Amal Clooney's straw hat is the embodiment of summer

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A piece that's equal parts fashionable and functional

You can always rely on Amal Clooney for some fashion inspiration – whether she's influencing working wardrobes with her polished professional style, or encouraging us to embrace summer sequins in another joyful party dress. Naturally, her holiday dressing is no different.

On a recent boat trip with her husband George on Lake Como, where the couple famously have a home, the human rights lawyer looked effortlessly chic in the ultimate summer ensemble: a black halterneck mini-dress, wedged sandals and delicate gold jewellery – topped off with a classic wide-brim straw hat.

Clooney always manages to add an elevated spin to any outft, putting her own twist on otherwise very classic pieces – but on this occasion her elegant hat also serves the dual purpose of being functional as much as fashionable. Wide-brim summer hats are also vital for sun protection, notes consultant dermatologist Dr Magnus Lynch, who recommends the accessory alongside other precautions such as generously applying and re-applying SPF30 and above, and not forgetting an SPF lip balm.

While we always advise against investing in trend-led purchases, in order to encourage shopping in an eco-conscious way (purchasing classic styles that can be worn repeatedly means buying less, resulting in less being wasted and produced), the straw hat is one of the most timeless summer accessories you can buy. Many of the most stylish women in history have been pictured wearing one, from Brigitte Bardot to Natalie Portman and Kate, the Princess of Wales.

Shop the below styles for yourself, to not only look chic all summer long (and every summer to follow) but also to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

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