By Aysha Ibtasam

Due to brutal weather of the past week, I had to write an article on head accessories and all the accessories which keeps us warm. New York is among one of the states where we witness all four seasons. Because of this reason we have to have clothes and accessories which are suitable for each season.

I have to admit, I shied away from wearing anything on my head since no head accessory suited me. And a lot of other women say they don’t look good in hats, chances are, they, like me, trying on the wrong ones. Several things factor into finding a hat that works. I will give you few guidelines as to what should be taken into account when buying a head accessory.

There is large variety of head accessories offered in the winter time then in the summer time. With so many styles of head accessories, there is something for everyone. An accessory stylist makes the following analysis:

*   Wear a hat that complements your skin tone.
*   Go for hats with trims that bring out your eye color.
*   A hat should not match the outfit perfectly,balance out the outfit with a contrasting color hat
*   Get a hat which fits the head properly. A hat should never be big or loose on your head
*   Make sure makeup does not clash with the hat.
*   To create a little drama, tilt the hat to one side slightly; when the hat is worn at an angle it  becomes flattering to the face and creates interest.
* Long hair should be pulled back to focus on the hat and face

Usually the head accessories, gloves, scarfs and ear muffs are matched to the coat or jacket. Depending on the color of jacket or coat you own-you can be creative and buy a contrasting accessory.

If your coat is:

Red - buy black or off-white accessories Green - Buy off-white, camel color or rust accessories Black - Black, red, Gray or off-white accessories White or Crème- buy matching color accessories, black and any other color in the rainbow Brown- buy matching color accessories, off-white, black, Aqua or pink Gray- any color accessories would look nice These are just some few general suggestions of contrast accessories.

However, sky is the limit to what you want to wear with so many options out there. However, I would suggestion that when purchasing an head accessory it should suit you. Don’t just pick a hat and plop on your head to cover, instead wear something which enhances your winter look.

Choose from the following styles of hats which suit you the most: - Beanie hat - Bucket hat - Beret hat - Fedora hat - Cloche hat - Slouchy cap - Floppy hat - Cabbie cap - Bowler hat - Newsboy cap (another name is Poorboy cap) Invest in one or two of the above mentioned caps depending on your face type.

According to another head accessory stylist-match face shapes with hat: Oval: You can wear most any hat shape. However, hats with large brims are the most flattering. Wear them straight across the brow or across your hairline. Round: Slim your face with broad or angled brims. Set the brim at an angle to add length to your face. Avoid hats with rounded crowns.

Square: Lengthen and narrow your face with tall or rounded crowns, slant the brim or tilt your hat to soften square edges. Oblong: Full brim hats are the best. Avoid tall, narrow shapes. Triangular: Emphasize your eyes and draw focus away from your strong jawline. Find a hat with a short, uneven brim. Wear the hat straight across the brow or across the hairline. Heart-shaped: You want to draw attention upwards.

Wear a small hat high on your head. Avoid large heavy shapes. Since winter is dreary, gloomy and dark, add color to your accessories and make them fun. Shot of color will lift your spirit and brighten your outfit. It really works, try it! By the way, please don’t treat the scarf or muffler for the head wrap; scarf or muffler is worn ONLY around the neck.

Unless you really want to stick with the uncle and aunty look which I am sure all of us have witnessed at some point or another; where the scarf/muffler is worn as a head piece and all wrapped around the head with only the middle of the face showing. Hmmm, I don’t know if that trend works in the states. But, hey, I have to hand it to them for trotting such a look which is not easy to pull off, and they wear with such confidence too!

In the last year or so, I came across some hats which work well with my face shape and skin-tone. I have a small face and am wheatish complexion, the cap or hat which suits me the most is the newsboy cap.

So far I have only stuck to one style but I would love to explore more options and different colors as I get more comfortable wearing them. Even if you are not a big hat or cap person, try it for fun, you never know how chic you might look in it. A hat or cap might become your staple or signature look.