Style guide
How to wear a beanie
A beanie is the most practical piece of autumn and winter clothing, and it does a lot for an outfit when it fits well. Every outfit below includes one, mostly in ribbed wool or cashmere, worn with jackets, hoodies and jeans.
Updated 4 November 2026 · 10 outfits in this guide
01
Get the height right
Cream, Grey & T-shirt
Casual · 7 pieces
Green, Brown & Jeans
Casual · 6 pieces
Jacket, Navy & Sky
Casual · 6 pieces
Shirt, Jeans & Black
Casual · 6 pieces
A beanie should sit above the ears on a mild day and cover the top of the ears when it is cold. Fold a ribbed beanie once so it has a clean edge; a long, slouchy one looks untidy with a structured jacket.
02
Choose ribbed wool or cashmere
Navy Stripe & Ecru
Minimalism · 6 pieces
All Blue, All Day
Streetwear · 6 pieces
Navy Blue & Denim
Casual · 6 pieces
Navy Blue & Grey
Casual · 6 pieces
Fine ribbed merino, lambswool or cashmere looks neater than chunky acrylic and keeps its shape. Cashmere is softer and warm for its weight; lambswool is hardier.
03
White and light grey beanies
A white or light grey beanie lifts a dark outfit and goes with navy, black and denim. Keep it clean, since off-white shows wear quickly.
04
Blue and brown beanies
Blue beanies suit navy and denim outfits. Brown belongs with earth tones such as brown flannel, suede jackets and cream trousers.
05
With a jacket or a hoodie
Over a hoodie, wear the beanie with the hood down. With a work jacket or a wool jacket, the beanie can carry the outfit's accent colour.
Questions
How should a beanie fit?
Snug enough to stay in place without leaving a mark, sitting above or just over the ears. Ribbed styles are usually folded once at the edge.
What colour beanie goes with everything?
Grey, navy and off-white go with most outfits. Pick brown or a stronger colour when it repeats somewhere in the outfit.
Can you wear a beanie with a smart outfit?
A fine cashmere or merino beanie in a neutral colour works with a wool coat on the way somewhere. Take it off indoors.