FASHION Magazine

See our street style photos from Toronto and New York »

On a cold and blustery day, bundling up and staying warm is essential. And while we may have had unseasonably warm temps over the weekend, the forecast is hinting that winter is not over just yet. So, what better way to take shelter from the storm than with the season’s It hat: the toque, which street style photographer Stefania Yarhi captures in these photos from Toronto and New York.

Spotted on countless street style blogs and anointed by Man Repeller herself, the toque is a part shabby and part chic way to take shelter from the snow and rain while providing a pop of colour and that perfect amount of slouch. Toques have long been a Canadian staple and these photos prove that they are still just a popular. While most of the time toques are being sported out of necessity, they are a casually cute accessory and can be added to most any outfit. There are many different styles of toques and many ways to wear them—Yarhi has captured a number of them. Pulled farther back allows the back of the hat to slouch downwards. Pulled down tight allows for an extra bit of fabric to stand up high. Meanwhile, pom poms are a welcome addition, which add a bit of whimsy to the style.

It’s hat season, though many would like to avoid it. For some of us, the idea of wearing a hat may induce horrific memories of flat, static lifeless hair, and unfortunate style choices we may have made when we were young (we’re looking at you, Doctor Seuss hat). Let’s face it though, winter hats are hard to avoid, and actually quite essential to staying warm all season long.

Beanies and toques were the style of choice for many of our Style Panel members, and there is no question why. Beanies provide ultimate ear warmth while remaining the simplest style to wear on a particularly bad hair day. But if getting hat head is a concern, earmuffs and headbands do just the same trick while leaving your hair relatively untouched. For a more fashion-forward take on the look, trying a Russian-style faux fur headband like Barbara Solomon’s adds an extra touch of luxe.

Question 28: What is your go to hat or head covering for winter and why is it your favourite? Read the answers now! »

Or jump to: ALEXANDRA NIKOLAJEV, TORONTO | ALICIA QUAN, VANCOUVER | ALYSSA LAU, EDMONTON | BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | JEN TAM, VANCOUVER | KASSANDRA CAMPONI, EDMONTON | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | KRISTIN MACDONALD, FREDRICTON | MO HANDAHU, HALIFAX | VICKIE LALIOTIS, EDMONTON | WHITNEY COSGRAVE, LOS ANGELES