How to Wear a Beret? [Women's Fashion]

Are you thinking about wearing a beret and wondering how to style your hair with it? Are you looking for outfit ideas to pair with this type of hat?

I'll help you out.

As a fashion enthusiast, I'm really into accessories because I know they are what truly personalises an outfit and helps you find your own unique style.

That's why today I'm sharing everything I know about the beret, that iconic hat which has made the Parisian look famous all around the world!

There are several ways to wear a beret: to the side, like the iconic Parisian style, with volume on top of your head, or at the back for added comfort and ease. To sport the beret with flair, opt for subtle makeup and pair it with stylish outfits for the mid-season. If your beret is colourful, don't hesitate to create a colour match with another piece of clothing or accessory. The beret complements various styles, whether you choose to wear it with a feminine dress or skirt, dressed up for a classy look, in haute couture fashion, or casually with jeans and a daily outfit.

Want to know more details? Keep reading to find out:

• What is the history of the beret in fashion,
• How to position it on your head based on your preferences and hairstyle,
• Tips for wearing it without looking silly,
• Some outfit ideas to style with a beret for a unique and elegant look!

Where Does the Beret Come From? A Brief History of the Iconic Parisian Look!

When we think of a beret, the image that often springs to mind is that of a chic Parisian woman sporting this iconic accessory! However, the beret in women's fashion only emerged relatively late in France: the term 'beret' first appeared in 1825 and originally referred to a hat worn by the working class. It later became a military accessory: for instance, the alpine hunters wear a blue beret.

It was not until the early 20th century that it first ventured into the fashion world, initially brought to prominence by designer Coco Chanel: it was then worn with a brooch and pearls. It later became associated with the bohemian movement, embraced by figures like Ernest Hemingway and Edith Piaf, on the Left Bank of Paris.

Other celebrities are also well-known for sporting the beret and helping to shape the iconic Parisian look:

• Greta Garbo,
• Brigitte Bardot,
• Marlene Dietrich,
• Lauren Bacall…

👉 The beret was also one of the symbols of recognition for the Black Panther movement in the United States. Members wore a black beret as a sign of protest against the injustices faced by African Americans in the country during the late 1960s.

How to wear a beret as a woman?

There are several ways to style your hair with a beret: depending on the shape of your face, your preferences, your haircut, or your fashion style, there's bound to be one that you’ll like more than the others!

The Traditional Way... Parisian Style!

If you were asked to picture someone wearing a beret, it's quite likely that you’d envision a wool beret, tilted to one side. This aligns perfectly with the iconic style of Parisian women and is ideal for those looking to sport a lovely, classic, and feminine outfit.

To place it on its side, follow these steps:

🔸 Position the beret on your head, three-quarters up your forehead and a few centimetres behind your ears,

🔸 Slip it on to keep it in place. Then, gently pull the fabric over the edge of your beret to create some volume.

🔸 Finally, pull one side of your beret down. This step usually takes a bit of practice: to make it easier for you, I recommend starting by pulling the edge of your beret to the left or right until it covers the top of your ear. You can then do the same with the back of the hat.

👉 If you tilt your hat slightly towards your brow, you’ll achieve a more theatrical and cliché effect. On the other hand, pulling it a bit further back will give a more relaxed look.

Volume on Top

If wearing the beret tilted to the side is a bit much for you, try wearing it on the top of your head, giving it some volume. This style works well for an everyday casual outfit or with a more polished, high-fashion look.

To wear it like this:

🔸 Position the beret on your head so that the brim is about 3 centimetres above your eyebrows. If you have a broad forehead, feel free to place it higher; it should be a flattering look.

🔸 Tuck the edge of the beret under or leave it visible for a more "puffed" look.

🔸 Gently pull on the top of your hat: many styles have a small button at the centre that you can hold for this step. Feel free to pull several times to puff up your beret.

At the Back of Your Head

This last technique is probably the easiest way to wear a beret. However, wearing it this way may cause your hat to slide and move around throughout the day.

To give it a go:

🔸 Position the front brim of the beret just beyond the hairline on your forehead, and the back brim as close to your neck as possible.

🔸 Tuck the edge of the beret underneath to keep it in place.

🔸 Use a mirror to check how your hat looks from behind and make any adjustments.

Can you combine berets and curly hair?

If you have thick, curly hair, you might be wondering if it's possible to wear a beret with it. The good news is that it definitely is, and the result can look quite lovely! However, to avoid spending the day adjusting your beret, I recommend that you secure it with hairpins: this is a style that's easier to manage if you're not taking your beret on and off throughout the day. Doing so would require you to restyle your hair each time, which isn't particularly convenient.

5 Tips for Wearing a Beret Stylishly

Wearing a beret can sometimes mean stepping out of your comfort zone! It certainly draws attention and instantly adds a lot of style to your outfit. Let’s explore some simple tips together to help you feel at ease with this hat.

Pair it with Suitable Makeup

Many women hesitate to wear a beret for fear of looking ridiculous: to avoid appearing overly dressed up or even costumed, opt for a subtle and very natural make-up. I recommend a light matte lipstick paired with a hint of blush and a touch of mascara.

Wear it in the Mid-Season

What's great about the beret is that it's warm enough to keep your head snug when it's chilly, yet light enough to be worn in spring. It pairs perfectly with mid-season outfits, making it the ideal transition between beanies and summer hats.

Make it the focal point of your look

If you're worried that your outfit might be a bit dull, you can add a splash of colour with a beret to draw attention to your face. A red beret, for example, is perfect for enhancing an all-black look.

Dare to wear a unique beret

The classic black beret is easy to wear for beginners, as it goes well with many outfits and remains quite subtle. If you're comfortable with it and want your beret to be the standout piece of your look, feel free to wear a colourful beret, one that’s embroidered or adorned with beads.
👉 To ensure it pairs perfectly with the rest of your outfit, don't forget to wear another item that matches in colour (such as a bag, shoes, or jacket…).

Create Contrasts

Would you like to wear a beret, but don’t want to look like a schoolgirl? In that case, feel free to create contrasts that will define your style:

• Pair with combat boots and a leather jacket for a rock-inspired look,
• Combine with colourful clothing for a fresh and vibrant spring outfit,
• Add unique accessories: jewellery, bags…

What look should you go for with a beret?

To wrap up this article, I’d like to suggest three outfit styles that pair beautifully with a beret. Feel free to choose what suits you best and take inspiration from them! 😉

With a Dress or a Short Skirt for a Preppy Look

Looking for an adorable and feminine outfit? Pair your beret with a skirt or a short dress for a fresh and stylish look. Don’t hesitate to opt for a fit-and-flare style to achieve a super cute appearance. This is especially perfect for the transitional season!

👉 This style is more suited to young girls and young women, as it can come across as quite youthful. Opt for a more polished outfit, as described in the following lines, if you want to steer clear of giving off a casual impression.

With Dressy Clothes

The beret is perfect for complementing a chic and elegant outfit. You can wear it with a well-tailored jacket, a fitted dress, or even a women's suit. It’s ideal for adding a touch of flair to a plain outfit and giving it a high-fashion style.

👉 To complete your look, feel free to wear a silk scarf that matches your beret!

In a Casual Way

Do you prefer more casual outfits? You're in luck! A beret can also be paired with a simple pair of trousers, whether it's jeans or cotton, along with a plain top. By teaming it with elements like sneakers or a bright blazer, you'll achieve a modern look that makes you feel fabulous every day!

I hope this article has helped you to embrace the beret in your wardrobe. With a bit of practice, this stylish hat will soon become easy to wear and will elevate your look!

Worn with a bohemian outfit, the beret helps to create a very cute romantic style, perfect for both special occasions and everyday wear. To get inspired by this look, check out our dresses and boho-chic skirts available at our specialised online boutique!

Bohemian Long Dress

The Men's Beret: A Trend That’s Here to Stay

While women no longer hesitate to wear the beret in any situation, men—although a bit more reluctant—are slowly starting to reclaim this typically French hat. Once set aside, the flat beret is making a strong comeback, adding a unique style to men's winter outfits.

The Undeniable Charm of the Men's Beret

The beret has long suffered from the somewhat clichéd image of the French man with a moustache, carrying a baguette under his arm. It's a pity really. For men who know how to wear it, it can actually be a fantastic charm asset.

The obsession with vintage fashion has brought this headpiece back into the spotlight. Always on the lookout for something new, fashion icons have set their sights on this wool beret, making it the must-have hat to wear.

However, stepping away from grandad's beret, there are stylish berets for men that fit perfectly with today's men’s wardrobe. They can certainly retain their classic black colour, but they are now embracing a variety of more contemporary shades.

You can choose to wear a Basque beret or a Béarn beret in subdued colours (black, navy, forest green, etc.), or on the other hand, brighten up your winter by opting for a red or orange beret. For the bold, the famous beret of the alpine hunters is a perfect choice.

Where to Buy a Quality Men's Beret?

To find the beret that will add an amazing touch to your outfits, make your purchase from a reputable site known for the quality of its hats. For this, head over to the Traclet website.

This hat shop offers berets from top brands like Laulhère and Le Béret Français, as well as their own stylish and charming designs.