December always feels a little bit like a lighthearted rehearsal for winter. Then comes January, when the frigid temps and seasonal blahs start to set in. If you’re going to invest in one new piece of clothing this month, consider a nice, warm hat.
Many of us are still spending more time than usual outside this year, so it's truly a practical winter fashion item. And perhaps, just as importantly, a new topper can be a psychological pick-me-up during a loooong winter.
Whether you’re going for an après-ski vibe, urban chic or — let’s be honest — you just want to look good for a quick trip to the grocery store, these cold weather essentials are sure to garner countless compliments.
Classic beanies
Yummy Sweater Co. Beanie
A basic black beanie is a must-have for winter. Its thick weave will keep you warm on the coldest days.
Gap Sherpa Beanie
This textured model is big on super-softness and style. Available in purple, black and brown, it's perfect for staying cozy and concealing a two-day-old blowout.
Mango 100% Cashmere Beanie
There's nothing like cozy cashmere to keep you warm in the winter. It comes in two classic colors that are perfect for everyday wear: medium brown and light heather gray.
Artizia Brock Beanie
This beanie — in a goes-with-everything brown color, turn-up brim and knitted yarn style — will be your cold weather go-to.
Anthropologie Embellished Flourish Beanie
For a dressy, uber-feminine turn, try this wool/nylon blend embellished with floral accents.
Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie
Cover up helmet hair after a long day of skiing, or just transition from work to home in style with this turnback beanie from Carhartt.
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Slouchy Beanie
Finding a beanie with just the right amount of slouch can be tricky. But this affordable cashmere topper — available in five sleek hues — nails a pulled-together-but-didn’t-try-too-hard look.
Under Armour Around Town Beanie
It’s affordable, available in six flattering shades and machine-washable. It’s no wonder Under Armour fans love this versatile hat.
Naadam Signature Ribbed Cashmere Beanie
Whether you’re running errands around town or braving a walk in the woods, you’ll get major style points with this luxurious, splurge-worthy cashmere beanie.
Barca Slouchy Fleece Lined Hat
This simply slouchy beanie is the perfect option to transition from city to the slopes seamlessly. We can’t promise you won’t get hat hair, but you’ll look so good you won’t even care.
Pom pom beanies
Gap Factory Cable Knit Beanie
This cable knit beanie with a playful faux fur pom-pom also comes in black and white.
LC Lauren Conrad Birdseye Pom Beanie
Whether or not you believe the old statistic that a crazy amount of your body heat is lost through your head, you can’t get cozier than this luxe knitted cap from Kohl's.
Ugg Knit Beanie
Bundling up for freezing winter weather is, in large part, not a good look. But this plush pom will distract from even the most unflattering winter ensembles and get you noticed — in a good way.
Banana Republic Factory Pom Beanie
Put a star on top with this winter white stunner. It comes in three colors and, right now, you can take it home for 40% off.
Fenical Metallic Beanie
One word for this topper: showstopper. With a get-noticed metallic silver color, you’ll brave the elements in style — and with shiny, bright expectations for the new year.
Chic Tweak Knit Beanie
If you have problems committing, try this customizable hat with mix-and-match faux-fur pom colors. How it works: You simply snap the poufs on and off to change your look.
Athleta Ribbed Pom Beanie
With chunky ribbing and a chic turnback, this little number proves that classic never goes out of style.
Turtle Fur Snowfall Beanie
Ubiquitous outerwear brand Turtle Fur is a winter go-to because of their thoughtful designs and universally cute styles. This hat is no exception: Its ultraluxe fleece lining is crazy-warm and the nobbly weave and cute pom add a feminine spin.
Obermeyer Durango Faux Fur Pom Beanie
If your look is more fair isle than fancy, try this quintessentially winter hat.
Bucket hats
The North Face Cragmont Bucket Hat
Whether you love them or hate them, bucket hats are everywhere this year. This cold weather version in textured green is the perfect balance of function and fashion.
Outdoor Research Quinn Bucket Hat
Another textured option, this top-rated style features an added bonus: A small zippered pocket that can fit a key, some cash or a small treat for later.
Roxxi Faux Fur Bucket Hat
Fashion favors the bold, right? Rock this iconic silhouette in a cheerful, get-noticed color and pattern combination.
MaxNova Fuzzy Fleece Faux Fur Bucket Hat
Choose from over a dozen playful patterns and designs with this bestselling bucket hat.
Tessa Short Reversible Bucket Hat
This bucket hat does double-duty with faux Sherpa on one side and leather on the other. The two styles can work with any look you're going for.
Ugg x Telfar Bucket Hat
Telfar, the popular shopping bag brand with drops that sell out in minutes, recently collaborated with Ugg to create a line of super cozy and trendy pieces. The collection includes pieces like this bucket hat with a faux-shearling trim.
Urban Outfitters Wide Wale Corduroy Bucket Hat
Have fun with different materials and textures for your bucket hat. Corduroy, while most often seen in jackets and pants, are a great way to add another dimension to your look in bucket hat form.
Levi's Quilted Bucket Hat
Match your hat with a quilted coat to create a cohesive look. Seasonal weather and trend changes are no match for this timeless quilted style.
Guess Faux Fur Bucket Hat
A simple black faux fur bucket hat is an easy way to add a dressy element to any outfit. Whether you're dressing up or keeping it casual, the hat speaks for itself.
Kangol Wool Lahinch Bucket Hat
Think of this as a throwback piece that never really went out of style (thank you, LL Cool J). Kangol’s sporty-meets-streetwear winner comes in four colors.
Shein Solid Plush Bucket Hat
This well-priced hat comes in over a dozen gorgeous colors. We particularly like the khaki plush because it has a high-end, real shearling look.
For more stories like this, check out:
- 11 expert-recommended and top-rated boots and shoes for walking in snow and ice
- 18 highly-rated winter jackets Amazon reviewers love
- 17 best affordable winter coats for women in 2021 under $150
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