Hats are often overlooked as an accessory. The endless shapes, colors and fabrics are a fun way to add variety to your wardrobe, especially during fall and winter months when your wardrobe is always covered, bundled underneath a warm coat. Keep reading for fun ideas and suggestions — all my favorite hat styles for this season!

Fur hat

Fur hats offer high sophistication and mega-warmth. Some fur hats may feel far too ostentatious for daily wear in Lawrence; nevertheless, fur hats with a shorter pile are a great casual alternative. This means looking for a fur hat with smaller strands (or shorter threads of fabric if it is faux). By choosing a shorter-length fur cap, you’ll avoid looking too much like a fuzzy cotton swab on top. Check out the fabulous designer furs by Max Mara, Marni and Hermes for more inspiration. Using Astrakhan fur and mink, these designers effortlessly pull off avant-garde looks enhanced by their modern fur accessories.

Beret/knitted hat

Berets make a huge comeback this fall and winter, and one of the endless varieties available is sure to suit your fancy. For a comfortable hat that is perfect for daily wear, pick up a knitted beret. Berets may have a small or large knit, but both varieties are available, so you don’t have to compromise warmth and utility for fashion. Do have fun choosing the color of your beret.

Berets are also prevalent in more luxurious fabrics like velvet or suede. Such a beret can be worn during the day and at night, but keep in mind your other outerwear so that it doesn’t look too out of place. Also, think out of the box and personalize your beret. For an edgy option, designer Sonia Rykiel takes the beret to the next level. Her rhinestone-studded berets are a true Parisian dream. Be creative and adorn your beret in a similar fashion. If studs aren’t your thing, add knit flowers, funky pins or uniquely patterned fabric to jazz up your own beret.

Look at options from Anna Sui, Giorgio Armani and Missoni.

Trilby/fedora/homburg:

If you want a hat that will always be stylish, select a hat with a classic shape. The fedora, homburg and trilby are known for their similar shapes, but they do have a few notable differences. A trilby hat is frequently made from tweed or wool; its shape often holds an indent at the crown and a distinctly narrow brim, upturning in the back. A fedora is a version of the trilby, distinguished by its wider brim. Unlike a fedora or trilby, the homburg hat is not moldable. The indented crown and upturned brim of a homburg is fixed. These qualities are important to keep in mind — if you travel frequently, the compressible shape of a trilby or fedora might be easier to fit in a crowded suitcase. See similar hat varieties designed by Burberry Prorsum and Marc Jacobs.

A few more favorites:

A bowler hat, or a derby hat, is another good option. My favorite hat is a brown, felt bowler. It is round (not indented at the crown) and has a flexible brim.

Felt bucket hats are excellent as well. They normally cover your ears, keeping your head toasty out in the cold. Look up the wild bucket hats from Nina Ricci and Narciso Rodriguez that provide even more coverage. They cover half of the face, only leaving rectangular slits for the eyes!