Anyone from Christina Aguilera to your entomology professor can pull off a knit hat. The ball, tail and earflaps are not necessary but help make that particular one a favorite. These winter caps become routine articles of clothing when attending a university that is exposed to severe winters, like MSU.

While protecting the hearing organs has never been unstylish, this year people are truly embracing their snow gear.

“This hat is like a houseboat for your head,” MSU alumnus Brian Efros said about his favorite blue-and-orange beanie with a big ball of fluff on top. He lives in Denver, where the weather permits frequent use of a knit hat.

“I probably wear it five days out of the week,” Efros said. “I call it my ‘life hat.’ Some people have life partners — I have a life hat.”

Arts and humanities freshman Adele Wunsch bought her colorfully designed hat with earflaps and a ball atop from a street vendor in Argentina. She said the hats were a commonly seen item in the area.

“I notice them around a lot now. I thought I was going to be the only one wearing one,” Wunsch said.

Like most post-millennium trends, the knit hat is not new.

“I had a hat like this when I was a kid,” no-preference freshman Stephanie Diponio said.

Everyone remembers their mother forcing them to put on a warm hat before being sent to the bus stop in elementary school. As always, Mom was right. Even about the cute ball on top.

Aside from the past influence, this comeback has largely been inspired by snowboarders and skiers, whose fashion sense has become its own genre.

Well-known brands like Volcom, Roxy, Billabong and 686 distribute popular headwear from normal beanies to oversized berets with embellishments of fur, braids and, of course, the ball on top. All which can easily be spotted on any given pedestrian on Grand River Avenue.

“I thought this hat was cute, and it matches my coats,” said prenursing freshman Lia Antonetti.

Antonetti said she thought mostly girls are sporting the puff top, but men love them too.

They are not only logical, but affordable. Most range from $15-$40, unless the buyer insists on cashmere or designer brands. And the hats knit by family, friends or your ambitious self obviously are priceless.

“We just started carrying the hats with the ball on top this year, and I’ve sold two, to dudes, this past week,” said Derek Peterson, political science and pre-law sophomore and employee at In Flight Sports, 507 E. Grand River Ave.

A knit hat may be the best way to share your personal style with the world. After all, this accessory is worn over your head. Even the most unique hats are usually cheap, and anyone can find their perfect match.