This $29 Winter Hat Passes the French Style Test

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And it’s less than $30 at Amazon.

Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

As a journalist who has spent the last decade covering fashion and lifestyle stories in France, I’ve seen a beret out in the wild less than a handful of times. Don’t get me wrong, the look was certainly stylish in the past when starlets and icons like Coco Chanel, Brigitte Bardot, and Catherine Deneuve sported the tilted cap over a bob or on a film set — but these days, it comes off as more caricature than chic. In Paris, you’re more likely to see the felt cap hanging from stands at souvenir shops on Montmartre’s sloping streets than on a Parisian’s head.

What do the French really wear, then? A popular pick that’s less talked about but just as much part of the French wardrobe is the center-creased, wide-brimmed fedora, like this Gossifan Wide-Brim Panama Hat at Amazon, which comes in 21 different shades.

Amazon

Originally coined in the late 19th century when French stage actress Sarah Bernhardt donned a version, the fedora has been reinvented and redefined in the century-plus since. But this look from Gossifan is one that won’t fade anytime soon. A combination of cotton and polyester, the style comes in a sole size (around 23 inches) but has an adjustable interior tie, so you can tailor it to fit perfectly on your head. The nautical-inspired link belt is a nice little bonus accessory that won’t get old — and you can slip it off and trade it out for a floral silk scarf or a thicker gold chain when you want a more dressed-up look.

Breathable and lightweight, the one-size fedora fits most people (the hat can be unisex) and the brim extends out about 2.75 inches, offering sun protection without being dramatic. Structured but not too stiff, the soft cloth is comfortable to wear all day long, so I’m planning to sport it at beach clubs in the French Riviera, while picnicking in my neighborhood, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, and while traveling (this hat will get a special spot in the overhead bin on the plane so it doesn’t get crushed en route).

Amazon

I’m not the only one eyeing Gossifan’s Wide-Brim Fedora Panama Hat this season — earning more than 4,600 five-star reviews, it’s already a best-seller. “I was not expecting much when I ordered these due to how inexpensive they were, but they are very nice quality hats,” said one shopper, who bought the fedora as a party favor. “People were shocked that they were getting to take these home from the party because they are so well made and good quality.”

Another reviewer chimed in saying that it was their first time purchasing a hat without trying it on, but it was the perfect fit. They liked it so much, they’re ready to splurge on more shades. “In the past, I could never find a hat that looked good on me,” the reviewer continued. “I took a chance when I saw this one, and it’s a winner.” This shopper isn’t the only one who’s become such a fan: “I have ordered several of these hats,” another person gushed. “The colors pop and the size is perfect for those with bigger heads — I get compliments every time I step out.”

Amazon

Even though the Gossifan Wide-Brim Fedora Panama Hat is winter-appropriate for Paris, it’s safe to say it’ll seep into your ensemble during other seasons. “When I tell you that I want to wear this hat with everything in my closet, I mean it,” raved one shopper. “The sturdiness of the hat is excellent, and the accessory around the brim is beautiful. I seriously will be ordering every color.” I’m already picturing myself wearing the light sand shade in spring and fall (it’ll go great with dark denim or white trousers!) and the darker camel in summer paired with flowy print dresses and western-style ankle booties.

If you’re looking for other great French-style winter hats, check out these fantastic finds that have also earned high praise — and are making their way into my shopping cart this season.

Madewell

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Amazon

Nordstrom

At the time of publishing, the price started at $29.

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