Hats Are the Unlikely Stars of NYFW Street Style. See the Best Looks

New York Fashion Week may have just kicked off, but one thing is already clear: the streets are brimming with an unlikely star. While bag charms have been all the rage lately in accessories, it's clear that statement-making headwear is now in the spotlight. From downtown cool to uptown polish, hats have become the go-to choice for a finishing touch in street style, proving their versatility in the ever-evolving landscape of personal dress.

Cowboy hats are riding high, bringing a dose of Western charm to the city’s sidewalks, while dad caps—whether emblazoned with cheeky motifs or kept sleek and minimal—offer a casual counterpoint to the week’s fashion frenzy. For those embracing full-throttle glamour, fur hats add a luxe touch, nodding to Y2K nostalgia with oversized, fuzzy silhouettes. Meanwhile, pillbox hats channel a refined, vintage elegance, evoking old-school sophistication in a way that feels refreshingly modern. And, of course, the classic beanie remains a steadfast favorite, effortlessly merging comfort with cool, proving that function and fashion can go hand in hand.

Outfits and trends shift all the time, and this season, NYFW street style has crowned the hat in all its iterations as the current must-have accessory. Keep scrolling to see the hats of choice for showgoers this season.

Cowboy Hats

Cowboy hats are making a bold statement at New York Fashion Week, blending Western heritage with city-edge cool. While some showgoers opted for classic felt styles in deep, neutral tones, others embrace modern interpretations like embossed textures and New York Yankees logos stamped onto brims. Street style of late proves that this Americana staple isn’t just for the rodeo, it’s a versatile, eye-catching accessory that adds a dose of attitude to any look. 

Pillbox Hats

An ongoing accessory trend this season is the pillbox hat. This structured silhouette is making a bold return, with modern updates like leopard print and sleek, minimalist takes. From classic Jackie O-inspired styles to edgier versions with veils and metallic finishes, the pillbox hat proves it’s more than a retro revival—it’s a statement piece. Whether perched perfectly on the crown or worn at a jaunty angle, this timeless piece is redefining fashion’s headwear game.

Fur Hats

New York Fashion Week showgoers are embracing fur hats as the ultimate cold-weather statement piece. From plush faux fur bucket hats to multicolored styles, these cozy toppers are taking over the streets, adding both warmth and personality to every look. The textures and playful silhouettes bring a touch of drama, elevating even the most minimalist ensembles. As temperatures dip, fashion enthusiasts are gravitating toward accessories that are as practical as they are eye-catching.

Dad Caps

Dad caps are having a major street style moment at New York Fashion Week, proving that the laid-back baseball hat staple is more than just an off-duty essential. Seen on showgoers paired with everything from oversized tailoring to multicolored pieces, the classic curved-brim cap adds a cool, effortless edge to any look. These hats strike the perfect balance between sporty and chic, whether emblazoned with vintage logos, rendered in sleek leather, or kept minimal in tonal hue. Styled with relaxed confidence, they bring a nonchalant finish to polished ensembles.

The Classic Beanie

The beanie is a winter classic, but attendees are elevating the staple with more fun colorways. In street style so far, chunky knit styles with exaggerated silhouettes and logo-emblazoned versions topped off looks with effortless cool. Some style mavens leaned into the slouchy, oversized fit, while others opted for structured beanies that sat just right like Linda Fargo's.