I live in a part of the world where hats are a must pretty much throughout the whole year. I’ve got a stack of summer hats, from straw beach hats to caps. But when it comes to winter, I feel mighty dorky (second favourite Aussie fashion descriptive word after daggy) if I slap on a straw hat with boots and a layered charcoal and back outfit.
Just wrong. And then I was browsing online shopping sites last week (as you do when you get to call this a job) and I stumbled across a TO DIE FOR navy felt hat at sass & bide (its Magenta sister is below – looks like the navy one has sold out. Bummer).
Love how Rachel McAdam looks super relaxed yet stylish walking off a plane ... it's in the hat and the jacket. Photo: www.alfagroupnews.com
And then I remembered the Mimco felt hat I bought three years ago that didn’t get much of a run last winter and realised I really do just need to wear it. More. Often.
There are few winter days up here when you need a hat for warmth (nights are a different story) but if you’re looking for both warmth and fashion, then there really is no excuse to sacrifice your style. There’s so many gorgeous winter hats out there – knitted or felt – that you’ll be cutting a very stylish figure in the playground, on the school drop off or at a weekend brunch this season.
Key styling tips
1. Take into the account the shape of your head. If you’ve got a big noggin like me, then make sure you’re not adding to the hugeness. That’s why I like the felt hats, they balance out my head shape.
2. With knitted hats and beanies watch that the effect isn’t one that resembles a helmet head. Not pretty. On me, anyway.
3. Resist the urge to wear your footy beanie anywhere but at the footy. Resist.
4. If you’re buying one hat this winter, choose a neutral – camel, charcoal or black. If buying two, then add in one in a pop of colour.
Shopping suggestions
1. Mimco Dandy Bow Cloche $119
2. Helen Kaminski Yesmin hat $265
3. sass & bide I Can See Clearly Now hat $150
4. Sportscraft Molly Trilby hat $69.95
5. Country Road Check Flap cap $49.95
6. Helen Kaminski hat $185
What do you wear on your head in winter? Do you have a favourite winter hat style?
Comments 24
Just one question… I love hats, but what about hat hair?? Or do you just keep it on all day, even when eating, shopping in inappropriately heated shopping centre, visiting friends, etc?
Author
It’s a keep on all day thing – ideally you’re choosing a hat day for when you’re going to be outside a lot. Otherwise choose a hat that’s not too fitting and stick with a hair style that won’t be affected too much by it. I can get away with leaving my hair down and then taking the cloche in the above video on and off without noticeable hat hair.
Thanks Nikki! xxx
Love winter hats. My favourites are pork pies. I have a few hand me downs from WD’s grandfather. Old school Tweed. Love them!
Author
oh, they sound AMAZING! And, yes, you would really rock that look.
BTW I bought my Goorin hat in a dress shop in Rozelle, Sydney.
Love a hat and do love your Mimco felt hat Nikki! Apart from the obvious sun-protection reasons, I love to wear one of my two trilbies when I go walking and even usually carry one to pop on when I come out of the shopping centre for the walk to the car. My grey one is from Goorin Bros. (check out their website http://www.goorin.com/women) and the camel one I bought from Just Jeans of all places and it brings me many compliments.
Author
They sound fabulous, Robyn and I’m heading over to check out Goorin now!
Went looking for hats today after watching your vlog, all inspired to find the right felt hat for me 🙂 found a few greys that were ok but I think I need black….or hot pink 😉
Author
Hot pink will certainly get you noticed in a sea of grey and black!
I love that cushion and I love that hat!
Author
How amazing is Sawhole? Seriously was in tears when I opened the parcel. I’m sending her a bonus.
Here in the Julie Bishop electorate, you rarely see a winter hat apart from the very occasional beret-style knit on someone with long glossy hair…I don’t own any winter hats, unless you count my Wallabies beanie.
God love that Sawhole!
Author
Yes, love that Sawhole! And Paula, Wallabies beanie only for the footy or at home. Right?
Don’t worry, beanie lives, unworn, in a drawer – just in case you thought I wander around Perth in Qantas pyjamas and a Wallabies beanie…
Author
Paula, I was confident that that would never be the case!
Helen Kaminski is just divine, Her Shop is just up the road from me, If you are ever down my way, we must do a tour
Author
Oooh, would love to! Just to have a look-see.
Please explain hateiquette to me. I love the idea of owning hats but when do you take them off and when do you leave them on!?
Author
It feels funny but I’m pretty sure it’s acceptable for women to keep them on.
I love hats! Perfect for when you don’t have time to wash your hair and everyone still thinks you look like you made an effort.
Turbans are my new beanie, and I have flat caps, riding style caps, fedoras and felt wide brims for winter. Love them all.
Author
So, so true … I want your collection! You’ve inspired me to add to mine.
I have a black fur hat…very Russian looking. Here in Tassie it works well. I also have a few beanies that are only used for gardening or other private activities. I am loving the grey beanie/cap that is nice enough to wear in public!
Author
Ooh like the sound of your fur hat and yes you’d need them for warmth!