HIPSTER FALL ESSENTIALS: Beanie Chic
With the changing of the seasons, hipster fashion is in full swing. As temperatures drop, staying warm is essential, but also needs to be hipster-chic.
Enter the beanie, the ultimate solution for keeping your head warm, your hair under control and looking fashionable (or not) all at once. Beanies have made a significant comeback since being popular several decades ago with American youth. Now they are an essential staple in every hipster’s closet regardless of temperature.
As early as 2011, hipsters have embraced the beanie full on in the last few years because it resonates with an on-the-go lifestyle but also give a little bit of edge and personality to your style. It is a simple way to change up an outfit, hide a serious case of bedhead and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. When it comes to the beanie, there really is something for everyone, which can be seen with it’s cult-like following. Hipsters alike welcomed the beanie with open arms and now athletes, actors, DJ’s, models and fashionistas around the world have also been spotted sporting beanies. Russel brand, Cara Delevigne, Rita Ora, Tavi Gevinson, Garance Dore and Miroslava Duma, (to name a few) have all been seen in variations of the beanie from backstage at fashion week to jet setting through the airport. Over the years and after gaining momentum in hipster and popular culture, beanies are also incorporating and embracing various fashion trends as well. From form fitting to ombre, pom-poms or slouchy, branded, hand-designed or open knit, the variety of styles and sizes makes the beanie a versatile and practical accessory that suits your lifestyle.
Just like beard wax, hand grown coffee, wooden sunglasses and bespoke deodorant, the beanie is now getting the full hipster treatment. In France in particular, the beanie has taken on an interesting approach that still capitalizes on the trend, but goes into a more artisanal and unique aesthetic with the arrival of Golden Hook. An aspiring knitwear brand, Golden Hook is composed of grandmothers that are knitting up a storm to create handcrafted beanies that are available to the masses in Europe, North America and Japan. Consumers even have the option to select which grandmother will lovingly knit them a beanie. Founder Jérémy Emsellem highlights that the collection is focused on classic styles, materials such as 100% French merino wool (because what else would your typical French granny use?) and emphasizes that quality and craftsmanship (all beanies are made in France) are of the utmost importance to the brand.
For mainstream alternatives, American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, and Topshop have classic styles as well fashion-foreword beanies available year round to cater to your needs. To make things even easier, here are our top 5 beanies for fall.
1. Beanies with Logos: for the fashionable hipster who wants you to know they went the extra mile and actually spent money or their vacation time on their beanie. Marc Jacobs launched a collection of city beanies that have been an instant hit, because who doesn’t want to look cool and worldly at the same time. It doesn’t matter if you have never even been to the city; buy it online, pair it with your leather skinnies and you are good to go.
2. Embellished/accessorised beanies: Take your beanie to the next level and DIY your beanie! Bejeweling a la Elisa Nalin via the Sartorialist or attaching a chic veil as suggested by Leandra Medine aka the Man Repeller are two inexpensive ways to showcase your personal style and give a classic beanie a new look. Adding a touch of personalization lets you be unique while still looking as mainstream as ever.
3. Oversized beanies: Nothing says hipster chic like I just woke up, found this on the floor and put it on like a nice slouchy beanie. Typically favoured by male hipsters, it gives the vibe of not caring about size, function or hair maintenance. In the case of Pharrel’s beanie, it looks more like a hoodie and that any sudden movement would cause it to simply fall off.
4. Hand Knitted beanies: as we have previously mentioned hand knitted beanies are also becoming increasingly popular. These handmade beanies are ideal for hipsters who want to stand out, are extremely lazy and take pride in the fact that they got to pick the grandma that made their beanie (and yes, they will tell you about the French grandma that made it every time they wear their beanie).
5. Neon/ombre beanies: Like all fashion trends, there needs to be an highlighter or ombre version to match your clothing and your hair that lets you stand out or glow in the dark. ASOS has all the options you need to make sure that your beanie does the talking for you (and your neon Jelly shoes). Cut some holes in it and it can also be multi-purpose for your Spring Breakers Halloween costume.
Now it’s your turn! We want to see your shameless beanie selfies and use #myhipsterbeanie or #beanielyfe to be featured on our Instagram page!