Beanies and hats: wrap up warm!

A very fine knit dotted with tonal sequins — this is the glam little beret from Forever21, available in pale green, purple or black.

Two beanies on a linen sheet, one in beige cable-knit wool, the other in coral acrylic

Know the scene by heart? A beanie is no small detail of an outfit: it's what decides whether you shiver for twenty minutes or genuinely enjoy the walk. You might as well pick pieces that keep you warm and that you love.

Young woman seen from behind in a winter street, beige ribbed beanie and camel wool coat

Some pieces are described according to their characteristics and the information available. The one move that changes everything stays the same — check the material before the colour.

Young mother and three-year-old child, beanies on their heads, hand in hand outside the nursery

A few seasons back, there was an adorable beanie-and-mittens set, with its snowflake motifs and a light knit blending taupe, white and a few touches of red: it takes us back to childhood, and for that alone, we love it!

When it comes to material, that's where the difference lies. Acrylic has a reputation for not lasting; merino wool, for seeing you through several winters. Merino is often said to be less itchy, to handle moisture better and to spring back into shape after washing — but it all comes down to the fibre, the weave and the care.

Burgundy with a purple ribbon for this elegant soft hat by Catarzi, at Asos: a lovely blend of Stetson style and a feminine soft hat, it gives you a look in no time at all — as long as you style it cleverly.

Young woman walking in town at a three-quarter angle, oversized chocolate ribbed beanie and wool coat

Choose it in light grey or off-white — this cable-knit cotton beanie from Esprit is meant to be worn slouchy.

The knitted cap goes oversized, purple and cable-knit, with its bohemian, colourful touch: it has everything it takes to be an autumn essential.

Young woman seen three-quarters from behind wearing a black felted cloche hat with a wide satin ribbon

A girly beanie that's more fashion than function, but we forgive it for its crochet-style openwork knit and its little bow brooch.

Detail of a hand brushing the faux fur lining of an ear-flap trapper hat

The hat made for polar cold, with a bohemian touch and undeniable style: we love the contrast of grey wool and neon-pink braided cords.

Mixed-race young woman walking in the snow, trapper hat with flaps down and quilted coat

A beret fan? Head to Promod, which offers lovely cable-knit berets in a range of colours, light or dark.

Trapper hat with ear flaps on a hallway bench with a wool scarf and gloves

The little beanie that gets everything right, from its cosy Peruvian-style shape to its knitted motifs in grey, yellow and black: note the pompom and braided cords — very handy when your collar rides high up to your chin.

It frames the face and lengthens the silhouette: historic French makers such as Laulhère in Oloron-Sainte-Marie still make them in felted wool. On the high street, you'll find honest versions for under £35.

Three-quarters rear view of a young woman in a cream cable-knit beanie with a turn-up, in a bright hallway

Sand-coloured linen and a big buckle on the side for this stylish city cap, to slip on over an artfully styled mane for a little officer-inspired look.

The romantic beanie, with its round shape and chunky openwork knit: choose it in grey or beige — the thick lining and cover-up flaps keep the warmth in, right down to the details.

Chunky knit and cables — this is the easy beanie, to pull on at the first chill, available in anthracite grey, black or purple. You'll also find synthetic versions on the high street, but if you want to avoid faux fur, a fleece lining does the job; if you avoid synthetics too, go for a second layer of wool — less glamorous, just as effective!

The trapper hat caused quite a stir a few winters ago, and it returns every season: at New Look, it was taupe velvet and faux fur, with flaps that cover your ears when the wind rushes in under your collar. Watch the weight: too heavy, and it ends up at the bottom of your bag before winter's out.

Young woman at a bus stop in winter, lined trapper hat with flaps covering the ears

The Peruvian hat again — definitely one of autumn's stars: purple, red or white, and prettily cable-knit.

A fashion-forward trapper hat combining wool with winter motifs and faux fur, a singular style and a playful touch. Beware the total look: cloche hat, curls and red lips quickly tip into costume. Better to have a single statement piece and keep the rest of the outfit understated.

Three-quarters rear view of a young woman in an oversized knitted cap, low bun visible

Chunky knit and mottled wool — we love the rustic touch of this lovely round beanie. At comparable thickness and weave, certain wools like merino offer good insulation, but the type of fibre and the construction of the knit matter. For care: hand-wash or use a wool cycle at 30°C, then dry flat — never on a radiator, or the knit will lose its shape.

A hand lifting a wool beanie out of a cold-water bath, on a wooden worktop

A retro-chic touch for this cloche hat with a big satin bow on the side, which we pair with pretty curls and a crimson lip to play the vintage card.

So the cold is back, and with it our longing for hot chocolate, days under the duvet and cosy chunky knit. And this winter, without a second thought, we brandish the beanie — trapper style, Peruvian hat, beret, bohemian chunky-knit cap or retro hat, take your pick: one rule only, headwear is a must! So we dig out the coats and top things off with a beanie, mixing up the styles: sequins, faux fur, cable motifs, bold colours, classic felt... whatever the mood of the day suggests. Here's a small selection of headwear made for the big freeze... or made for fashionistas. And really, the best reflex is still second-hand: on Vinted or in a charity shop, a wool beanie turns up for a few pounds, often barely worn.

Basket of second-hand wool beanies and berets in a charity shop, hands examining one

Budget

On the high street, you'll find an acrylic or mixed-knit beanie from under £10, and a decent wool one for around £20 to £35. For a felted wool beanie or beret from a French maker, expect more like £40 to £80 — you pay for the material and the craftsmanship, but the piece sees you through many winters. Second-hand, a wool beanie often turns up for between £5 and £15.