Fashion: Top up

Citta sun hat, $29.90. Gregory dress, $349. Photo / Greg Bowker

You can leave your hat on.

With our barely there ozone layer, you are more likely to burn easily in New Zealand than in the Mediterranean with some of the strongest UV ray levels in the world. It pays to take action when exposed to that kind of sunshine this season, and while we reach the peak of our summer days a reliable sunhat is a helpful precaution to looking like a boiled lobster.

Several straw hat styles continue to make an impact, with some hat designers working classic straw hats into more sculptural shapes, appropriate for formal events from outdoor weddings to a day at the races. Karen Walker's 'Garden People' sunhat (4) is a favourite with its Western style top and floppy brim, the perfect option to wear whatever the occasion.

You can't go past the classic Panama hat, which can be enjoyed by both men and women, working particularly well with summer whites, relaxed linen suiting or languid silk dresses.

Lightweight and breathable, straw Panama hats aren't as protective as other wide brim hats available right now, but slap on some sun block and throw on a pair of slick sunglasses and you'll bring new meaning to the term 'sun smart'.

1: Citta sun hat, $29.90. Gregory dress, $349. Windsor Smith sandals, $109.90, from Wild Pair.

2: Ecua Andido trilby, $149, from Citta.

3: Marmalade hat with green ribbon trim, $650.

4: Karen Walker sunhat, $45.

5: Rolla's shirt, $109.90, Witchery cream sunhat, $64.90.

6: Ezi Buy sunhat , $30, Rolla's shirt, $109.90.

7: Kate Sylvester hat, $220.

Stockists

• Citta
• Ezi Buy
• Gregory
• Karen Walker
• Kate Sylvester
• Marmalade Hats
• Rolla's
• Wild Pair
• Witchery (09) 523 1335