Winter Travel Style Tips are your personal game-changer for surviving (and loving) cold-weather adventures—especially if you want to keep your look as bold and flexible as your travel plans.

If you’ve ever traveled in winter, you know the struggle: all your content and selfies start to blend together, because your coat becomes the star of every shot. That was my life—one trusty black beanie, three countries, and weeks of feeling like I was stuck in a clothing loop. The solution? Investing in hats became my signature move.

But let’s talk shopping. Yes, you can grab a cheap hat at H&M. But in Scandinavia, fast fashion is just background noise. What’s actually everywhere are outdoor stores packed with investment pieces—and here, people mean it. Stores such as Fjällräven, Peak Performance, Bergans of Norway, and even Patagonia (technically a US company but offers the same durability and quality) offer their products in person, not just as online wishlist items. It’s all touchable, try-on ready, and meant to last for years, not just a season.

Back home in Central New Jersey? Good luck. You’re road-tripping to DICK’S or REI—if you’re lucky enough to live within driving distance. We all know that shopping online can be a gamble, as we hope for warmth and pray that the items fit, but is it really the best option? The difference is wild: up north, buying for winter is about planning and investing in yourself. You don’t have to hunt for quality; it’s literally right down the street.

Winter Travel Style Tips: Make Your Hat & Scarf Your Signature

If your coat is the frame, hats are the pop of color, the mood, and the signature moment. Rotate your favorite. Go for a wild pattern, playful pom, or bold color—one day you’re street-chic, the next you’re giving boss energy. Suddenly, every photo and every day feels fresh (even if you’re rocking the same down coat for a month straight).


Patagonia’s Fisherman’s Rolled Beanie (Black): $39

29105 CEBK

Let’s talk about that classic everyone-wants-it beanie: Patagonia’s Fisherman’s Rolled Beanie in black. No, it’s not the roomiest hat on the rack—if you’re expecting a slouchy fit, this one sits snug, but that’s exactly why it works. The fit locks in warmth without swallowing your head (or your style), so you never get that too-much-fabric helmet look in your photos.

The real secret? The feel. This beanie is soft and silky to the touch, but it stays put—no slipping or sliding, just comfort that hugs, not suffocates. It’s thin enough to stash in a pocket, yet thick enough to keep the chill at bay, even when the wind does its worst. You put it on, and suddenly the cold is background noise.

Bottom line: If you want a beanie that goes with everything, travels well, and feels a little luxe for something so practical, this one’s an easy “add to cart.” (Trust: it’s tried, tested, and has held up through coffee runs, fjord views, and surprise snow flurries.)

Fjall Raven Snow Beanie: $55

snow beanie 13100232 555 a main

If you want classic Scandinavian warmth with a heavy dose of style, the Fjällräven Snow Beanie is a total win. Even though I haven’t added this to my personal collection (yet!), I can confidently say every Fjällräven hat I’ve ever tried has knocked it out of the park for quality, comfort, and let’s be honest—serious cuteness.

This one is knitted, so expect that plush, never-itchy feel, and it comes in colorways that actually pop (for days when you’re tired of black). If you’re braving city winds, hitting the trails, or want your winter content to scream “intentional and cool, not afterthought,” this is that investment piece. Cozy, dependable, and built to last—exactly what you want in a hat for real winter adventures and eye-catching content.

Sweet Turns Early Rise Women’s Beanie: $42

e0f05f7c 93b9 4a25 bd6b 54afb1edc3bf?size=2000

If you want a winter hat that feels as good as it looks, the Sweet Turns Early Rise Beanie more than delivers. This one doesn’t mess around when it comes to warmth or softness—it’s knitted for that just-right amount of stretch and coziness, giving you full coverage without the itch factor (yes, even after hours in the cold).

It goes with practically everything, and the laid-back fit is perfect for whatever your winter day throws your way—coffee runs, travel content, or hitting the slopes. Bonus: the style is subtle but still has enough personality to keep your look feeling intentional, not average. If you want comfort, quality, and a no-fuss vibe that stands up to winter, this one deserves a spot in your rotation.

Columbia Bundle Up Beanie: $35

4c37aabb f6db 441d 810b 9bda9317aa41?size=2000

Talk about texture goals! The Columbia Bundle Up Beanie is the hat that instantly stands out—just look at that super-cozy, chunky knit and stylish, channel-stitched design. The real magic, though? It’s all about the warmth that hugs your ears, thanks to that plush, thick construction. This is the winter hat you reach for when you want your outfit to pop and your ears to actually survive a wind chill. Proof that practical can still be a vibe, this pick levels up any coat and promises comfort with every wear. (Seriously, you’ll want to keep touching it—so soft!)

Sherpa Adventure Gear Pangdey Hat: $30

3c76195e b398 457d 8437 2f492aecfd3a?size=2000

Ready to add a little fun to your winter wardrobe? The Sherpa Pangdey Hat is exactly what your cold-weather lineup needs—a burst of color with enough personality to wake up any outfit (or snowy morning). This isn’t just about looks either: it’s hand-knitted with warm, soft wool, so you get legit warmth and a dose of artisanal style in each and every stitch. If you love a beanie moment that’s as unique as your next adventure, this is the one you pop on for a little extra cheer (and the kind of Instagram grid that’s never boring). Winter just got way more interesting.

Everest Designs Anatoli Russian Hat: $52

598cf70c 75c5 487f ba61 91b8a289ed9b?size=2000

Yes, it’s called a “Russian” hat—but no, you won’t find a “Made in Moscow” tag hiding inside.  The Everest Designs Anatoli Russian Hat just brings major winter drama, channeling old-school fur-trim vibes with absolutely zero chill (except where you want it—outside, not around your ears). The fluffy ear flaps are the real MVPs—they block the wind so well, you’ll forget it’s even cold out. Bonus: it’s the easiest way to turn a basic coat into a winter statement. Not from Russia, but definitely from the school of “why just stay warm when you can look epic doing it?”


Want a winter look that feels as powerful (and fun) as your ambition? Don’t settle for disposable—invest like a Scandi queen. Your photos (and your confidence) will thank you.

Which hat is your go-to? Tag #BadAsFckTravel to share your vibe with The Gal Project crew!


The Gal Project: Bold Women, Bolder Community

The Gal Project uplifts and connects ambitious women in New Jersey (NJ) and New York (NY), spotlighting real voices and building a community where every story matters. Ready to join the movement or share your journey?

Feeling inspired? Share it forward.
If today’s article made you think, “Wow, I needed this,” pass it on to a friend who could use a little reminder that she’s BAF too. We’re all in this together.

Angela Acosta is the founder of The Gal Project and Angela Atelier, specializing in women’s empowerment, story-driven community, and transformational branding photography. Through advocacy, portraiture, and bold storytelling, she champions visibility and celebrates every woman’s journey.

Categories: