Get ahead with a hat

FROM whimsically feminine floppy straw hats to on-trend Stetsons, statement trilbies to cute caps and baker boys, hats are where it's at in the ever-fickle world of summer accessories.

A variety of style and colours have transformed summer head gear from mundane to marvellous. Relaxed straw Stetsons or floppies perfectly complement a bikini-sarong beach or pool-side combo.

When it comes to inner-city chic, a trilby makes the perfect finishing touch, or tie on a head scarf and add impact to your look.

And let's not forget, they're necessary to protect our peepers from that ageing glare as well.

Accessorize, Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Next, Primark and Matalan boast the best affordable array of summer hats. So, if the sun has got his hat on, you will be equally stylish.