It’s official: winter isn’t coming – it’s here. And while it’s tempting to hold on to the bare-legs abandon of warmer times, you’ve got to face facts: the cold weather is just getting started. The A-listers have opted for a surprisingly immersive approach to the seasonal change at the beginning of winter. And far from going into hibernation mode, celebs like Billie Eilish have been stepping out with the most extreme of all the extreme-weather accessories as a plus one: a balaclava.
A beanie hat will always be a winter staple, but it doesn’t quite match the warmth factor of a balaclava, which covers your head, ears and neck so that you’re truly prepared for icier temperatures. While Eilish went for full coverage in her star print warmer, plenty of street stylers have been rocking slightly more demure takes on the trend, in the form of knitted bonnets and embellished snoods.
The high street has also fallen for the balaclava, with perfectly snug iterations at COS, Zara and Free People, whose stripy number will be the cherry on top of all your winter ’fits. Rise & Fall’s is made of a cashmere-wool blend, available in seven gorgeous shades and scores versatility points because it can be worn either as a balaclava or pulled down as a neck-warmer-hood hybrid. Knitwear label Herd has also just collaborated with London-based STRAW to produce the sweetest bow-adorned bonnets.
When styling your balaclava, whichever iteration you go for, opt for a neutral shade, such as navy, grey or beige, for a perfect match to all your outerwear, or boldly go for a bright contrast colour.
If you’re feeling crafty, you could knit your own. Amsterdam-based Rows has a pattern inspired by vintage balaclavas that you can buy online for under a fiver. Start now and you might be done by the start of next winter.
Shop: The Best (Chic) Balaclavas
www.herdwear.co
Inspired by the symmetry of a wheat sheaf, with neat ribbed trims and a shaped neck tie, this will be the accessory of your winter wardrobe.
www.urbanoutfitters.com
Damson Madder's balaclava has a snug fit around the face, to keep you warm as the temperature drops, as well as a cool design fit for the season.
riseandfall.co
Rise & Fall's sell-out cashmere-wool hood has a more relaxed fit - and there are six delightful shades to chose from.
www.arket.com
Arket's cashmere hood is so soft, so comfortable that you might find you start wearing it all day, every day.
www.urbanoutfitters.com
This jewel-bright balaclava will definitely cheer up your commute, especially because your ears will be toasty warm.
www.cos.com
COS' balaclava comes with a difference, namely quilted ties that you can knot underneath your chin for extra warmth points when it's truly peaky.
www.marksandspencer.com
Black will go with everything in your wardrobe.
www.zara.com
Zara's iteration of the balaclava has a zip fastening so it fits more like hoodie.
www2.hm.com
This biscuity cashmere balaclava gets the quiet luxury seal of approval.
Natalie Hammond is Grazia’s senior fashion news editor. She loves winter, hates summer and can often be found writing about the weather (and what on earth to wear)._