Light describes her hats as “ West Texas meets Palm Beach .” Her signature style was honed in California while she studied at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles . Light ’ s hats are hand woven before she adds a custom twilly scarf for form and function .
Influencers are also getting in on the trend , like Florida resident and influencer Sarah Tucker , who inspires her 65 thousand followers to add hats to their wardrobes . “ A hat outside of the beach is a bold and classic statement . You ’ ve definitely got style if you ’ re wearing a beautiful hat around town ,” she says . Just last year , Tucker along with fellow influencers Molly Boyd , Grace Hamlin and Sarah Hunt Hinson partnered with accessories company , Lisi Lerch , to develop the Piper Hat , a straw hat with raffia fringe and an adjustable strap . “ Beyond a sun protection aspect , I just love the glamor hats provide ,” Tucker comments .
Bray says today ’ s styles will continue to be quintessential and reminiscent of ones we ’ ve always known . “ I think sun hats are as classic as it gets when you live near the coast ,” she notes .
Whether you a pair a structured one with a flowy dress for date night , toss on a colorful option for cocktails in the garden or go for function with a wide brim for sun-filled afternoon — hats off to chapeaus !
An edgy monochromatic take on the classic fedora , the Sherman brown hat by Janessa Leone can be worn yearround and is designed for traveling . $ 250 ( Sea Island Surf Shop )
The Champ visor by Eric Javits is available in two brim widths and features a washable forehead pad . $ 215 ( Sea Island Surf Shop )
Tuckernuck ’ s exclusive black sash wide-brim sun hat is ideal for relaxing days at the Sea Island Beach Club . $ 68 ( tnuck . com )
The Squishee Halo visor by Eric Javits is lightweight , packable and offers a generous wraparound brim . $ 295 ( Sea Island Surf Shop )
28 SEA ISLAND LIFE | SPRING / SUMMER 2023