Making way for fall, we swap our light jackets for coats and wrap ourselves in knitwear and scarves, which now take up more space around our faces. When a sweater, shirt, jacket, and coat already create enough layers, it’s time to shift our focus upward. And that’s when a hat can change the proportions and mood of the entire look. Many people tend to view it first and foremost as a practical wardrobe item that protects against the cold. But it is often the headpiece that determines just how put-together the entire look appears. And here, I’d like to draw attention to the beret, because it works differently than most winter accessories. It doesn’t add significant bulk or completely cover your hairstyle, nor does it require complicated styling. Its rounded shape creates a distinctive silhouette around the face, while the material and color can complement the texture of a coat, leather jacket, or knit layer. That’s exactly why a designer beret can be that small detail that transforms the entire fall/winter look.

A Beret That Works So Well With Layering

The fall-winter wardrobe is almost always built on layers. A T-shirt might go under a shirt, a shirt under a jacket, and a coat on top. Add a large scarf and chunky shoes to that, and the look quickly becomes overwhelming. However, wearing a beret can help balance the ensemble because it maintains a proportional, compact silhouette. Unlike a wide-brimmed hat, a beret doesn’t create an additional horizontal line around the head. Its rounded shape adds structure on top, leaving the other layers visually relaxed. This works especially well with long wool coats, oversized coats, and voluminous knitwear. When an outfit already features a lot of fabric, a neat headpiece helps the ensemble avoid looking haphazard.

Designer berets make all the difference

The difference between a simple beret and a designer version is always noticeable—and it matters. The shape may remain classic, but the precise proportions, combined with the high-quality materials and craftsmanship, transform how the accessory complements the look. The beret collection by Ruslan Baginskiy illustrates this approach quite clearly. The classic silhouette is reimagined through structure, materials, and proportions. The collection features, in particular, cotton, denim, and wool-blend models, and some berets are embellished with hand-embroidered RB monograms or crystals. All Ruslan Baginskiy products are made in Ukraine, and the brand emphasizes the craftsmanship of its artisans and local production. This is important for fall/winter styling, as the texture of an accessory can extend the logic of the entire look. A wool beret naturally complements a coat, while denim adds a more casual contrast. At the same time, crystals can serve as the sole accent in an understated ensemble.

Let the Color Do Some of the Styling. Style a Beret for Fall/Winter

It’s great when the color of a beret acts as a link between outerwear and other pieces. For instance, black blends easily into a monochrome outfit. Brown complements a warm fall color palette. Meanwhile, denim can match the shade of your jeans or create a deliberate contrast.

There’s another approach, too: use the beret as the sole bold color in a neutral look. Try pairing black pants with a gray coat and understated shoes to leave plenty of room for an accent headpiece. The point is not to mechanically repeat the color in every detail. Sometimes a single recurring shade is enough to create a cohesive connection between the individual elements of an outfit.

With leather and denim

A beret doesn’t have to stick to classic aesthetics at all. A leather jacket, straight-leg jeans, and boots create a completely different context. 

The combination of textures works particularly well:

• Smooth leather and thick denim create a fairly rigid foundation
• The soft, rounded shape of the beret adds visual softness

If you choose a denim beret, you can instead emphasize the casual nature of such an outfit. This is a good example of why a beret shouldn’t be viewed as an accessory tied to a single specific style. Its character is largely defined by the pieces around it.

With a tailored coat

One of the easiest ways to wear a beret is to pair it with a structured coat. This could be a camel wool coat, a classic black coat, or a style with sharply defined shoulders. It’s important here not to overload the look with other decorative details. If the beret has a distinctive texture or embellishment, the rest of the accessories should remain understated. This gives the headwear enough room to stand out.

How you wear it also matters. Tilting it slightly to the side changes the silhouette’s geometry and gives the look a less formal feel. This is exactly how Ruslan Baginskiy recommends his models wear it.

When the Beret Becomes the Statement

Not every beret has to be a subtle finishing touch to an outfit. Some styles can completely change the mood of the look.

Particularly, decorative embroidery, crystals, or a striking texture transform the headpiece into a focal point. In this case, the rest of the outfit can be almost minimalist. That is, a clean coat silhouette, simple knitwear, straight-leg pants, and understated jewelry. In Ruslan Baginskiy’s collection, crystals on select pieces are applied by hand, and hand-embroidered RB monograms and tone-on-tone stitching are also used among the embellishments. These aren’t just decorative additions. They allow a single accessory to set the tone for the entire outfit.

Conclusion

A strong fall/winter look doesn’t always require a new jacket, more complex layering, or an abundance of accessories. Sometimes it’s enough to change what’s happening above the shoulders. A designer beret adds shape to an outfit without creating excess volume. It works well with various textures and easily shifts the mood depending on what it’s paired with. It is precisely this versatility that makes it particularly interesting for the cold season. When styled correctly, a beret won’t look like a last-minute finishing touch. It can be part of the very structure of the look. Specifically, it can tie a coat together with knitwear, soften the look of leather, complement the color, or, conversely, become the detail that catches the eye first.

Discover the latest new tops for women from EGO, featuring stylish designs for every occasion. From elegant lace styles to cosy knitwear, the collection offers a variety of fashionable options to refresh your wardrobe. Explore the Long Sleeve Cut Out Top in Black Lace for a statement evening look or choose the EGO Logo Detail Hoodie in Lemon and Brown Stripe Knit for a relaxed style. The Halterneck Zip Up Back Top in Khaki adds a modern touch, while ribbed and V-neck knit tops offer effortless everyday styling. For a sophisticated layered look, the EGO Logo Detail Button Down Cardigan in Beige Knit is an ideal choice. These new tops for women from EGO combine contemporary details, versatile colours and on-trend silhouettes. Shop the latest new tops for women from EGO and find your next wardrobe favourite.

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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

Now that Labor Day is behind us, the only thing I want to add to my cart is cozy sweaters. This floral cardigan from Rails looks luxe but still comfy enough for a long, chilly day in the office.

I would pair it with a white oxford and navy trousers for a business casual look. 

The sweater is $248 at Nordstrom and comes in sizes XXS-2X. 

Sales of note for 9/4 (Happy Labor Day — see our big roundup!)

• Nordstrom – End of season clearance, up to 50% off
• Anine Bing – Archive sale, up to 70% off select styles, online only
• Ann Taylor – 30% off you purchase, including new arrivals – $50 off when you spend $200. Readers love this easycare blouse and this blazer that makes a great separate.
• Anthropologie – 40% off sale! The reader favorite wide leg pants are on sale for as low as $86, including the pants I posted last week!
• Athleta – Up to 60% off + extra 30% off sale; readers love these pants
• AYR – Archive sale, up to 60% off
• Boden – 20% off everything – readers love these dresses, and their double-layer line of tees
• CVS – Epic beauty sale, $10 off when you spend $30 (Walmart is having its “Beauty Event” as well right now!)
• Design Within Reach – the semiannual sale, 25% off everything! (readers love the Herman Miller Aeron and Sayl!)
• The Fold – 20% off, limited time only
• J.Crew – 40% off your purchase
• J.Crew Factory – 50% off all stores and sitewide, PLUS extra 20% off orders over $125
• J.McLaughlin – Extra 40% off sale (ending soon)
• Lilysilk – Anniversary sale, save up to 70% (ending soon)
• Me & Em – Sale! Up to 60% off (new lines just added, exclusively online)
• M.M.LaFleur – Labor Day Sale Event, save sitewide! (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
• Nordstrom Rack – Thru September 7: Extra 25% off clearance! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
• Sarah Flint – 20% off sitewide
• Talbots – Ends 9/4: 25-40% off wear-now styles
• Theory – End of season sale is on!
• Veronica Beard – Extra 20% off sale styles with code

My daily go-to bag is a crossbody. It carries my important stuff and leaves me hands-free to drive, shop, text, or reapply my lip gloss. But there are days when I need a little more space or a little more style than the crossbody delivers.

You may know the feeling. You’re on your way out the door and there’s nowhere to put your mom gear, your lunch, or your laptop. Or you’re meeting a special someone for a drink in exactly one hour, and your hands-free bag suddenly feels way too casual.

In truth, no one cares as much about these things as you do. So you don’t technically need a collection of handbags. But if you would enjoy having one or two extras beyond the daily driver, here are some options to consider.

1. The everyday tote 

Most crossbody bags have limited space. That’s a good thing for my daily life. Without limitations, I’d be using my bag as overflow storage for books, notepads, snacks, laptop, plus my phone, wallet, lipcolor, sunblock, and keys.

Still, sometimes I am carrying a heavy load. And the laptop, notepad, and an ice-cold Diet Coke definitely do not fit in my crossbody. For those days, I have tried all iterations of big bags, including briefcases, messenger bags, hobo bags, satchels, and hobo bags. The style I keep coming back to is the casual tote.

A roomy book tote is stylish, easy, and versatile. The wide top is easy to fill when I’m in a rush, and the internal pockets keep me from losing my keys or pens. I can stuff it with gym clothes, a couple Vogue magazines (yes, I still get the printed version), my laptop, and my oversized sunnies that live in an oversized case. And the tote style always works, whether I’m headed to the beach or an important client meeting.

Shopping tip

Match the tote material to your lifestyle and budget.

• Canvas: Lightweight, washable, and heavy-duty 
• Leather: Structured and sleek, but can be expensive (unless you opt for faux leather) 
• Nylon: Ultra-lightweight, stain-proof, and water-resistant 

2. The convertible backpack 

Multi-function products can be smart buys if they effectively replace two or more products with one. A good convertible backpack is one of my favorites in this category. It shape shifts from top-handle bag or tote to two-strap backpack. Need a big bag that’s casual, convenient, and comfortable? Slip your arms into the two straps and carry the load comfortably across your back. Headed somewhere that feels too upscale for a backpack? Grab it by the top handle and you’re good to go.   

Shopping tip

Different types and configurations are available, including: 

• Buckle or Clip: Straps unclip or reattach in new positions 
• Drawstring: Pull cords cinch the top and form shoulder straps 
• Magnetic or Snap: Quick-release fasteners instantly lock straps or folded sections 

3. The utility chest sling

The utility chest sling is a safer, stabler version of the crossbody. It wraps around one shoulder and sits flat across your chest, secured by one strap. No swinging, readjusting, or manually clutching the bag tight against your body on a crowded subway.

I love this style for traveling, especially if you can wear an outer layer over it. You can access your things quickly, but a pickpocket will likely choose an easier target.

Shopping tip

Look for a sling bag with built-in card slots, mesh pockets, and key clips. Also, broader straps provide better weight distribution and are more comfortable than thin straps, especially if you’re baring shoulders. 

4. The deep bucket bag

Wide at the base, tighter at the top, the bucket bag has plenty of space for all things you need. Even a water bottle, compact foldable umbrella, or a small lunch container will fit. The bag’s cylindrical silhouette has vertical depth so you can stack taller items upright. 

Inside, the bag is like a tote. One roomy interior accommodates everything. Some bucket bags have side pockets for the small stuff. These keep your smaller things from being swallowed up by everything else you packed.

Shopping tip

Invest in a bucket bag that has a sturdy, flat bottom, magnetic closure, and interior pockets. You want it to remain standing on tables or car seats, rather than collapsing. An easy closure snap deters wandering hands. And an interior pocket can hold your lip balm, so it doesn’t get lost in the bottom.

Read next: How to care for your handbags

5. The diaper bag

Don’t let the name fool you. Diaper bags are not just for diapers. They are not even just for moms. Diaper bags are among the smartest carryalls, because they offer organized space that a crossbody cannot match.  

Old-school diaper bags were bulky and loud with cartoon prints and other design elements that screamed MOM. Today, they are more fashionable but just as functional. And while you may not have the budget for celeb favs like the Prada Nylon Baby Bag or the Gucci diaper bag tote, you can find cute low-budget options at Target and T.J.Maxx.

Shopping tip

Function overtakes design here. Look for insulated pockets that’ll keep a water bottle cold for hours and stroller clips to hang your bag hands-free. Spill-proof and wipeable linings are must-haves also.

6. The belt bag 

If you love the convenience and security of a chest sling, but don’t like how it looks on your body, try a belt bag. They are nearly the same style, except that the belt bag is worn at the waist or low-slung across your hips.

Shopping tip

Decide how you want to use a belt bag and find a style that fits the application. Sporty versions are ideal for running and hiking, for example. Look for options that have multiple compartments so you can keep your keys from scratching your phone.

7. The clutch-wristlet hybrid 

The clutch-wristlet hybrid is another two-in-one multitasker. Use it as a wallet inside your tote for the workday, then ditch the tote for date night. Its small size forces you to limit your gear to what really matters. So, yes, you must make tough choices (say, between mauve or red lips), but the reward is a delicate, feminine style.

Shopping tip

Look for quality stitching and hardware, plus card slots and a place to put your phone.

Read next: The splurge-worthy leather briefcase

Beyond the crossbody

A crossbody bag is reliable, versatile, and hard-working. This style is so functional that it can easily lure you into a bag rut. And there’s only one cure for that: adding a new bag to your collection. Fortunately, you have options ranging from classic book totes to roomy diaper bags that — like the crossbody ­— combine form and function. That’s a combo we love, because it saves you money by encouraging high use and low cost-per-wear.