I came back from Italy feeling majorly inspired not only by the history, architecture, and food, but also by the style. Man oh man, did those Italians catch my eye with their sartorial savvy! So much so, in fact, that new fashion mantra is ‘Italian Woman on Vacation’. I’ll be running all my purchases for the next while through that filter, and as a result, I’ve got this year’s oh-so-hot boater hat lined up front and center in my crosshairs. Not only is it en point with my summer wardrobe resolution, but as a bonus it reminds me of the animated penguin dance sequence in ‘Mary Poppins’!

Of course the outfits that compliment this century’s take on the boater are less Edwardian waistcoats and more streetwise summer edge. A draped blazer or flowy maxi contrast with the structured shape of the hat; or cut-offs with a tee offer an irreverent pairing with this topper that was traditionally worn with a 3-piece summer suit. I’ve even seen photos of the boater hat worn as evening attire to a formal wedding. It looked spectacular, my Italian woman on vacation muse would definitely approve!

Shopping Guide: 1. Express Black-Brimmed Boater Hat 2. Janessa Leone Boater Hat 3. Sole Society Short-Brimmed Boater Hat 4. Rag & Bone Boater Hat with Frayed Band 5. Kate Spade Bi-Color Boater Hat 6. Nordstrom Wide-Brimmed Boater Hat Images: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.