If you grew up in the 2000s, you probably remember the baker boy hat trend—mine was baby pink. Worn by everyone from Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera to Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada, the hat—a mix of country gentleman and Peaky Blinders—was everywhere back then.
So it was a bit of a surprise to see the Princess of Wales bring it back this week while joining Scouts in the Lake District for a new film promoting the benefits of spending time outdoors. Paired with a green tweed bomber jacket, a brown Aran knit, and her go-to skinny jeans, Kate was in full countryside mode—much like her 2016 British Vogue cover shoot near her Norfolk home.
Kate pictured with Dwayne Fields, UK Chief Scout.
Photo: Courtesy of Kensington Palace
In a way, the baker boy hat’s comeback has been building for a while. Katie Holmes wore one in 2020, and Anne Hathaway seemed to nod to her Devil Wears Prada character when she sported the divisive accessory in 2023. More recently, Kendall Jenner was spotted in a Bob Dylan-style cap in New York this February—hinting that fashion’s favorite It-girls might be ready to fully embrace the trend.
Of course, Kate’s choice was likely more practical than fashionable. Maybe it was even a way to blend in—part of the low-key, “don’t look at me” style she’s favored lately. Ironically, though, it’s the baker boy hat that’s got everyone talking.