The Winter Hat Edit: The 4 Trending Styles Every Fashion Insider Is Wearing This Season

When it comes to curating a winter wardrobe, the conversation often revolves around coats, boots and scarves. Yet, one accessory has quietly taken centre stage this season—hats.

Once considered purely functional, hats in their varying forms have undergone a major transformation, cementing their place as a must-have outfit addition. As someone who leans towards a more timeless aesthetic, I was initially hesitant about embracing winter hats—the most adventurous I get is a black baseball cap.

However, after spotting woolly, warm-looking headwear everywhere from the streets of London to the Instagram accounts of some of the most stylish influencers around (not to mention the autumn/winter 2024 runway shows from Chanel and Prada), I knew it was time to reconsider.

Hannah Sheps

(Image credit: @hannah_sheps)

This winter, hats are no longer a finishing touch—they're a focal point. From cosy knitted creations to luxurious faux-fur options, designers are leaning into bold textures and unexpected styles. The perfect winter hat needs to keep me warm during those frosty morning commutes but also elevate my look in a way that feels effortless. Take the classic beanie; it's easy, understated and pairs well with wardrobe staples like wool coats and tailored trousers. This doesn't mean I can't see the appeal of the fun fluffy bucket hats and ultra-functional balaclavas that are unmissable this season, though.

Fakerstorm

(Image credit: @fakerstrom)

At Miu Miu and Marine Serre, balaclavas were reimagined as sleek, stylish and surprisingly wearable accessories, whilst Max Mara gave us oversized fuzzy creations that radiated Old Hollywood glamour; and Loewe showcased how a baseball cap can be more than sporty, adding luxe leather versions to its lineup. The high street was quick to follow suit— COS, Arket and Mango are my recommendations for stylish winter hats for less.

_loissterling

(Image credit: @_loissterling)

Whether you're embracing a cashmere beanie or a wool balaclava, it's all about how you style it. Personally, I love pairing a neutral beanie with a tonal outfit for a cosy yet put-together vibe, and for those who lean towards a more playful aesthetic, a colourful or tactile-textured hat can inject personality into even the simplest looks.

Below, I've rounded up the four key styles dominating this season, and there's something for everyone, even if you're hat-averse.

Shop Our Favourite Winter Hat Styles:

1. The Beanie

smythsisters

(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: The beanie is the ultimate cold-weather staple, and this season, it's anything but basic. Even super-luxe designers like The Row are leaning into minimalist iterations in neutral tones, whilst playful brands such as Ganni are adding a subtle logo element. Pair a classic ribbed beanie with a tailored wool coat and chunky loafers, or for a sportier look, opt for a slouchy, oversized beanie with a puffer jacket and wide-leg trousers.

2. The Baseball Cap

Sylvie Mus

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: Who says baseball caps are just for summer? This winter, they're getting a chic cold-weather makeover in elevated fabrics like wool, leather and suede. Whether styled with a longline coat or layered over a chunky knit, a baseball cap is surprisingly wearable during winter. Go for a monochrome look by pairing a leather version with a black turtleneck and straight-leg jeans, or channel an athleisure vibe by styling it with a quilted jacket, leggings and trainers.

3. The Faux-Fur Hat

thatgirlyusra

(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

Style Notes: Channelling a bit of noughties nostalgia, faux-fur hats are making a serious comeback this season. Bella Hadid and Rihanna are already on board, so if you aren't afraid to make a statement, why not join them? Whether you opt for a bucket style or a dramatic wide-brimmed silhouette, have fun by wearing it with double-denim, or go a little '80s with big gold earrings, tailoring and a camel coat.

4. The Balaclava Hat

Emilie

(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Style Notes: Once reserved for skiers and mountaineers, the balaclava has officially made its way into mainstream fashion this winter. From minimalist knitted versions to bold, colourful styles by emerging designers, the balaclava has become a cold-weather essential for fashion insiders. Its appeal lies in its ability to merge function and style seamlessly, keeping you warm whilst giving your outfit an unexpected edge.

Junior Branded Content Editor

Humaa is the Junior Branded Content Editor at Who What Wear UK, where her expertise lies in paid for and affiliate stories for beauty and fashion brands. Humaa has a BA Hons degree in English literature and previously held editor roles at British Vogue and Marie Claire US. Most recently she moved over from the Who What Wear US Branded Content team to join the UK title to help build out the team on home ground. She is a September baby and though does not believe in astrology, cannot deny that she is a Virgo through and through. When she's not trying to poke a hole through her credit card on a daily basis, because of her job writing many, many shopping stories, you can find her making her way through her Kindle Unlimited TBR list–spoiler: it's a long one. Follow her on Instagram at @Humaa.Hussain