If you want to get ahead, get a hat

Most people feel the need to giggle when they see one of their friends wearing a winter hat. They are sometimes a bit silly, which is probably why lots of designers showed them in their winter collections this year. Trapper-style furry ones with great floppy ears were very popular - Iceberg, Rifat Ozbek, and Ferre all showed them. The prize for the biggest fuzzy trapper must go to Marni, who showed a white furry hat the size of a crash helmet, with "ears" down to the shoulders. Woolly ones that make you look like you should be wearing a pair of matching mittens are my favourites, though I would stop short of matching my hat to my jumper (see Todd Oldham's tea cosy offering in the main picture). Hats are massively practical, though, as they keep your head toastie and stop your ears from aching with the cold. Be careful before choosing an expensive designer hat, as they are the sort of items which easily go AWOL. Also, remember that wool can itch like mad and make you all hot and bothered, and certain hats can be very telling about your personality.

Yellow wool bobble hat (one size), pounds 15, Kangol. Available at Debenhams men's department, branches nationwide, and Allders, Croydon and branches. Enquiries: 0171 487 4888

Fairisle wool hat (one size), pounds 19.50, The Scotch House, London SW1. Enquiries and mail order: 0171 581 2151

Beige/grey bobble hat, pounds 14.99, Accessorize, 123a Kensington High Street, London W8.

Enquiries 0171 313 3000

Red nylon/fake fur trapper hat (sizes S, M, L), pounds 28.50, Kangol. Available from Selfridges, London and branches of Top Man. Enquiries: 0171 487 4888

Blue striped hat (one size), pounds 9.99, Accessorize, 123a Kensington High Street, London, W8. Enquiries: 0171 313 3000

Cream fleece hat, pounds 20, The Duffer of St George, 29 Shorts Gardens, London WC2, 0171 379 4660