If you want to knock it out of the park with your wardrobe this season, then the accessory you need is the baseball cap. Thanks to punchy prints and unlikely fabrics, the sport if topper—originally designed in 1860 as a way to identify baseball teams—has been given a modern, high-fashion update. Whether it's accentuating an on-trend, athletic-inspired ensemble as seen at Kenzo or is juxtaposed with a feminine Dolce & Gabbana look a la Dree Hemingway, we promise you the outcome will be a home run every time. So take a gander at our curated selections, and snag your favorite baseball cap today!
On the Runway/At Events
From the ballpark to the S/S 12 runways, baseball caps of all kinds are fast becoming a closet necessity. At Kenzo, creative directors Humberto Leon and Carol Lim topped off their punchy athletic-influenced outfits with flat-brimmed, net-covered iterations. The Fishnet Woven Cap ($441) was the perfect complement to the matching net print jacket, top, and shorts shown above, giving the brightly-hued sporty look an extra dose of understated cool. A similar effect occurred at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic last month when Dree Hemingway styled a sheer white Dolce & Gabbana dress, from the S/S 11 collection, with a New York Yankees cap. Hemingway's team spirit certainly paid off, as the casual topper made an unexpectedly stylish contrast to her dressed-up look.
On The Market
1. Yestadt Millinery Outsiders Baseball Cap ($285) in Black/Cheetah
For the sporty dresser who adores animal prints, Yestadt's Millinery Outsiders Baseball Cap is a must-have. Accentuate the hat's playful femininity by wearing it with a soft side braid and a black or white skater dress.
2. Acne Bolts Stars Hat ($180, 212.334.8345) in White
Featuring a leather front and embroidered stars, this sleek hat by Acne calls for an edgy look. While you could certainly style it casually with a white tee and jeans, we like the idea of playing up its tough-girl spirit with a little leather dress.
3. ASOS Scenic Print Cap ($25)
A laid-back alternative to the floppy sun hat, ASOS' Scenic Print Cap with Hawaiian motif is a stellar choice for lounging poolside or hanging at the beach. To keep the focus on the cap, go for a solid-color bikini or neutral cover-up and spritz your hair with some Bumble and bumble Surf Spray ($24).
4. Adidas Originals Adicolor Cap ($15) in Red
If you prefer to stick with a classic style, then try Adidas' Originals Adicolor Cap. The thrifty price tag and bold color make it an immediate winner in our books, plus the adjustable strap allows for a truly comfortable fit. Just be sure to follow in Hemingway's footsteps and wear it with a fancy frock for an intriguing daytime look.
5. House of Holland Silk Stripe Baseball Cap ($83)
Leave it to designer Henry Holland to transform a classic baseball hat into a wild work of art. This House of Holland candy-striped topper is made completely from silk, giving the piece a luxe feel you'll want to wear again and again. Throw it over kinky waves for your next backyard BBQ.
6. Topshop Acid Wash Cap ($30) in Blue
Hats off to Topshop for creating this irresistible denim baseball cap. With a wear-with-anything, lived-in look, this is exactly the kind of hat you want on hand for all your casual weekend events. Enhance its all-American vibe by going for a preppy outfit with a polished ponytail and white sundress.
