FASHION

HOW TO STYLE A BONNET LIKE A BIG GIRL

By Flo Bellinger, 5 January 2026

Of all the trends to emerge in the past year, knitted hoods – or bonnets if you fancy – are one of the biggest. But diving headfirst into the hooded life isn’t always easy. A bit of forethought is required, lest you end up cosplaying as a Victorian infant (or an extra in The Handmaid’s Tale). If you’ve been eyeing a sweet knitted scarf this January, we’ve compiled three looks that make them work. From simple yet effective to head-turning takes, you can’t put a hood wrong in these 'fits.

Picture: Getty

#1: HEAD-TO-TOE TONAL

Collage of woman wearing ASOS | ASOS Style Feed

Picture: ASOS

When introducing an unexpected silhouette, we’d advise toning things back elsewhere. Stick to your usual colour palette and dial down the textures, ensuring your new bonnet has a chance to shine without throwing your aesthetic off course. Head-to-toe tonal is a firm favourite, providing an understated foundation for accessories and a hint of quiet luxury that instantly elevates a knitted hood. No chance of infantile styling here – the bonnet is officially all grown up.

GET THE LOOK:

Pieces cable knit balaclava in dark grey melange, £20
& Other Stories wool belted maxi coat with funnel neck in grey, £259
Dickies jackson cargo trousers in grey, £85
Salomon XT-6 Camo trainers in grey and white, £165

#2: A CHERRY ON TOP

Picture: ASOS

If you’re a colour-lover and see a bonnet on your wardrobe horizon, might we suggest a bold take? Tomato red is already dominating 2026 mood boards, so finishing your usual winter look with a bright knitted accessory is a fun way to spice things up. To avoid any Little Red Riding Hood subtext, ensure the rest of your outfit leans into structured styles like a tailored coat or trousers. We’d also recommend reaching for neutrals like blacks, greys and browns so your finishing touch feels more ‘cherry on top’ than sartorial flop.

GET THE LOOK:

Allsaints millie tailored military style coat with detachable collar in khaki, £499
Miss Selfridge blanket stitch pointelle triangle mini scarf in red, £15.99
ARKET sheer jersey rib long sleeve turtleneck top in black, £35
Tony Bianco Fantasy heeled knee boots in black leather, £280

#3: NOT-SO COLD SHOULDER

Picture: ASOS

Arguably the easiest way to wear a bonnet is not to wear one at all (at least, not in the traditional sense). Thanks to their popularity, there are hundreds of styles to choose from – including those that can be worn loose or down on the shoulders. Tying a square scarf neatly around your neck is a fun way to reimagine the classic silhouette, while providing a bigger canvas for colour, print and play. The best thing about this style is its capacity to take a formal look into more casual territory.

GET THE LOOK:

ASOS DESIGN knitted triangle scarf in black, £18
Asics GT-2160 trainers in cream and pure gold, £125
ARRANGE rib knitted shoulder pad jumper in cobalt blue, £65
Levi's ribcage straight full length jeans in black, £110