By JeanAnn Taylor

If you are looking for a stylish way to stay warm this winter, there is no better option than to wear a fuzzy, cozy beanie on your head. This quintessential winter-weather bonnet has been a staple for many years, but it has come into its own recently with more styles, colors, and options for wearing.

The most popular style is the “cuffed” version. This beanie may have an actual turned-up cuff, or a band woven with a tighter weave creating a cuff. It’s worn pulled snugly over the head, ends just above the eyebrows, and completely covers the forehead and ears. The “fisherman” beanie is a smaller, shorter version. It sits at the crown of the head, ending above the ears. The “slouch” beanie is worn over the forehead and ears, but is fuller and longer than a classic cuffed beanie causing it to hang loosely in the back. If you don’t want the slouchy beanie to look slouchy, simply fold the bottom band up to create a cuffed, snug fit. My favorite beanie style is the “cloche.” This flattering and feminine hat is popular now, just as it was in the 1920s.

A “bobble” or pom-pom is often placed at the top of a beanie. This fluffy ball of yarn adds a pop of personality to an ordinary beanie. Fun fact: the bobble was originally created for the Scottish Highlands military to help distinguish clans.

Beanies were once considered a casual-wear-only accessory. Now however, they may be fashioned so prettily, they can be worn to outdoor weddings and other fancy soirées.  Sparkly threads, cashmere yarns, and interesting shapes make them fashionable and chic. Beanies can also be embellished with ribbons, appliqués, flowers, bows, and brooches.

Your choice of color will of course depend on your outfit. Beanies come in every color and pattern imaginable. You may want to wear a complementary color to let your beanie blend in, or let your beanie stand out by wearing a bright neon snowflake print. You may also consider your hair color. If you have dark, black hair, a black beanie will not be as striking as if you wore a ballerina-pink color.

You can find beanies in nearly every store you visit, but making one yourself will give you something to do when it’s freezing outside–as well as the fulfillment of creating something yourself. Give me a ball of yarn and a crochet hook, and I’m a happy lady. You can also easily make your own pom-poms using a pom-pom maker. You may enjoy this fun craft so much, you’ll begin adding pom-poms to everything! To spark your creativity, you can look online for patterns and ideas.

Style expert JeanAnn Taylor can be reached
at [email protected]