Style supremo Emma Unsworth seeks out the best of the high street's shopping delights. This week, Rachel from Hulme asks:

'I'VE been invited to a summer garden party and want to wear a hat, but all the ones I've seen are quite dull and old-fashioned. Any advice on where I can get something a bit less frumpy?'

Emma replies : It seems Ascot and the Chester Races have got everyone in the mood for posh al fresco parties, and of course the staple accessory for such a party is a nice hat. Sharp and boyish styles are in, so think neat, nipped lines and sturdy fabrics.

Floppy and flowery are both do-able, as long as you choose monochrome or bright colours and bold prints. Here are a few pointers to steer you in the right direction...

Big hats

If you're likely to frazzle at the first sight of the sun, a big hat is a must-have for spending time outdoors on holiday or at home. Cherokee at Tesco have a bargain range from é5, while similar ones from Marks & Spencer cost é15.

Tiny hats

Flirty little head adornments are called `fascinators', and are very Cheshire set, darling. I hear they were all the rage at the Chester Races recently and they're a good option for just decorating an elegant hairdo and light enough to wear inside.

I recommend the Star range by Julien Macdonald at Debenhams (é40 each) and Pip Hackett's hats (é35) also from Debenhams.

Bespoke bonnets

For something truly unique, how about a bespoke sunhat in a fabric of your choice? Online milliner sophiei makes the most beautiful sunhats - great as a pressie for yourself or a lucky loved one. Simply supply one metre of your favourite fabric plus a labour cost of é65 - she'll even embroider a personalised message inside.

Keen gardeners could have a dahlia print, foodies could have fruit, Take That fans could have polka dots of Mark Owen's face... sorry, getting carried away there, but the possibilities are endless.

Ship-shape

We recently championed the Panama hat in our holiday essentials round-up. A key item on Chanel runways for this season, there are lots of good high street options sure to give your outfit that cruise ship touch.

A natty twist on the whole Ratpack vibe is the trilby, we like this one, above left, with a stripe band from Accessorize for é18. For a lighter touch go for this Marseilles cap with tie band (é12), above right, a contemporary nautical hat sure to bring out the French sailor in you. Ooh la la and a bottle of rum. Or something.

Tweet