Hats, clockwise from the top left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

It seems as though winter has arrived overnight. These days, you might have to defrost your car before you can drive it. You’re probably craving things like hot chocolate and chicken noodle soup. And it’s not just exhaustion keeping you from getting up for your 8 am class – the mere thought of trekking across campus in the freezing wind is enough to make you consider forfeiting attendance points. (Not that you should, of course!)

Now, I know you lovely CF ladies are too responsible to let a little bit of inconvenient weather get in the way of your education (right??), but just in case, I know of an  essential accessory that really helps make the cold more manageable. Girls, meet your new seasonal best friend — the winter hat.

In this post, I’ll list a few reasons why I can’t survive without my trusty hats during the winter months. After that, I’ll share 25 super stylish winter hats if you’re in the mood to shop. Read on, girlfran’s!

Table of Contents

Why We Love Winter Hats

• Duh — they keep you warm! You’ve probably heard this before, but most of your body’s heat escapes from the top of your head. Fight this by covering your head and ears with a fashionable hat.
• They look intentional. While your coat’s hood may keep you warm, it won’t look nearly as chic as a hat. A hood looks like an afterthought, while a hat gives off a put-together vibe. Give one a try — you’ll be surprised at how much more stylish you’ll look and feel.
• They hide undone hair. One year of college, I lived in this little cottage built probably 70 years ago. While it was adorable and a fun change of pace, the house wasn’t well insulated, and therefore super cold all the time. Keep this a secret, but I was really lazy about washing my hair that season (who wants to step out into a 50 degree bathroom?)… and thanks to my hat collection, I was able to hide it. The great thing about chic winter hats is that they’ll cover up your greasy roots while still showing off your shiny tresses.
• You’ll look fashion-forward! It’s surprisingly daring and bold to rock a hat on college campuses, especially if you opt for a bowler style, wide-brimmed fedora, or furry trapper hat. Wear your secret weapon with pride knowing that you look cooler AND feel more comfortable than those around you.

Hats You’ll Love

Trapper Hats

I love the rustic, wintery feel that a trapper hat gives an outfit. These hats will look great with most outfits, but I think they work especially well with “snappy casual” type ensembles appropriate for classes, group meetings, and tests. Wear a trapper hat with your favorite skinny jeans, boots, a knit sweater, and a peacoat for a classic cool look.