How to Wear a Bucket Hat

Co-authored by Rachel Michael and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: December 29, 2022 References

Bucket hats may seem like a blast to the past, but they’re still a popular, chic accessory you can add to your ensemble. From casual outfits to nostalgic looks, there are plenty of stylish renditions you can try.

1

Experiment with muted and neutral-toned colors.

You don’t need bold, eye-catching outfits to pull off a bucket hat. Contrary to popular belief, bold parkas and retro tracksuits aren’t the only ways to swing a bucket hat. Instead, pick out casual streetwear as the base of your outfit, designed in muted colors.^{[1]
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Research source} Neutral-toned garments are another great way to build a subtle but stylish outfit with your bucket hat.^{[2]
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- Summer knitwear and classic T-shirts are great additions to a streetwear outfit.^{[3]
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  Rachel Michael
  Personal Stylist
  Expert Interview. 30 November 2021.}
- You might finish off a gray suit with a black bucket hat.

2

Go for a monochromatic look.

Match your bucket hat with the rest of your outfit. Pick matching colored garments for your outfit—this might be a jumpsuit, a top and a nice pair of pants, or an oversized jacket. Choose a bucket hat that matches the color scheme in the rest of your outfit—this helps create a cohesive, stylish look.
- You might wear an oversized, solid-colored jacket and wear a matching bucket hat.
- You could pair a nice pair of jeans with a matching top and bucket hat.

3

Wear a bright or textured hat to make it stand out.

Textures help add an extra dimension to your outfit. Pair a fuzzy or textured bucket hat with a textured top or vest. Don’t be afraid to wear multiple textures at once—this makes your outfit really eye-catching and dynamic.^{[4]
X
Research source} You can also choose a bucket hat that’s a completely different color than the rest of your outfit. Draw the eye upward with a brightly-colored bucket hat, which creates a cool, stylish division throughout your outfit.^{[5]
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- For instance, you might wear a fuzzy bucket hat with a knitted vest.
- You might wear a brightly-colored bucket hat with a different-colored jacket and shorts.
- If your bucket hat is more understated, try pairing it with a cool graphic tee and sequined pants for an outfit that will really stand out!^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Rachel Michael
  Personal Stylist
  Expert Interview. 30 November 2021.}

4

Top off a breezy, springtime outfit with a bucket hat.

Slip into a button-down top or tee and a nice pair of shorts. You can button up your top completely, or leave several buttons undone so your outfit is nice and breezy. Top off your outfit with a solid-colored bucket hat to really pull the ensemble together!^{[7]
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- For example, you might pair a neutral-toned button-down with a neutral-toned pair of shorts, along with a bright, solid-colored bucket hat.

5

Wear a tank top and shorts with a bucket hat during summer.

Bucket hats are a great accessory if you’re trying to stay cool. Pick out a comfortable tank top, along with a nice pair of exercise shorts. As a finishing touch, slip on a bucket hat that matches your outfit’s overall color scheme.^{[8]
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- For instance, if you’re wearing a dark, neutral-toned tank top and shorts, you might wear a dark, neutral-toned bucket hat as well.
- This outfit goes great with tennis shoes and ankle-length socks.

6

Pair a bucket hat with an oversized cardigan in the fall.

Bucket hats are an excellent option for in-between weather. These hats are appropriate for all types of weather, including those days where it’s too warm for a heavy coat but too cool to go jacket-less. Slip on a long, thigh-length cardigan, leggings or skinny jeans, and a pair of knee-high boots. As a finishing touch, put on a bucket hat before braving the outdoors.^{[9]
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- Neutral tones work great for this kind of outfit.
- To take your ensemble to the next level, match your cardigan and bucket hat.

7

Keep warm with long pants, a sweater, and a bucket hat.

A bucket hat is a stylish twist on a traditional winter hat. Bundle up in a sweater, along with a pair of long pants. Layer a thick, warm coat on top, and pick out a bucket hat to complete the outfit.^{[10]
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- For instance, you might wear a sweater with long pants, along with a thick jacket on top.
- You could also wear a bucket hat with jeans, a sweater, and a long overcoat for a stylish, cold-weather look.^{[11]
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8

Create an edgy look with a jacket and distressed jeans.

Bucket hats are a great choice if you’re looking to dress down. Pick out a leather jacket and your favorite pair of ripped jeans, along with a comfy top. Add the bucket hat on as a final, stylish touch to your outfit!^{[12]
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- You pair some ripped blue jeans with an edgy black jacket, along with a multi-colored top and a solid-colored bucket hat.

9

Stay casual in a mostly black outfit.

Pick out a black top, jacket, and pair of jeans for your outfit. It’s okay if your jacket has different color accents on it—just look for something that’s mostly black. Pair this jacket with a dark top and a pair of black jeans. Add a bucket hat and a pair of comfortable shoes to finish off the look!^{[13]
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- For instance, you might pair a black windbreaker with a black shirt, along with a pair of black distressed jeans. You could complete the look with a pair of neutral-toned tennis shoes and a neutral-toned bucket hat.

10

Embrace the 90s with a nostalgic look.

Trace the bucket hat back to its fashionable roots. Start off your outfit with a 90s-centric top, like a graphic tee or a shirt tied around the waist. Jazz things up with a pair of wide-leg pants, along with a pair of sneakers or platforms. Finish off the look with a bucket hat to create an outfit fresh out of 1995.^{[14]
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- Mirror sunglasses and furry sandals are great additions to a 90s-themed outfit.
- A bodysuit or asymmetrical jean skirt are also great homages to the 90s.

Expert Q&A

Question

What are bucket hats associated with?

Rachel Michael
Personal Stylist
Rachel Michael is a Personal Stylist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the Owner of Rachel Michael Styling. With more than six years of experience, she specializes in helping others understand and develop their unique style through wardrobe editing, personal shopping, and styling. Rachel holds a BA from Arizona State University and an Image Consultant Certification from Statement Makers. She has also worked with brands like Stitch Fix to help hundreds of women have a style they love.

Rachel Michael

Personal Stylist

Expert Answer

Bucket hats are often associated with the 90s, but they don't have to be. Bucket hats with modern styles aren't necessarily the 90s-themed ones that are floating around.
Question

Are bucket hats out of style?

Rachel Michael
Personal Stylist
Rachel Michael is a Personal Stylist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the Owner of Rachel Michael Styling. With more than six years of experience, she specializes in helping others understand and develop their unique style through wardrobe editing, personal shopping, and styling. Rachel holds a BA from Arizona State University and an Image Consultant Certification from Statement Makers. She has also worked with brands like Stitch Fix to help hundreds of women have a style they love.

Rachel Michael

Personal Stylist

Expert Answer

Not necessarily! Try a cool look by pairing your bucket hat with a graphic tee and wide, straight-leg jeans.
Question

What if I have too many bucket hats and can't pick between them?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Choose the bucket hat that goes best with your current outfit. For example, if you’re wearing a navy blue top with a pair of black jeans, you might wear a black bucket hat with your outfit.