From floppy to fedora, hats are a summer must-have

There are many good and smart reasons to don a hat this summer.

1. The humidity has turned your hair into an out-of-control frizz ball.

2. You feel like going incognito, Hollywood celeb-style.

3. You've seen the leathered-skin ladies baking at the beach, and you sooo don't want to end up looking like them in 15 years.

Lucky for all, there are also many good and smart (and relatively cheap!) choices for your summer sombrero. So many, in fact, that it can be hard to choose just one. A quick primer seems prudent to help sort through the options. (FYI, lots of stores that sell hats don't put them online for some reason, but Target and department stores are great places to start your search.)

Fedora: These are EVERYWHERE. Really, you can't flip through a fashion magazine without spotting at least one of these boyish hats. A lightweight straw version with a contrasting band will add a little hipster to your look without trying too hard to be trendy.

Cowgirl: If you're a ripped-jean shorts and bikini kind of girl, satisfy your inner Daisy Duke with a cowgirl hat. Here again, straw is the ticket to keeping your noggin' airy when the heat index is high. Go pink if you are feeling extra girlie.

Floppy: A classic beach accessory, this style screams glamour when paired with oversized shades. If your primary goal is to keep the sun off your face and look chic doing it, a floppy hat is your best option.

Bucket: If you prefer the feel of canvas or cotton, the bucket hat is a bit more low-key look for running around town. An added bonus: You won't have to worry about crushing it in your suitcase.

~ Deal Diva Colleen

(Photos: Fedora and cowgirl hats from Athleta)