Guide to choosing hat that works with any outfit
How to choose a hat for fall and winter (collage: RBC-Ukraine)
A hat is an essential accessory in your fall and winter wardrobe. It can either highlight your facial features or completely ruin a stylish look. To make the right choice, it's important to consider not just color or trends, but also your face shape, fit, cuff, and even the volume of your outerwear. Ukrainian stylist Olena Shevchenko shared her advice on Instagram on how to pick the right hat.
Volume
The hat should harmonize with the volume of your outerwear and the shape of your face. If you wear a puffer jacket or an oversized coat, avoid a tight hat that clings to your head.
Ideally, there should be a bit of space between the fabric and your temples. A bit of extra volume on top can also help, especially if the lower part of your face is fuller. This balances the overall silhouette.
Remember: a hat isn't a protective helmet. There should be some space.
Cuff
The cuff creates a horizontal line that changes how proportions are perceived. Choosing the right width is key:
- Wide (5-7 cm): visually shortens the face; suitable for oval or elongated shapes.
- Narrow (2-3 cm): slightly elongates the face and softens contours; ideal for round or square faces.
- No cuff: adds verticality and makes the look lighter.
A cuff combined with a slight volume on top is a good option to balance a heavier lower face (jawline, chin).
Fit
A hat should sit at the brow and cover the ears without sliding over your eyes.
If you have bangs, it's better to leave them fully visible rather than partially covered, to avoid a chaotic look around the forehead.
Ideally, around two-thirds of your forehead should be visible to keep your features looking balanced.
Anti-trend: a pointed crown or "beak" on top stretches the head and disrupts facial balance.
Knit and yarn thickness
Thin, smooth knits are ideal for people with smaller heads and finer features.
Chunky, voluminous knits add mass and work well for narrow or elongated faces.
The thicker the yarn, the more volume it adds on top, so be mindful not to overwhelm your look or distort your proportions.
Tip: next time you choose a hat, don't just focus on color or style. Consider the fit, volume, and how it interacts with your facial features. This will make your outfit cohesive, stylish, and appropriate.
You might be interested in:
- How to choose a fashionable men's suit this fall
- Christina Reshetnik shows a stylish evening look
- How to wear oversized sweaters for a chic look
