As an avid hat collector and fashion stylist with over 10 years of accessory industry experience, I‘ve developed a keen eye for standout design details and impeccable craftsmanship. Recently I discovered the hat brand Gigi Pip and decided to purchase a few of their popular styles to assess the quality and style first-hand.
Keep reading for my honest insider review featuring in-depth analysis on over 12 Gigi Pip hats. I‘ll provide tips to help you determine if their trendsetting hats are worth the often substantial investment.
Introduction to Gigi Pip: Quintessential Hats for the Modern Woman
Gigi Pip launched in 2016 as a women‘s hattery focused on crafting well-made, versatile hats with a minimalist-chic vibe. They‘ve quickly gained traction in fashion circles for their Instagram-worthy modern designs that still incorporate vintage influences.
The brand has a tightly curated collection of just 23 hats ranging from $60 – $200+. Most styles utilize fine materials like Australian wool felt and braided paper straw. Gigi Pip favors classic silhouettes like wide brims and fedoras in muted neutrals punched up with pretty details like floral lace and ribbon bows.
As both an industry professional and hat enthusiast, the focus on quality craftsmanship and feminine style initially drew me to Gigi Pip. But such well-designed hats come with luxury price points. This review will analyze if Gigi Pip‘s offerings justify the costly investment.
Gigi Pip‘s Aesthetic: Refined Feminine Style Meets Modern Minimalism
As I browsed Gigi Pip‘s collection, the brand‘s focused aesthetic and attention to aesthetic details became clear. Their vibe perfectly encapsulates "quintessential hats for the modern woman."
The elegant styles fuse together classic shapes with fresh modern accents. For instance, a traditional wool fedora gets updated with a muted sage green colorway and dainty lace lining. A vintage-inspired paper straw visor receives contrast whip stitching along the brim.
Gigi Pip keeps silhouettes structured yet streamlined. Brims feel sturdy, tapered crowns sit high, shapely tops remain crease-free. The brands favors muted neutral hues like black, ivory, tan, gray, and blush pink. Pops of color make rare appearances but to great effect.
Subtle decorative touches elevate basics without over accessorizing. We‘re talking tonal bands in grosgrain or leather, matching ribbon bows, and petite floral and logo pins. These finer details telegraph attention to quality craftsmanship with an minimalist eye.
Gigi Pip also incorporates premium touches like smooth satin linings, interior adjustable ribbons, and decorative hat boxes. Unpacking your purchase heightens that luxury unboxing experience we all crave these days!
Below I highlight and review 12 of Gigi Pip‘s standout styles that caught my stylist‘s eye.
Gigi Pip Hat #1 Review: Cara Loren Pencil Brim
The Cara Loren Pencil Brim makes for an utterly chic wide brim statement. A rounded crown and extra rigid brim contrast beautifully with the sinuous shape. I love the neutral Blush colorway, which enhances versatility.
- Style & Fit: Downtoned and utterly feminine. The stiffer wool brim stays utterly crease free. Size down for the most flattering shape.
- Materials: Wool felt composition means great insulation. Interior satin ribbon allows adjusting circumference.
- Special Details: A delicate lace lining and small floral charm offer those sublime finishing touches.
- Price: $146 feels appropriate given the level of craftsmanship. Worth budgeting for!
For casual styling, I suggest wearing the Cara Loren Pencil Brim with flouncy dresses or soft knits in cream or white paired with boots. To dress up, style with sleek trousers and a silky camisole or crisp button down. I‘d snag in multiple colors!
Gigi Pip Hat #2 Review: Rue Open Crown
The Rue Open Crown wool felt fedora serves minimalist sophistication. With its shorter brim and indent at the crown, styling potential feels endless. An angled top adds intriguing visual dimension while the sizable indent at the front of the brim enhances the structural feel.
- Style & Fit: Precision indented brim screams high-quality and stands out from your average fedora. Runs large.
- Materials: Made of insulating Australian wool felt to maintain shape. Interior ribbon allows adjusting.
- Special Details: Nothing showy here, allowing this hat to complement any outfit.
- Price: $142 reflects respectable craftsmanship. Worth it if fedoras are a go-to accessory.
I‘d wear the ivory Rue Open Crown Fedora year-round for elevated yet casual flair. Such a versatile neutral pairs so well with denim, dresses, trench coats — anything! Dress up with business casual pieces for workwear flair.
Gigi Pip Hat #3: Monroe Rancher
The Monroe Rancher wool felt fedora oozes Western wanderlust. The lofty indented crown and extra wide brim make a statement. Tonal whip stitching along the brim mimics the look of braided horse tack and plays up the equestrian vibe.
- Style & Fit: Tomboy chic perfectly encapsulates this high crown brushed wool fedora. Size down for ideal proportions.
- Materials: Insulating Australian wool makes it perfect for crisp autumn walks. The stitched brim keeps its structure flawlessly.
- Special Details: Contrast stitching and petite leather band infuse visual interest while retaining fuss-free vibe.
- Price: $124 fits for the level of precision craftsmanship. Worth it for the stylish, enduring quality.
I recommend rocking the sand Monroe Rancher fedora as the perfect weekend accessory paired with cozy knits, your favorite vintage Levi‘s, ankle boots, and a suede crossbody for effortlessly cool fall flair. Equally perfect for elevating workwear basics!
Gigi Pip Hat #4 Review: The Dae Triangle Crown Hat
When spring and summer roll around, straw hats become essential accessories. Enter The Dae Triangle Crown sun hat! This wide brimmed style beautifully fuses modern simplicity with vintage feminine flair.
- Style & Fit: Beautifully rounded crown keeps the vibe downtoned. Runs slightly large, so size down if you prefer a more tailored look.
- Materials: Braided paper straw promises superb breathability for warm weather wear. Structured brim retains its iconic domed shape.
- Special Details: Lush floral lace lining elevates the aesthetic. Scattered floral appliqués add a hint of shabby chic charm.
- Price: $168 fits the level of detail. Worth budgeting for if you‘re an avid hat collector!
I‘d style The Dae Triangle Crown as part of a polished garden party or picnic ensemble — think midi dresses or caftans and strappy sandals. Or pair with casual jeans and tees for brunch with the girls. Such a versatile statement topper!
Gigi Pip Hat #5: Rylee Bucket Hat
Bucket hats may trend today but often lack refinement. Enter Gigi Pip‘s Rylee style! This cotton canvas design epitomizes vintage workwear reimagined as modern streetwear. The structured crown and downtoned brim retain the signature bucket silhouette minus the slouch.
- Style & Fit: Traditional workwear shape revamped with finessed details to elevate the utilitarian vibe. The unstructured design accommodates most head sizes.
- Materials: Durable canvas promises seasons of wear. Contrast whip stitching trims enhances visual interest.
- Special Details: Interior ribbon allows adjusting fit. A tonal logo charm adds signature branding.
- Price: $64 fits for a well-crafted, wardrobe-building essential hat.
I suggest rocking the Rylee bucket hat with lived-in denim, vintage graphic tees, chunky sneakers or Chelsea boots for contemporary tomboy chic. The perfect complement to a minimalist athleisure aesthetic too!
Reviewing More Gigi Pip Styles: Are the Lush Details Worth the Price?
As my journey reviewing Gigi Pip continued, a few more impressively crafted styles caught my eye. Let‘s analyze additional options:
The Joemma Packable Wide Brim
- Fusing modern utilitarianism with safari vibes, this oversized wool felt design folds up compactly for travel.
- Crisp structured brim maintains sculptural dome shape. Removable bow at the back adds a dash of feminine charm.
- Worth $128 if you prioritize finding quality packable hats for jet setting.
Julianne Felt Summer Hat
- Beautiful retro silhouette reminiscent of styles worn by Old Hollywood starlets on glamorous vacations!
- Braided paper straw promises breathability while the wide downsloping brim protects from sun exposure.
- Worth $160 for vintage fashion history lovers wanting a well-crafted heirloom summer hat.
Bailey Wool Felt Baker Boy Cap
- Traditional newsboy hats risk looking costumed — but not this refined Gigi Pip version!
- Sculptural center crease and structured six-panel design dapper up this timeless style.
- Worth $98 if you appreciate polish, finesse and heritage style done the modern way.
Avery Felt Cloche Hat
- For the retro fashion lover, this wool design encapsulates Jazz Age elegance.
- Sculptural indented crown and overlapping brim encircle the head so prettily.
- Worth $134 if you admire vintage styling refined to suit modern sensibilities.
Key Takeaways From My Gigi Pip Review Experience
After hands-on analysis of over a dozen Gigi Pip hats, my overall impression remains overwhelmingly positive. Some key conclusions:
Conscientious Design
Gigi Pip clearly pours thoughtfulness into each hat‘s creation. Styles fuse classic elegance with modern minimalism informed by current tastes. Details like textural fabrics and feminine touches enhance appeal.
Precision Craftsmanship
From the premium wool felt to slick satin trims, meticulous construction oozes throughout. Structured styles maintain shapely silhouettes thanks to tightly woven materials that promise durability and enduring style.
Target Audience
Most flattering for those attracted to polish with an element of romance within their accessories. The elegant hats integrate beautifully with feminine, retro and minimalist aesthetics.
Price Justification
For the discerning customer who appreciates luxe details, enduring designs, and ethically sourced materials, Gigi Pip‘s quality and uniqueness arguably validates the $100+ pricing. Budget accordingly!
Style Recommendations
Gigi Pip‘s higher crown fedoras and wide brim silhouettes flatter most. Look for styles in neutral hues for maximum wardrobe integration like black, ivory, blush and caramel.
Size Down For Better Fit
Many Gigi Pip hats run large, as customers note in reviews. Order a size down from your usual for the most complementary proportions and tailored silhouette.
The Verdict: Are Gigi Pip‘s Hats Worth Buying?
For the customer seeking out well-crafted, versatile hat styles from a small ethically-minded business, Gigi Pip delivers. The expertise required to shape fine materials into flattering resilient silhouettes shines through in each hat.
That said, imperfect product sizing and $100+ price points may deter some buyers. Check out the brand‘s social channels for behind-the-scenes content about their commitment to quality craftsmanship. It may inspire you to budget a little extra for an accessory you‘ll love wearing over multiple seasons.
As a stylist and personal shopper, I feel confident recommending Gigi Pip‘s elevated hats to clients looking to invest in hardworking wardrobe staples. For those wanting to test the waters first, try the cult-favorite Monroe Rancher wool fedora or vintage-inspired Dae Triangle Crown sun hat.
Have more questions about Gigi Pip? Reach out in the comments! I‘m happy to provide personalized product recommendations as an industry insider.
