One of the weirdest experiences of my medium-sized life has been the hunt for a hat. On being invited to a wedding in the UK, I was informed that it was expected that all the female guests would wear some kind of headgear. I thought that they were kidding. I mean, it was 2005.

But, no, it turned out that I was one of about three people not adorning my bonce with some kind of pastel feathered creation, and so when I received my next wedding invitation, I decided it was time to search for a hat.

Since then, I have actually come to love the hat. Of course, I don't really mean the frothy fascinators of the British wedding season, but I did get quite attached to the way in which the hat can work really well as an accessory for winter — keeping your head and ears a bit warmer in the process.

Having trotted out my hats a few times over the past couple of weeks (mostly as a cunning disguise for those inevitable bad hair days), I realise that I get quite a few compliments when hatted.

And while people can be a bit afraid of being stared at when wearing a hat, if you just take the plunge, you will quickly realise that if anyone does stare it will be for all the right reasons.

When working with my styling clients, I often come across resistance to the hat as an accessory. I hear a lot of: "I would love to wear a hat, but I don't think that they suit me." Or, "hats always look cool on other people, but I wouldn't know how to wear one myself — and if I do, won't I look stupid?"

I'm pretty confident that I too would look stupid in a sombrero, but pop a baker boy atop my head and I look pretty rockin'.

It really is all about choosing the right hat for you, and this winter you have about five different styles to select from. As one of the fastest ways to take an ordinary outfit from drab to fab, look around and find the hat that works for you — it will be a revelation.

The beret

One of the strongest runway looks this season is the beret. The beret is a classic hat that has some built-in chic to bestow upon you. This season, the beret is a slightly looser knit version (not felt) and it is worn either on the back of the head, or pulled right down over your ears. Keep it casual and relaxed, rather than rigid and taut, and you will have no trouble nailing the trend.

A beret can also be customised so that you can wear it regularly without looking boring.

Add a vintage brooch to the front, or pin on a piece of beautiful ribbon, loosely stitch on a collection of fun buttons or pin on some badges — there is much you can do to mix it up and create a fresh look every time you wear your beret.

Also don't be afraid of colour. A beautiful teal beret can totally transform a basic winter black-pants-and-polo outfit and lend it some very easy élan (distinctive flair). And both guys and girls can wear this looser beret easily.

The fedora

The most formal of this season's hat trends, the fedora is a great hat for going out at night. It is not the warmest option, but it is the one with the most attitude.

If you select a black or grey fedora, you can be sure that it will work with most outfits. If you do want to mix it up a bit, then use silk scarves or ties to change the headband, and don't be afraid to look in the men's department if you are a lady and vice versa — hats are pretty androgynous and can work for both him and her.

The fedora is unquestionably the hat of choice for stylish chaps this season, and ladies can definitely work it for maximum sex appeal.

The baker boy

A baker boy hat has a loose, slightly puffy head piece and then a small peak. If you choose a version in a knit or crochet, you have a great casual hat. If you go for one in suede or cotton brocade, you have a more formal version. It is the hat that is the most universally flattering for ladies, so it is a safe place to start your search if you are a little unsure.

Unless you have a perfectly symmetrical, oval face, you can also use the baker boy (or beret) to create some balance to your features. Wearing your hat a bit off-centre or at a slight angle, will be very flattering to your face and make you look more relaxed.

A baker boy is traditionally 'cute'. It is youthful and jaunty, so don't try too hard to make it sexy or formal as this really won't work. Embody the spirit of the hat and you will receive loads of compliments.

The beanie

Sure, the beanie has been around forever, but this season, it's definitely the casual hat of choice for the chaps. Blame Zac Efron. The style to go for this winter is knitted in one smooth set of pearl stitching from crown to hem — there is no ridging or variation. It is almost like putting a big sock on your head. Oh dear. Sad, but true. But it is warm and snug, can disguise the worst hair days and looks pretty cool. Just remember, this is for casual wear only.

The head scarf

And finally ladies, if you don’t feel 100 percent comfortable with any of these hats, then you can still do something fun with your head by wearing a beautiful scarf, as often seen on Nicole Ritchie. It is a slightly more summery look, but here in South Africa, it can be made to work well on the more sunny winter days. Tied over the ears, it can also keep you a bit warmer.

Don't be afraid of hats this winter. As you look around and suddenly notice all the most stylish people around you are wearing them, just remember, you can wear one too — just choose the best one for you.

For more information on Robyn and other fabulous fashions, go to: http://styleguidecapetown.blogspot.com