Okay, so it's not too cold just yet (let's soak up milder weather and the fall fashions all we can, shall we?) but that doesn't mean you should not begin to wrap your mind around the fact that you will need to bundle up v soon! To prepare yourself for the chilly season, make it your mission to figure out how to wear a beanie. If you're not too sure how to go about that, I went ahead and demonstrated five styles using some beanies I had lying around in my closet. I might not look as chic as the street style star above, but I did my best, okay?! Once you get over your aversion to hat hair (it's a process, I know), you'll love how the easy addition to your headwear can completely transform your look—and the tips below will definitely help you out.
How you can wear them also depends on the types of beanies you have, like if they’re long or short, cuffed or uncuffed, etc., so you should play around with the shape until it sits exactly how you want it to. (To get the lowdown on all the other types of hats out there, click the link.) Also! I included some to shop ASAP so you can pair them with all your cute coats.
Sticking Straight Up
When it comes to this style, it's all about finding the right beanie. You want one that’s more thick and structured so it’s able to stay up straight rather than fall backward behind your head. It’s one of my favorite ways to wear a beanie since you don’t have to spend ages fiddling around with it to make sure it’s laying the right way like you might do with other slouchy styles. Just throw that sucker on, walk out the door, and bam.
Pushed Back
To quote Regina George, your hair beanie looks sexy pushed back. If you have bangs or generally don’t like covering all of your hair, you can opt to wear your hat this way. Lay the front of the beanie a couple inches away from your hairline, but not too far away that it slides off. It’s tricky, I know, but I believe in you. Pulling it slightly over your ears can help secure it better, and you're good to go. BTW, you'll prob need ear muffs if you choose to go this route!
Super Slouchy
Omg, remember the good ol' Tumblr days?! Grab a long or cuffed beanie to pull this style off. With the latter, you can unroll it so you have more material to work with. It’s pretty self-explanatory, but put it over your head and place it where you like, then fold over the fabric in the back so that it hangs nicely.
Semi-Slouchy
To accomplish this look, you'll can go with a shorter or longer style. Fit it over your head just enough so that there’s material in the back that folds over a bit for that effortless, just-threw-this-on sort of vibe. Mess around with the fabric for however long you need so it sits exactly how you want it.
All the Way Down
This works best with shorter beanies, also known as fisherman beanies, because you can pull them entirely down without covering your eyes. I don't know about you, but being able to see is important, people! Some styles are even shorter so that your ears are more exposed, but you can choose whichever one you prefer. If you want a beanie that hugs your entire head without any spaces in between, these beanies are for you. (I like covering my ears entirely because they’re *very* sensitive to the cold, if you happen to be in the same boat.)
Try These Cute Beanies:
Aritzia Peak Beanie
ESENSHEL Roll Cuff Hat in Green
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Ribbed Beanie
FRENCH KNOT Wool Pompom Beanie
AllSaints Underground Rib Beanie
Hat Attack Hat Attack Major Beanie
I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle about 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is Miss Supranational Haiti 2024, a Syracuse Masters graduate, and the author of three books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok: @iamtarahlynn.
