Ava Gilchrist
When it comes to curating a winter wardrobe, the conversation often revolves around longline coats, sleek 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 with luxury accents, 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 Miu Miu's autumn/winter 2025 runway show, the recent collection of Scandi fashion brand Envelope1976 and all the nun-inspired millenary at Johnathan Anderson's debut for Dior), I knew it was time to reconsider.
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 winter basics and 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.
Specifically for the 2025 season, knitted hats that gradually sweep down the forehead and add a textured element to your look are currently reigning supreme. With a minimalistic sensibility and '90s-inspired silhouette, the woollen accessory emulates both an early Julia Roberts in a wistful romcom and the languid styles associated with Eastern European spas, bringing a cosy and effortless touch to any outfit.
At Simone Rocha 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. 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.
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 7 key styles dominating this season, and there's something for everyone, even if you're hat-averse.
The 7 Key Winter Hat Trends of 2025
1. Beanies
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.
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This shade will go with everything.
If you're so inclined, this cashmere-wool blend style comes with a matching scarf.
If you want classic luxury, The Row's cashmere iteration in a classic black is the way to go.
Damson Madder is one of Britain's most promising young brands for fanciful and whimsical staples, making this logo-adorned beanie a contemporary twist on classic winter staples.
Cosy, slouchy and the same price as a morning coffee and croissant.
This looks so warm.
2. Knitted Hats
Style Notes: Given their timeless nature, it's not often that we see a winter hat rise in popularity with so much intensity. But zealous as the fanfare around this style is, it's levelled out by the fact that the style's enduring and timeless shape. Often made from natural fibres like wool and cashmere, the style is reminiscent of the hat worn by Anne Hathaway post-makeover in The Princess Diaries; slightly youthful and all the more joyful.
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The ribbing accents give this style a soft stretch and relaxed cut.
Oasis fever might've reached fever pitch in the summer, but this contrast-tip bucket style (especially when paired with the sand-coloured jacket) is a great way of paying homage to the Mancunian rockstars year round and in an incredibly chic way.
Balmy in disposition, thanks to the lighter tone, this cotton and wool blend style is toasty and luxurious.
For a style with a bit more structure, this Gigi Burris number is hand-crafted from a wool felt medley.
A perfect style to pair with your brushed cashmere collection.
The elongated crown makes this such a polished shape compared to other bucket styles.
3. Faux-Fur Hats
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, this style is such an effective way of injecting a sense of playfulness and individuality into your wardrobe.
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Channel your inner Anna Karenina with this style.
Sleek and restrained.
Emulate Pamela Anderson at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards with this Truffula Tree-inspired piece.
For those who love a bold print.
The shearling trim adds such an elevated touch.
No cold-weather escape or faux-fur jacket trim ensemble will be complete without this style.
4. Balaclavas
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.
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Luxuriously soft and so cute.
The floral embroidery adds such a sweet touch to this style and is a great way of embracing the rosette trend.
A chilly minimalist's dream.
Simone Rocha's jewel-embellished balaclava are like catnip for cool girls.
This style has elongated ties, making it ideal for those who also want to achieve the on-trend triangle scarf silhouette.
Demure but oh-so effective.
5. Berets
Style Notes: From Parisians in Le Marais to Londoners in De Beauvoir Town, berets are the unlikely winter hat uniting tasteful dressers on both sides of the channel. Adding a warming element to anything you pair it with—from funnel-neck jackets to cape coats—this style is a less obvious way of keeping snug without wrapping yourself up in layers of wool.
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For the uninitiated, Kangols is the most in-demand beret brand to know.
Sure, you might feel at first as if you're cosplaying as Chandler from Friends. But every stylish Manhattan man from the late '90s, Matthew Perry and John F. Kennedy Jr. included, knows a beret is incredibly versatile and polished, even in a more business casual setting.
This style lacks a fastening, which might make it slightly more precarious to style, but all the more relaxed.
The pinstripe the fabric makes this feel all the more Cher Horowitz-coded.
Made from 100% RWS wool.
For those who are after a slightly more seasonal option, this texture style will be sure to tug on your heartstrings.
6. Pill-Box Hats
Style Notes: For those who watched Ryan Murphy's socialite drama series, Capote vs the Swans, it should come as no surprise that this mid-century silhouette has made a comeback. Popularised by Jackie Kennedy and her iconic Halston style from the 1960s, it's only taken a mere half-century, but the well-heeled style is back with a vengeance.
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Made from a velvet silk-blend, this style is designed to perch so elegantly on the top of your head.
Australian hat brand Lack of Colour is one of the most refined modern millinery below.
For those who adore argyle tights, this checked style will make a great addition to your wardrobe.
This style is also available in a wintery cream.
The leather style will pair perfectly with leather gloves.
This style is so fitting for trotting through immense snowfall.
7. Sailor Hats
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Style Notes: Ahoy! The maritime silhouette first rose to prominence in Jean Paul Gaultier's marinière-inspired collection and was revived by Simone Rocha for her co-designed collection for the brand's spring/summer 2024 couture show. Whilst you might think this is a symptom of the return of pirate-inspired slouch boots or the naval-adjacent military jacket trend, but this shape is far less high-seas and more a sweeter style perfect for bringing an aquatic touch to any look.
This style is inherently balmy, making it a smart way to juxtapose against traditionally seasonal pieces, like pleated skirts and riding boots.
Make like Carrie Bradshaw in that season five episode of Sex and the City, "Anchors Away".
This is made of a non-stretch denim twill, making it an incredibly durable piece.
