HOW TO WEAR: Beanie me up Scotty

As temperatures plunge and precious heat escaping from the cranium becomes an unattractive option, we look to headgear to keep our core warmth intact. The humble woolly beanie has made a high-fashion appearance this season, liberated from its grungy paring with Doc Martens, plaid shirts and torn boyfriend jeans.

A beanie is the best bet for cosiness and, if you style it right, you can wear it with the classiest winter staples.

I've recently seen the beanie pulled off with a smart winter cape, cigarette pants and high heels.

Choose a neutral colour, like wheat, grey, beige or black - they're the most versatile. Bright colours look a little juvenile and significantly less chic.

Keep it simple. Embroidered and adorned beanies will make you look like an old hippy woman with too much crafting time on her hands. Likewise, avoid pompoms, beadwork, zips and crocheted embellishments if you don't want to look like you just ambled over from the caravan park.

Coordinating your beanie with your jacket will make your look instantly sophisticated. Wear a soft leather, fitted jacket with slim jeans, heels and your beanie, with your hair showing out the sides for sexy appeal that will keep you snug.

Beanies look especially feminine with a quality pea coat. Maximise the softness of the look by wearing the beanie loosely on the head with the top pulled back, leaving a little space in the apex of the hat and more of the forehead showing.

Put some hair serum or hairspray in your bag when you wear a beanie. Hair tends to get static when you take the beanie off. Use the hairspray or serum to calm it down.

Dry hair upside down before putting on your beanie to lift the roots, preventing them from becoming flat and greasy when you wear your hat.

• NEXT WEEK: How to wear the statement necklace