The Duchess of Cambridge, Lady Gaga, and Serena van der Woodsen are just a few examples of women who know how to make a fashion statement with their headwear. Sure, most hair accessories and hats have practical purposes (and we’re all for shielding our skin from the sun), but they’re also a quick way to add a pop of color to your outfit.
Aside from vinyl baker boy caps and wide-brimmed hats, the beanie is a classic way of staying warm while also looking stylish during the colder months. If you’re hesitant to wear a beanie, switch up your everyday look and try this unique look. If you’re worried about looking strange, check out our complete style guide to assist you in nailing the beanie look.
The Beanie’s Evolution
More than 500 years ago, the beanie-style hat was founded in Wales in the United Kingdom and was referred to as a Monmouth cap, affiliated with the town of Monmouth. Soldiers, sailors, and later, American settlers wore them.
The modern beanie originated in the United States at the turn of the twentieth century. The word derives from ‘bean,’ which is slang for ‘head.’ They were first sported by college students, then by blue-collar workers, because the beanies kept them warm and their hair out of the way.
With the rise of alternative and hipster clothing styles in recent decades, the beanie has risen to prominence among men as a fashion statement rather than a necessity. Men are increasingly clamoring to get their hands on beanies of various colors and shapes, and they are wearing them not only with casual or sporty outfits but also with formal attire.
It’s not uncommon to see someone dressed up in dress shoes, a suit, and a coat while wearing a beanie. It is a stylish and practical accessory you can wear with everyday outfits.
Different Types of Beanies
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This article will go into each of these beanie types in greater depth. Continue reading to find out what these are and how to pull them off.
Cuffless Beanie
This is the most common type you’ll find in clothing stores. The finished edge of these beanies prevents them from being folded or rolled. A cuffless beanie’s edge will usually reach your upper forehead area.
Cuffed Beanie
This is the alter-ego of the cuffless beanie. It’s primarily the same design as before but with additional material folded to form a cuff around the lower edge.
The cuff is longer than the cuffless beanie, allowing it to slide over the ears. These are usually knit or wool caps essential for your winter wardrobe.
Brimmed Beanie
Consider them a cross between a beanie and a baseball cap. Brimmed beanies have a front visor that keeps the sun out of the eyes while keeping your head warm. They can be as loose as a slouch beanie or as fitted as a standard beanie. Some designs even include ear flaps.
Slouch Beanie
The slouch beanie is also known as the “hipster” style beanie. Women and men can wear this style, which is more versatile than you might think. The placement of the cap, combined with various hairstyles, creates a unique look for each wearer.
The “slouched” appearance is created by a fitted brim coupled with extra material at the crown, giving it a super casual (and comfy) look.
Earflap Beanie
The earflap beanie is similar to the cuffless style but with additional material that falls over the tops of the ears. It may or may not have dangling strings or ties you can tie beneath the chin. These are typically more appropriate for cold weather where your ears need to be insulated and look adorable on children.
How to Wear a Beanie
As with so many fashion accessories, it’s not just about the style you choose but also about how you wear it. There are numerous beanie options to choose from. You can wear a beanie in four different ways.
Pulled Down
The most obvious way to achieve a classic cuffed look is to wear the hat over the head so it completely covers your forehead, stopping just above your brows and framing your face. If you like a bold makeup look, a winged liner with this style beanie is a great way to draw focus to your eyes.
Slightly Slouchy
If your beanie is particularly long, you can wear it slouchy by folding the extra fabric over the back of the head. Follow your hairline to ensure a neat hang.
High and Mighty
If it is a baggy beanie, you can wear it so that it sticks above your head – make sure the fabric is thick enough to keep it in place.
Super Slouchy
If you want some of your hair to show in the front or don’t want makeup on the inside of your hat, place it a few centimeters away from the hairline. This look is more difficult to achieve and is dependent on the hat’s sturdiness, but it’s super chic, especially when fixed with a statement hair clip! You could also wear a fisherman’s beanie, which settles on top of the head and stops just above the ear – though this style isn’t for everyone.
Styling a Beanie
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What is the most appropriate way to wear a beanie? Look to these stylish ladies for the ultimate beanie styling ideas.
Street Chic
A beanie is a practical winter accessory that goes with more outfits than you might think. Play with the current streetwear fashion by wearing a fitted beanie with a sneaker and modern leather trench combo.
With Cold Weather Classics
A graphic T-shirt, neutral wool coat, and light-wash denim will never go out of style. This outfit formula is simple, likely already in your closet, and looks way better when paired with a classic black beanie.
Color Me Cozy
Mix and match colors, fabrics, and volume for a more dimensional look. To keep things simple, choose a beanie that complements one of the colors in your outfit.
With Monochromatic Black
Head-to-toe black is an urban girl’s go-to look because everything matches, and the versatility is limitless. Adding a slouchy black beanie to an oversized suiting look is an easy way to stay put together even in freezing temperatures.
Cream of the Crop
What could be more sophisticated than all-white winter outerwear? Not a lot. Pernille Teisbaek provides us with the seasonal inspiration we seek. Wear your color-coordinated beanie with a soft belted trench.
Include Some Color
A beanie is not only a great way to keep the ears warm, but it’s also a simple way to add color to an otherwise neutral outfit. An orange, baby pink, or powder blue hat will add a splash of color.
Gray Matters
When grays, creams, and maroons are combined, they look sophisticated. Wear your grey beanie with a thick cream knit layered over a sweater dress with a side slit. Then, finish with a statement knee-high boot.