Ways to Wear It: Bucket Hats

by Madeline Berger
March 23, 2018 | Last Updated: April 14, 2021

Hey, y'all! It's officially 2021 and—dare I say it—bucket hats are here to stay. How to wear a bucket hat was first on our minds waaay back in 2018 and since then they've only gotten cooler. The bucket hat first emerged in 1900 for Irish farmers and fishermen to use as rain protection and was sprinkled on the occasional cultural icon’s head throughout the first half of the century. It reemerged in the late ’80s on rappers such as LL Cool J, who secured it as a fashion essential in the early ’90s hip-hop and street style scenes. Since the ’90s are cool again, so is the bucket hat. Lucky us!

We snooped around the internet to find loads of different ways to wear one of our favorite accessories. While it might seem a little tricky to style, bucket hats go with way more than one would think. From kitten heels and jersey dresses to sportswear and sweatsuits, we love the way a bucket hat adds an unexpected twist to an outfit. Want one of your own yet? Shop our wide selection of bucket hats in tons of prints and colors.

A surefire style? Match your bucket hat to your top, especially in a trending hue like lavender. Bonus points for coordinating fanny pack!

Nothing's cuter than a printed bucket hat paired with a turtleneck and circle skirt, a la Bambi's extremely '90s look topped with gold jewelry.

Denim bucket hats look great with whatever you pair with them—especially when it includes a killer trench coat layered over a matching denim trucker jacket.

Pair a big, soft bucket hat with an oversized striped sweater like Reese for a casual, chic look. Pair with draping pants and an extra sweater for complete coziness.

Demi takes the bucket hat up a notch with kitten heels, cigarette pants, and a sharply tailored jacket for a look that's great for the office and after-work cocktails.

Found yourself a sherpa bucket hat like Alyssa? Pair it with a balloon-sleeved sweater for a play on volume and proportion. Keep it in a neutral hue up top to stay chill.

Loving how extremely bright tones like orange and green are anchored together by pairing a fluffy white bucket hat with matching sneakers.

Pay real homage to the '90s by pairing a sport jersey-inspired dress with knee-high socks and platform sandals. A white bucket hat on top pulls it all together!

A dark blue bucket hat gives a playful edge to a romantic white dress like the one worn by Juju! Add a contrasting pair of sneakers and a backpack to complete the look.

Interested in bright colors, bold patterns, and diaspora-inspired streetwear? Make your bucket hat the star of your outfit or go for a coordinated look with a piece by DIOP.

Step into spring with a monotone look in a fresh hue like fern green, capping it off with a bucket hat to really drive the head-to-toe look home.

Or keep a white dress a little more formal and perfect for a garden party by wearing a light-colored bucket hat and matching sneakers instead.

Add a bucket hat to a simple outfit like an icon-printed button up and simple leggings to add a bit of interest and take it out of the office.

Major casual vibes from Mohamed, who pairs a canvas bucket hat with a faded Hawaiian shirt and plaid pants. Throw on a pair of Vans and hit the streets!

Fenna pulls a look or two from the book of '90s hip-hop legends who reignited our modern love of bucket hats, pairing her's with a jersey, sneakers, and chunky jewelry.

An oversized long-sleeve tee and cute windbreaker is the perfect start to a classic bucket hat look. Add playful tights and a skirt to keep the look light and fun.

Marshall takes major street style cues by pairing his patchwork bucket hat with a logo tee and long black shorts layered over matching leggings.

A cute way to wear your bucket hat is to pair a graphic tee with a summery printed maxi skirt like Nhung. It finishes the look off and adds the sporty vibe you're looking for.

A black bucket hat pulled slightly over the eyes dresses up a simple white tee when paired with black slacks. Aquinaldo gives a somewhat '50s vibe with this look, aye?

Mona lee uses her black bucket hat to accent a trench camel trench over a light-colored outfit.

A t-shirt with a fun print paired with dark-colored chinos and loafers is given a lift with a khaki bucket hat. Add sunglasses for a dose of cool and double sun protection.

Charlotte puts a cute spin on a bucket hat with trendy barrel-cut jeans and an checkered overshirt. Add colorful sneakers for a put-together look with a twist!

If you’re in the market for a new bucket hat, check out our selection while you’re here! We’ve got 30+ styles of bucket hats with everything from embroidered details to fully reversible styles. Check out a few of our favorite styles below or click the link to see our full page! 

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