The winter hat I am recommending to every woman over 60 this year
The winter hat I am recommending to every woman over 60 this year
Why the Josephine is our Editor's Pick for winter, who it suits, and the three ways I would wear it.
By Helen Marsh, Style EditorTwenty years as a personal shopper · 4 min read
The Josephine in chocolate brown, our Editor's Pick for winter.
Each winter I am asked the same question more than any other: what is the one thing worth buying for the cold months? Readers do not want a trend. They want something that looks good, keeps them warm where it matters, and earns its place by being worn every single day. This year my answer has been the same every time, and it is a hat.
I know. Most of us have decided hats do not suit us. Too flat and they cling, too small and they look like an afterthought, too fussy and they look like they belong to a granddaughter. The Josephine, from Nottingham Boutique, the boutique behind this journal, gets round all of that. It is a plush faux fur hat with a rounded crown and a deep turned-up brim that flares out and holds its own shape. It frames the face instead of flattening it, and it turns a plain winter coat into an outfit.
It frames the face instead of flattening it, and it turns a plain winter coat into an outfit.
The verdict
Editor's Pick, Winter 2026
The most flattering winter hat I know, and the easiest way to make last year's coat look new.
What I like about it
A brim with a shape of its own
The brim is made of longer, fuller fur than the crown, so it flares out and holds its own soft shape. The hat is widest at the brim, which is exactly what flatters a face.
The short, smooth crown meets the longer, fuller brim.
Warm exactly where you feel the cold
The deep brim comes down over the forehead and the ears, which is just where the wind gets in and just where most hats stop.
Faux fur, and light as anything
It is plush faux fur, animal-free, and it weighs so little it lives in your handbag when you come indoors.
Straight out of the post. Soft, light and ready to wear.
No trimmings, just texture
No band, no bow, no pompom. The soft fur does all the decorating, which is why it looks elegant rather than young.
A colour for every coat
Cream, white, pink, brown and black, and it is one size that fits most. Choose the colour that stands out against the coat you wear most.
Helen's styling notes
Three small things that make a hat look effortless
- Judge it with your coat on. A winter hat is chosen to go with a coat, so try it on in the coat, never in a cardigan. In front of the mirror with the coat buttoned, it will make sense.
- Put the hat on first, then turn the collar up. The collar rises to meet the brim and the whole outline looks finished.
- Keep the earrings small. The brim sits close to the ears, so small studs are all you need. Let the fur do the talking.
Three ways I would wear it
One hat, three winter days, and nothing new to buy to go with it.
Way oneWith a camel coat
Brown on camel is the classic. Put the hat on first, then turn the coat collar up to meet the brim.
Way twoFor a winter walk
Worn low at the brow, with a little hair showing below. Warm ears, and you look ready for lunch afterwards.
Way threeWith leather gloves
Tan leather gloves and a good coat. Three pieces, and you look as though you planned every one.
What readers say
Just over three hundred reviews, averaging 4.2 stars. I trust that more than a perfect five. These are typical of them.
I have never suited a hat in my life. This one frames my face instead of flattening it.
Eileen R., MansfieldIt comes right down over my ears. First winter in years I have not come home with them aching.
Joan F., HucknallIt looks so smart with my good winter coat. People think it cost a fortune.
Sylvia H., Long EatonThe price
The Josephine is £19.95 in the sale, down from £40.00. Delivery is free, and there are thirty days to return it if it is not right, which takes the risk out of trying a hat for the first time in years. The most popular colours always go first, so I would not leave it long.
You asked
Readers' questions, answered
Which colour should I choose?
Start with the coat you wear most, and pick a colour that stands out against it. Brown is lovely with camel, cream and grey coats. Cream and white light up a navy, black or charcoal coat and are kind to silver hair. Pink is soft and pretty against grey and navy. Black is the one for a camel, cream or red coat. There are five in all, so there is one for every coat.
Will it fit me?
It is one size, and it fits most heads comfortably. The crown sits close and the deep brim does the shaping. And with thirty days to return it, there is no risk in trying.
How do I look after it?
Hand wash it in cold water. Between wears it is light enough to live in your bag.
The Editor's Pick
JOSEPHINE | Luxury Vegan Fur Hat
- Plush faux fur, animal-free
- Deep turned-up brim that frames the face
- Extra warmth around the ears and forehead
- Light enough to carry in your bag
- Five colours, shown here in brown
- One size fits most
- Free UK delivery and 30 day returns
In the sale now. The most popular colours go first.
About the writer. Helen Marsh is the Style Editor of the Ageless Style Journal. She spent twenty years as a personal shopper, dressing women in fitting rooms from a size 8 to a 24, before starting the Journal to share what she learned there with women over 55. Her golden rule: the best clothes are the ones you can put on without a second thought, and still feel like yourself in.
The Ageless Style Journal is published by Nottingham Boutique. This page is an advertisement for Nottingham Boutique.
Nottingham Boutique · free UK delivery · 30 day returns