Dressy hats for women are sometimes in fashion and sometimes they are not. Hats for casual daily wear are another matter. Women seem to have caught on much faster than men that too much sun exposure is not good. Straw and other summer weight hats have become a must form many women. Hats serve other functions too. Keeping one warm in the winter (90% of one's body heat escapes from the top of the head), having a "bad hair day" option, keeping one dry during the rain, etc. are just some of the reasons why every smart woman has at least a hat or two in her closet (or in the trunk of her car). Oh yeah, also walks with your girfriend on the beach.