Fall/Winter Headwear, Part I

There are a large number of hat styles for men (outside of the go-to everyman baseball cap) meant for different occasions and impressions.

Here, 3 different headwear pieces that can help keep you warm, and stylish.

1. Narrow Brim Fedora (Hip Casual)

A grey fedora is a very classic, and stylish hat. Rat Pack chic. Wearing it loosely and slightly tilted on the back of the head is an easy, nonchalant, not-taking-myself-too-seriously way to add a hat as an accessory.

On hat etiquette: as I’ve written in the past, sunglasses are the one accessory that should always be removed immediately upon walking indoors. Hats are similar, but not as strict. In my opinion, hats should be removed upon entering a place where you are welcomed and/or plan to stay for an extended period of time, as well as anytime you are sharing a meal. No need to take it off in every store on a shopping trip, but if a friend welcomes you into their home, it’s respectful and comforting to remove it.

Felt fedora by Rag&Bone. Leather jacket by Ralph Lauren Purple Label (size M). Vest and trousers by MAB (bespoke, part of 3-piece suit of my own design). Shirt by H&M (size M). Vintage rep tie (my late grandfather’s). Watch by Montblanc. Boots by Paul Smith.

Note: the tie twist (as referenced here).

2. Narrow Brim Fedora (Retro Business)

The late 1950′s/early 1960′s continue to be a strong influence on current menswear. Grey flannel suits with slim notch lapels, crisp white shirts, narrow ties, we’ve heard it a thousand times before. One thing that does slide under the radar far too often, however, is the business hat.

Just because you’re wearing a suit, doesn’t mean you can’t wear a hat. In the past, a suit actually called for a hat, especially in colder climates.

On those not-so-cold winter days, I prefer leaving the overcoats and going with a heavy suit, thick oxford shirt (plus undershirt) hat, scarf and gloves.

On avoiding “hat head”: Having a short, clean and simple hair cut makes it easy to put on and remove headwear without pressing-in aggressive “hat head”. Style your hair as usual before putting on your hat and make sure to put it on correctly according to your hair style. For example, if you have a front-to-back hairstyle like mine, put on your hat from front-to-back. Essentially, you want your hat to hold your hair in it’s desired place, so when you take it off your hair will be slightly pressed-down but held in it’s proper shape.

Felt fedora by Rag&Bone. Grey donegal suit by MAB (bespoke, my own design). White oxford shirt by Thom Browne (size 2). Vintage tie. Wingtips by Scarpe Di Bianco. Alligator belt by Ralph Lauren Purple Label. Watch by Montblanc. Pocket square is a quilted paper towel.

Bonus tip: loose or forget your pocket square? Fold up a couple paper towels. Just make sure to use a thick high-quality one with quilted texture, and nobody will know the difference. And if you have a cold and need to blow your nose in a pinch, or if you are under fire and need to wipe your brow, you can quickly use one and throw it out.

Gabe and I both use this trick from time to time. One day we were both doing it at the same time, Gabe: “yea, but my sh-t is designer paper towel – the original Bounty quilted-quicker-picker-upper – your sh-t is some no name toilet tissue. Haha.”

3. Knit Cap

Easy. Warm. Casual.

Looks best with a sharp, snug fit – increase the roll-over until the hat sits flat against every part of your head.

Marled knit cap by J.Crew. Plaid peacoat by Ralph Lauren Polo (size M). Jeans by JBrand (size 34). Suede wingtips by Bass. Gloves by Uniqlo.

4. When You Can’t Mess the Hair

If you are concerned with messing-up your hair (or have a hairstyle that doesn’t work well under a hat) you can still keep your ears warm with some simple neck-wrap earmuffs.

Earmuffs from NYC street vendor. Subtle plaid suit by MAB (bespoke, my own design). Shirt by Thom Browne (size 2). Scarf by Kenneth Cole. Leather & suede double monkstrap shoes by Scarpe Di Bianco (my own design and my new favorites – more on these coming soon). Watch by Montblanc, Pocket square by thetiebar.com.

sursa:thestyleblogger.com