Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I live in a place that has very cold winters so I am puzzled by what appears to be a trend in men’s headwear. It is what used to be called a stocking cap, but the ones I see -- on both young and older “fashionably” dressed men -- are a shorter version that doesn’t cover their ears!

What? Why? Huh? Please explain this phenomenon to me, if you can.

--Annabel H.

Dear Annabel: I am pleased to get a question about a men’s fashion trend that doesn’t make much sense. I am usually called on to dissect and explain why women embrace impractical fashion styles. As in most of these cases, my short answer is: I don’t know. In this instance, you are referring to the “fisherman’s beanie,” which was worn for decades by dock-working fishermen who needed to hear what was going on. Or so the story goes.

Long before hip men -- young and old -- wore this impractical headgear, there was undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau who wore a trademark beanie in red. Ditto Bill Murray in the 2004 film “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,” inspired in part by Cousteau. More recently, Jimmy Fallon and Paul Rudd did a "Tonight Show" bit singing “Teenie Weenie Beanie” with lyrics like, “It don’t cover your ears cuz you still need to hears.” “It’s made of wool and it makes you look cool.” “I wear a teenie weenie beanie when I drink a dry martini…while I eat some fettuccini…while I play a tambourine-ee.”

And another headgear question, this one about a more practical item: the sun hat

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I am going on an island vacation in a very sunny climate and am intent on protecting my face and neck from sun damage. Of course I will wear sunscreen, applied regularly, but what to look for when buying a sun hat?

--Debra S.

Dear Debra:

Here’s your checklist:

--A big brim that shields your face—but not so big that it obscures your view or is uncomfortable

--Packable, lightweight, breathable fabric

--High UPF rating for UV protection

--A chinstrap to keep it from flying away on a boat trip or in other windy conditions

--A good fit, preferably adjustable

A few that I have tested and liked, which fit the above criteria: Rosoz Ponytail Sun hat, bargain-priced and comes in many colors (amazon.com, $8.99). The ponytail opening in the back keeps the hat from dislodging when you lean back in a chair or from flying off in a breeze (also has a chin strap). “Sunday Afternoons” brand (amazon.com, $31.59 and up; some models currently have limited size options), a flap in back to protect the back of your neck, very lightweight, many color options.

Angelic Readers

Mary B. writes, “I love crop tops! I'm extremely short-waisted and everything else fits me like a nightgown. Some fabric garments can be easily altered if you are handy and willing to take the time, but not most knits.” From Ellen: Short-waisted women of all ages should cheer the trend of manufacturers to shorten the length of T-shirts, jackets, blouses, sweaters, sweatshirts, hoodies and most other tops to hit just above the waist, designed to allow for a little midriff skin to show. For those with shorter upper bodies, if you haven’t shopped for tops lately, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Finally, tops that don’t fit like a tunic!

Reader Rant 1

From Cathy C.: "Am I the only one who cannot stand the latest look in jeans? They're either cropped short, shapeless, ripped, or have holes at the knees. Even the ones that don't have any tears are cropped with frayed hems. They don't seem to flatter any body type and I am having a difficult time trying to find any jeans that look good anymore. What do you think of this trend?” From Ellen: I agree that all the styles you mention are not for everyone — including me. But for shorter women, the slightly cropped jeans (and pants) trend is a godsend: They hit right at the ankle. No more length alterations.

Reader Rant 2

Claude H. weighs in on false eyelashes: “If you want to see a total misuse and maybe abuse of false eyelashes, check out a women’s college basketball game!”

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