Audrey Hepburn is the first person that comes to mind when I hear the word elegant. Whether she was on the set of one of her iconic films like Breakfast at Tiffany's, Roman Holiday, Sabrina, or Charade, or simply living her life in Italy or Switzerland, she always appeared put together and sophisticated, usually with gloves on, a great coat or dress, and of course, a chapeau. Hats were Hepburn's most frequented accessory, minus maybe a string of pearls, with versions ranging from leopard-print pillbox styles to large-brim caps. And now that hats experiencing a remarkable comeback in the world of fashion, it's Hepburn who I'm looking toward to steer my styling techniques in the right direction.
Audrey Hepburn in Charade
Audrey Hepburn in Charade
Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's
Apparently, I'm not the only one who's had hats on the brain of late. On Thursday, Jennifer Lopez was spotted back in London at a photocall for her new movie Unstoppable wearing a chic chapeau of her own. For the event, the singer-actress chose a wide-brim black felt hat by Dior alongside a black turtleneck dress and white coat with sleek black buttons. With the timeless ensemble, she added a Dior Lady bag and knee-high patent leather boots, also from the French fashion house.
On Jennifer Lopez: Dior D-Bobby Large-Brim Hat ($1150), D-Idole Heeled Boot ($2490), Medium Lady Dior Bag ($6500)
Alaïa and The Row were among the first brands to initiate the hat renaissance, Alaïa with classic black pillbox hats and The Row with wool drivers caps, both of which were quickly embraced by the style set during fashion week last February. The budding accessory trend was equally popular on the runways that season, appearing at The Row, Fforme, and Altuzarra, to name a few brands. For spring, the hype continued, with wide-brim styles at Gucci and textured pillbox options at Chloé and Altuzarra.
On the runway:
Gucci S/S 25
Chloé S/S 25
Altuzarra S/S 25
All that's to say that the hat trend isn't just a fleeting fad. Next year, countless more elegant options will arrive on the market and the celeb sightings will be plentiful. J.Lo's recent London look was just the beginning. Scroll down to shop some of the chicest hats available right now.
Shop hats:
-
Not Pillbox Hats or Capes—The "Rich" Accessory Trend People With Taste Will Wear This WinterOh, hello, Upper East Siders.
-
These Are the 5 Bag Trends That'll Be Everywhere in 2026Yes, we're investing in them now.
-
If You're Going to Wear a Sweater and Sneakers With Leggings This Winter, Choose Them in This Pretty Color TrendJ.Lo knows a good legging hue when she sees one.
-
Elsa Hosk Just Wore the Pant Trend That Looks So Expensive You'll Assume You Can't Afford ItBut anyone can! Let me prove it.
-
5 Sweater Styles Every 2025 Winter Wardrobe NeedsOur must-have knitwear list.
-
Forget *It* Styles: These Back-to-Basics Sneakers Make Black Leggings Look Cool and ClassicThese shoes have been around for over 15 years.
-
Girls That "Get It" in London and Palm Springs Are Wearing This Anti-Denim Pant Trend With Loafers and MulesPlus, they're currently on sale for $60 or less for Cyber Monday.
-
Addison Rae and Lily-Rose Depp Wore the 2000s Pant-and-Shoe Combo That's Making a ComebackA go-to in Los Angeles.
