Every year when the temperatures dip into the low end of the Fahrenheit scale, have you ever noticed how some people really know how to wear a hat with style and panache, while others forgo them entirely, or wear knit caps that look like leftovers from a sporting event? That’s all well and good if you are indeed at an outdoor sporting event, but other than that, I think people of the colder climates need to think a little bit more about having a wardrobe of winter hat-wear that look appropriate for both work and play. Knits definitely win out every winter; just take a look around you!  But, there are all types of knit hats, and I thought it would be fun to discuss a couple of style options suitable for the whole family.  Goodwill is always a great place to find lots of winter items for a lot less than other retailers, and as an added bonus, it makes trying new-to-you styles a (chilly) breeze!

Berets have the distinction of being headwear that has literally been worn for centuries all across Europe, and jumped the pond when the immigrants started coming to the United States. The people of Spain, Italy, and France are still wearing this stalwart-style statement today. Berets are also worn by the military, such as the Green Berets and other police units.  This flat-crowned hat is a wonderful and more loose alternative to the tighter knit caps many people favor.  The added value with a beret is that it can be tilted, pulled and manipulated into the shape the wearer desires. And, since it doesn’t fit too snugly on the head, it doesn’t ruin your hairdo!  Finding the right fit is the key to wearing this European style chapeau. Look for a loose fit that feels comfortable and covers the entire top of the head. Your ears will be exposed, but on those above zero days, this is the cap I would go for. You can find this made of wool, or you can also find knit styles as well. Effortlessly chic and oh so trendsetting for the fashion-forward individual!

Stocking caps are the mainstay of the winter mindset in many of the most frigid climates in the world. In Great Britain it is widely known as a bob-cap. These knit caps are made of wool or acrylic, and were specifically designed to provide warmth for the cold weather climate. Adopted by sports enthusiasts, they’ve become the winter go-to item for most of us. Some are elongated so that they can be folded up into a brim, while others are smaller and meant to be worn as is.  They may be worn tightly fitted or somewhat looser, which is my preference, and is considered more of a standard approach. There are a wide variety of styles, colors, textures, and more to explore with this traditional type of headgear.  Again, just make sure that the fit is right. If it’s too tight, you know what your hair will look like when you take it off right? If you’re a guy with super short hair, or if you wear your hair flat to your head, a tighter fit could work for you. I encourage you to shop for a variety of hats that can fit both your ensemble and your mood on any given wintry day or evening.   

I have a bunch of different hats that I wear in the wintertime, some looser fitting, and some tighter fitting, even some crazy 60’s-type madmen style hats with flaps. But, sometimes you don’t want to wear a hat at all, and that’s when having a pair of ear muffs might come in handy if you don’t want to muss your hair! But all in all, like I always say, having a variety of items in your wardrobe is the key to being more stylish and fashionable in whatever you wear. Goodwill is a great place to explore all your winter headwear options for just pennies on the dollar!