New Delhi, Jan 20 (IANS) Move over, monkey caps and skull caps. Stylish hats and caps, available in a wide variety of designs and colours, are a hit this winter. Designers suggest newsboys, berets and cloches to top up your style well.

"Hats have made an amazing comeback this season. The berets and the cloche hats in bright colours, as well as in black and white, are very much in vogue for women. The floppy hat has also found itself back in vogue at brunches and derby events," designer Shouger Merchant Doshi told IANS.

Internationally, celebrities like Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian and Penelope Cruz are known for their fascination with the accessory. In India, a few women like Aishwarya Rai, Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone have flaunted it in movies and at events.

For regular fashionistas, futuristic hats, bold-blocked berets and floppy acrylic 1970s' hats are making waves, says designer Aniket Satam.

"Futuristic styles are in trend. Go for smaller hats with unique construction. Unusual shapes like hexagonal, drop and futuristic abstract are in vogue," Satam told IANS.

"The 1970s' floppy hats are trendy, but nothing beats the classiness of traditional woollen berets. Pop them up in vibrant shades like purple and teal for more effect. Sloppy caps in animal prints are also dramatic options for evening wear," he added.

Hats or caps, the choice is yours, but one thing is for sure: This fashion accessory serves a dual purpose - it either completes your look and keeps you warm or helps you stand out in a crowd.

"People used to have winter caps rather than hats in their wardrobe during chilly weather, but this is changing. Hats are getting into the wish lists of a lot of people. Of course we are not as elaborate as the west on the hats but, yes, a trendy set of a few does take you through the nice winter brunches," said designer Vandy Mehra.

The newsboy hat, once considered a men's accessory, has made an entry into the women's closet this season.

"The newsboy hat can be worn at casual as well as dressy events. The beret is also a classic yet relaxed option for hat lovers. Try darker toned hats with a pop of colour. Also, along with protection from the sun, try choosing hats which can also be worn backwards for a nine to nine look (from morning till evening)," said designer Nidhi Munim.

What's hot in terms of prints and colours?

Checkered and monogram prints, fuchsia, hot pink, coral, jade green and grey are in, say experts.

But beware when you pick a hat - it is important that it suits your facial structure.

"Hats are all great, but it has to suit your facial structure. It is quite difficult to select the right one that suits your persona as well as your jaw line. If you have a very round face, a beret style will suit you better, whereas if you have a chiselled jaw line, a round hat or cap or a beanie will suit you better," said Doshi.

Also, dressing up according to an occasion is important.

"Until and unless it is a derby event or an open garden function like day brunches and outdoor cocktail lunch, avoid end-up looking like a pompous princess. Make sure the hat is not matching to the dress and go for sharp styles with unique shapes and dramatic textures," said Satam.

(Nivedita can be contacted at nivedita.s@ians.in)