A Virginia Gold Cup hat contest judge rounds up a dozen très jolie toppers to pair with your sundresses.

You can’t go wrong with stripes! This would look just right with the pastel colors everyone loves right now.
Jessica Simpson oversize rosette floppy hat, $38 at Zappos.

Make a solid color hat more special with your own DIY flower, feather, and ribbon accents.
Bow accent floppy hat, $10.80 at Forever 21.

Channel your inner Princess Kate with a bright fascinator from a local designer.
Felt wave fascinator, $74.00 at Ciao Nina.

This bright hat would give a neutral dress the perfect pop of color.
August Grecia down brim church hat, $48.99 at Macy’s.

Who doesn’t love polka dots? An otherwise simple dress is suddenly so much more fun with this topper.
Natasha Couture polka-dot derby hat, $48 at Nordstrom.

Try something more elegant with this gorgeous organza number.
Organza flowered big brim, $64 at Proper Topper.

It doesn’t get much preppier than this classic color combo.
Kate Spade sun stripe floppy hat, $78 at Bloomingdale’s.

A black hat is anything but basic with sheer fabric and a side bow.
Armani Collezioni wide-brim hat, $245 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

This neutral, Breton-style hat would work with a wide range of dresses.
Sinamay straw bretton, $150 at Hats in the Belfry.

The hot pink feather band on this sunhat adds a little something extra.
Eugenia Kim sunhat, $308 at Shopbop.

Make a statement in this ornate patterned chapeau.
Checkered derby hat, $88 at White House Black Market.

For another fascinator option, try this feathered headpiece.
Featherweight and Fine headband, $27.99 at ModCloth.