Looking beyond baseball caps' utilitarian appeal, you'll find that the sporty hat trend can do more than shield your face from the sun and conceal your disheveled strands during a bad hair day. Styled right, they can round out (or make) any off-duty outfit look infinitely cooler, whether it's the stylish baseball caps on the runways, the quiet luxury Loro Piana versions, or Katie Holmes's nostalgic navy Gap baseball hat.
“Whenever I’m putting together a relaxed yet sophisticated streetwear look for a client, I often reach for a baseball cap to get the job done,” says consultant and celebrity stylist Allison Fullin. “Whether my client is heading to a casual event or simply going out for a stroll, a baseball cap can work well for a lot of different informal occasions,” she says. For many of her clients, baseball hats are staples of their envious capsule wardrobes.
Fullin shares that her cap collection isn’t complete without “a New York Yankees hat from sportswear brand ‘47,” but she’s not the only one who favors this classic accessory. Not too long ago, Kendall Jenner teamed her beloved Yankees cap with an easy white T-shirt, simple straight-leg jeans, and Onitsuka Tiger sneakers (one of the most popular sneaker trends of the year). Rihanna also recently wore the same NY logo baseball cap but decided to take a more elaborate approach, pairing it with a little black dress and diamond-embellished heels.
Logo baseball caps—from sports teams to designer versions—are just one of several styles that are soaring in popularity. During the Fall 2024 Fashion Week circuit, Tommy Hilfiger showcased neutral-toned caps fit for a true minimalist. Meanwhile, Zimmermann embraced colorful headwear with chalky blue caps, and London-based brand Mowalola added sporty striped styles to its collection.
Designers like Tommy Hilfiger, Zimmermann, and Mowalola have all demonstrated their approval of baseball caps.
While fashion’s fascination with baseball caps is of the moment, it's nothing new. Sporting an athletic-inspired hat is one of the oldest strategies in the style playbook for achieving a laid-back look. Just look at Princess Diana’s archive of replicated styles, featuring a slew of baseball caps alongside blazers and jeans tucked into cowboy boots.
Whether you aim to look effortlessly cool while running errands or are ready to zhuzh up your airport outfit, consider accessorizing your next on-the-go uniform with Marie Claire’s lineup of baseball caps ahead—they've got you covered.
Loud Logos
Whether you're repping a sports team or your favorite luxury brand, a logo'd baseball cap will infuse your look with a bit of character.
“Logo’d baseball caps have been a fashion fixture within the streetwear scene for quite some time now—specifically those decorated with team logos like the New York Yankees or the Los Angeles Dodgers,” says Fullin. Master a sporty aesthetic with a hat from ‘47, or go the luxury route with options designed by high-end labels like JW Anderson, Gucci, Balenciaga, Sporty & Rich, and Prada.
Coordinate your baseball cap with a denim maxi skirt and a leather jacket when temperatures cool, or take a page out of Fullin’s style playbook by combining one with tracksuits and sneakers.
Plain and Simple
Simplify your look with a neutral baseball cap that you can cycle through your wardrobe with ease.
“If you’re searching for a baseball cap that will easily match your wardrobe, choose a hat in a neutral shade,” says Fullin. Brands like Madewell, Jacquemus, and Acne Studios offer subdued black, white, and dusty blue shades. Meanwhile, Vince, All Saints, and Toteme dabble in earthy browns and greens that are just as versatile.
Fullin suggests wearing your cap with an outfit that matches a similar color palette for an uncomplicated look that leans into simplicity. “While dressing for warm weather, pair your baseball cap with lightweight pieces that won’t cause you to overheat,” she adds. With Fullin’s advice, try a gauzy summer dress and streamlined shoes to match.
Saturated Shades
For those moments when you want to spruce up your outfit, don't be afraid to add a splash of color into the mix.
Although vibrant colors aren’t as versatile as neutrals, they provide a welcomed sense of playfulness, which is why they deserve a prime spot in your closet. Gap and Lululemon offer a monogram-free exterior, while Valentino, Alo, Casablanca, and Palm Angels come in exciting shades and distinctive logos.
To amplify your outfit's “more is more” vibe, Fullin recommends pairing it with oversized pieces that will charm onlookers. “I love combining a colorful cap with an oversized top and pants to create a roomy and comfortable fit,” she says.
Prominent Prints
There's no better way to make heads turn than by throwing on a printed baseball cap.
For all you maximalists out there, this category was curated especially for you. These statement-making baseball caps practically scream, “Look at me.” Burberry and Lele Sadoughi showcase checkered prints, Nike and Ganni play up flora and fauna motifs, Rag & Bone celebrates paisley patterns, and Kate Spade makes a case for abstract shapes. Allow your printed baseball cap to take center stage by pairing it with an outfit formula that flies under the radar, like a basic white T-shirt and jeans.
Meet the Fashion Expert
From a very young age Allison Fullin was captivated by street culture. In her professional career as a fashion consultant she focuses mainly on collaborating with artists, musicians, designers and high profile athletes. Allison has styled celebrities for their stage performances, music videos, red carpet, and TV appearances.
