Hat's Alright

The temperature is dropping rapidly and that means one thing: cosy hats are back. They keep your head warm, act as an instant accessory and cover up bad hair days. What more do you want?

But with so many types to choose from, it can be a little tricky to know exactly what to go for and when. After all, you don’t want to end up as looking like your granddad in a flatcap (however endearing that might be).

With that in mind, here’s a low-down on the types of autumn/winter hats available, when to wear them and a few best pics available now.

The Beanie

Raf Simons Logo patch beanie, £104.40

A classic winter hat, the beanie is a much loved phenomena. After experiencing extra fame from the likes of models Cara Delevingne and Joan Smalls in recent years, the beanie is best worn when feeling chilled, confident and laid back. Pair with skinny jeans, an over-sized jumper and vans to complete the look.

Ear-flap hat

Helly Hansen Knitted Faux Fur Trapper Hat, £41.20

Bring on the snow! Perfect for messing around outside, the ear flap hat - complete with toggles - is the most playful of the winter hats. If you have long hair, plait on both sides to enhance the design of the hanging baubles. Pair with matching mittens and a scarf if you really want to embrace the cuteness.

The head-band

Eugenia Kim Lula Headband, $105 (£68.02)

Not exactly a hat per se, this has recently become a popular accessory on the High Street. Be sure to check the weather since the lack of a fabric on top make it your worst nightmare when raining. Half hat, half head-band, this is the best option for the 'hat phobic' out there. I'm in love with this one from Eugenia Kim.

The Russian Hat

Barbour Ambush Faux Fur Hat, £40

Not to everyone’s taste and a difficult one to pull off. Suited best with more faux fur and general Russian-inspired dress - think heavy trench coat, leather gloves and dark red lipstick. Wear this if you want to make a statement (glass of neat brandy optional).

The bobble hat

Kusan Thick Yarn Snowflake Bobble Hat, £19.95

A slight variation on the beanie, the bobble hat reminds me of Christmas (perhaps because the form represents a Christmas pudding with a plum on top?) Joking aside, checked patterns, multiple colours and snowflake designs are how to go with this style. Ribbed wool will guarantee your ears are kept snug whilst adding texture.

The snood

House of Fraser Lab Cable Knit Hooded Snood, £35

Again breaking the rules of hats, the snood – as the name suggests – is a combination of a scarf and hood. It’s great for when temperatures hit sub-zero and you are craving some form of outerwear that’s just like wrapping your head in your duvet. Wanting to go into winter hibernation mode already? Look no further....

KAZOO SPY: SEAN ON SHIRTS

‘Man don’t care’. That’s how Sean describes his style. Well, I did ask for three words.

Introducing Sean McIntyre - the latest feature on Kazoo Spy. For those of you who don’t know, this is where I talk to someone who has something special that defines their style. Someone I’ve ‘spied on’, undercover sunglasses and all (Ray bans of course).

Most people who know Sean know him for his ginger hair, his cool-as-a-cucumber attitude and his impressive indie shirts. A plain black shirt is not enough for Sean, oh no. He tells me that the love started at the age of 17, when he first set foot inside a vintage shop and found some really unique shirts. ‘That was it – from then I just carried on’.

And it looks like he hasn’t gone back. His wardrobe contains a number of patterned shirts, including a paisley one, a blue floral one, a couple of check ones and an animal one - the first shirt he bought and his favourite to date. Deliberately over-sized, it’s made up of a multitude of printed deers and horses. 

In terms of where these shirts go, the short answer is everywhere. For Sean, when he visits a new city there’s a guarantee he'll be accompanied by these indie shirts. Budapest, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris….you name it. In fact, when I asked Sean if he would do this feature he told me he was about to jet off to Hamburg and was, of course, planning on taking the shirts.

I decide to get into the nitty bitty of how these shirts are worn.  Buttons all done up? Half done up? Completely open with a t-shirt underneath? He tells me it really depends on the situation and the setting. ‘I can’t really have half my buttons undone in a tutorial!’ Ha. In terms of influence, he explains that The Libertines and Joy Division are his favourite bands but isn’t sure if they are a direct influence. ‘Perhaps subconsciously – I listen to what I like and I wear what I like, so I guess there must be some overlap’

As a student studying for a law degree, when I first met Sean I thought he might dress all conservative and smart. Perish the thought! Sean, his chilled attitude, and his indie shirts are here to stay.

WHEN I SAY FASHION YOU SAY……………….KAZOO?

Sean is a third year student set to graduate next year. He’s written for The Oxford Student as Deputy Music Editor and is also a member of Law Soc. Find him in the library 2am mid-essay crisis.