As someone who loves a good hat, I think I'm well-equipped to provide you with some shopping suggestions. What I love about hats (aside from not having to do anything to my hair on the days that I wear them) is that they provide that perfect, effortless finishing touch that really ties an outfit together and makes it look infinitely cooler in most cases.

The other great thing about hats is that many are quite affordable. And hat trends don't change all that frequently, so it's likely you'll wear your new purchase for quite some time. Sounds like a win-win to me.

Given all of this, I thought it'd be worthwhile to do some hat shopping, and I came across plenty of options that are below $40.

My verdict? With hats this great, do you really need a designer one that'll set you back hundreds of dollars? I think not.

Scroll to shop the only under-$40 hats you need to see.

I very much approve of this bead-trimmed bucket.

I'm obviously biased but this is a great baseball cap.

For future beach days.

Color of the season.

Bucket hats as simple as this don't run the risk of going out of style.

Guess who just ordered this one.

Ready or not, cowboy hats are becoming a thing.

I'm going to go ahead and say that this qualifies as a hat.

Shout out to all my visor people out there.

I'm sad this is sold out in green, but I'd gladly settle for this.

Not every cool logo hat is expensive.

I didn't really think I was a visor person until I saw this one.

Another great beach day option.

Your swimsuits have met their match.

Another fun and affordable logo cap.

I guess I didn't realize visors could be so chic.

I'm intrigued.

This color literally goes with everything.

It's beachy, but not just for the beach.

This looks far more expensive than it is.

This one's ideal for travel.

And just like that, I want an ear flap hat.

So, this is the #1 women's hat on Amazon.

Be prepared—crochet will be everywhere come summer.

This will look chic on the beach.

Next up, 42 trendy summer accessories that'll make your wardrobe feel brand new.