With heavy snowstorms and cold weather blanketing much of the country this winter, a hat has become an essential item for every petite woman’s wardrobe.  It is important to cover your head in the winter because studies show that roughly 40% of your body heat escapes through your head.  The big plus for petite women is that a hat can also instantly add inches to your height.  Here are a few quick tips for choosing a hat that is both functional and fashionable.

If you have short hair, any style goes.  The most popular styles for petites include beanies, berets, cloches, newsboy hats, and fedoras.  If you have longer hair and are worried about “hat hair,” choose a looser fitting hat like a cloche or fedora.  I have shoulder length hair with bangs and my personal favorite is the newsboy hat.  (pictured below)

Petite women should choose a hat in the same color or family of color as their coat or outerwear for an elongating effect.  Cover your ears for added warmth, and always try the hat on before you buy.