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

Would you like to wear a beret and are wondering how to style your hair with it? Are you looking for outfit examples to pair with this type of hat?

I’m here to help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I have a deep interest in accessories because I believe they truly allow you to personalize an outfit and discover a style that is uniquely yours.

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

There are several ways to wear a beret: tilted to the side, in the iconic Parisian style, full-bodied on top of your head, or even at the back for added comfort and ease. To wear the beret stylishly, opt for subtle makeup and pair it with fashionable clothing for the mid-season. If your beret is colourful, feel free to echo its colour with another piece of clothing or accessory. The beret can adapt to various styles, whether you want to pair it with a feminine dress or skirt, a classy and polished outfit, high fashion style, or keep it casual with jeans and everyday attire.

Want to know more details? Continue reading to discover:

• 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,
• Outfit ideas to pair with a beret for a unique and stylish look!

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

When we think of berets, the image that often comes to mind is that of a Parisian woman, stylishly adorned with this iconic accessory! However, the beret in women's fashion only emerged quite 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 he first stepped into the world of fashion, highlighted by the designer Coco Chanel: at that time, it was worn with a brooch and pearls. It later became associated with the bohemian movement, embraced by Ernest Hemingway and Edith Piaf, on the Left Bank of Paris.

Other celebrities are also well-known for wearing berets and helping define the iconic Parisian look:

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

👉 The beret also became one of the recognizable symbols of the Black Panther movement in the United States. Members wore black berets as a sign of protest against the injustices faced by African American people 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 hairstyle, or your clothing style, there’s definitely a method that will appeal to you more than the others!

The Traditional Way... The Parisian Style!

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

To put it aside, follow these steps:

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

🔸 Put 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 requires a bit of trial and error: to make it easier for you, I recommend starting by pulling the brim 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 eyebrow, you’ll achieve a more theatrical and cliché effect. On the other hand, if you pull it back a bit, the look will appear more relaxed.

Volume on Top

If wearing a beret tilted to the side feels a bit much for you, you might want to try wearing it on top of your head, for a bit of volume. This style works well with casual everyday outfits or can elevate a more polished, high-fashion look.

To wear it like this:

🔸 Position your beret on your head so that the brim sits about 3 centimetres above your eyebrows. If you have a larger forehead, feel free to go a bit higher; the key is to achieve a flattering look.

🔸 Tuck the edge of the beret underneath or leave it visible for a more “puffed-up” look.

🔸 Gently pull on the top of your hat: many styles feature a small button in the center that you can hold during 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 slip and shift throughout the day.

To give it a try:

🔸 Position the front brim of the beret just beyond the hairline on your forehead, and place the back brim as close to the nape of 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 the back and make adjustments as needed.

Can you pair berets with curly hair?

If you have curly, thick hair, you might be wondering if it's possible to wear a beret with it. The good news is that it is indeed possible, and the result can be quite beautiful! However, to avoid constantly adjusting your beret throughout the day, I recommend that you secure it in place with hairpins: this style is easier to adopt if you don't take your beret off during the day. Otherwise, you'll find yourself having to redo your hair every time, which isn't always convenient.

5 Tips for Wearing a Beret in Style

Wearing a beret can sometimes mean stepping out of your comfort zone! Indeed, it catches the eye and instantly adds a lot of style to your outfit. Let’s explore some simple tips together to help you feel more comfortable with this hat.

Pair It with Suitable Makeup

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

Wear it During the Mid-Season

What’s great about the beret is that it’s warm enough to keep your head cozy when it’s cold, yet light enough to wear in the spring. It pairs perfectly with transitional outfits, making it an ideal bridge between toques and summer hats.

Make It the Focal Point of Your Look

If you’re worried that your outfit might be a bit dull, wearing a colorful beret can elevate it and draw attention to your face. A red beret is a great choice, for instance, to enhance an all-black look.

Dare to Wear a Unique Beret

The classic black beret is easy to wear for beginners, as it goes with many outfits and remains quite subtle. If you're comfortable with it and want your beret to be the focal point of your look, don't hesitate to wear a colourful beret, one that's embroidered or adorned with beads.
👉 To ensure it complements the rest of your outfit perfectly, remember to wear another item that echoes the same colour (like a bag, shoes, or jacket…).

Create Contrasts

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

• With combat boots and a leather jacket, for a rock vibe,
• With shoes and colourful clothing, for a lively spring outfit,
• With unique accessories: jewellery, bags, and more…

What style to wear with a beret?

To wrap up this article, I would like to suggest three outfit styles that pair beautifully with a beret. Feel free to choose the one that resonates with you the most and use it for inspiration! 😉

With a Dress or Short Skirt for a Preppy Look

Looking for a cute and feminine outfit? Pair your beret with a skirt or a short dress for a fresh and stylish look. Feel free to choose a fit-and-flare style, meaning a flared design, to achieve an adorable look. This style is especially great for the transitional season!

👉 This style is best suited for 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 avoid giving off a casual impression.

With Dressy Clothing

The beret is perfect for elevating 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 an excellent choice for adding a touch of personality to a solid-colored outfit and giving it a haute couture 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, as a beret can also be paired with a simple pair of pants, whether jeans or cotton, along with a basic, solid top. By mixing it with elements like sneakers or a colourful blazer, you'll achieve a modern look that will make you feel beautiful every day!

I hope this article has helped you embrace the beret in your wardrobe. With a bit of practice, this unique hat will quickly become easy to wear and will add plenty of style to your look!

Worn with a bohemian outfit, the beret helps create a very cute romantic style, whether for a special occasion or for everyday wear. For inspiration on this look, check out our dresses and our boho-chic skirts available on our specialized online shop!

Bohemian Long Dress

The Men's Beret: A Trend That’s Gaining Popularity

While women no longer hesitate to wear berets in any situation, men, though a bit more hesitant, are gradually reclaiming this distinctly French hat. Once set aside, the flat beret is making a strong comeback, adding a unique style to men’s winter outfits.

The Unmistakable Charm of the Men's Beret

The beret has long been burdened by the somewhat caricatured image of a moustachioed Frenchman with a baguette tucked under his arm. It's a real shame. In fact, for men who know how to wear it, it can be a fantastic charm asset.

The enthusiasm for vintage fashion has brought this hat 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 accessory to wear.

However, far from the traditional grandpa beret, there are fashionable berets for men that complement the modern male wardrobe perfectly. They can certainly remain in their classic black colour, but they are also embracing a variety of more contemporary shades.

You can choose to wear a traditional Basque beret or a Béarnaise beret in neutral colours (black, navy, forest green, etc.), or you could add some cheer to your winter by opting for a red or orange beret. For the bold, the iconic beret worn by alpine hunters would be a perfect choice.

Where to Buy a Quality Men's Beret?

To find the beret that will add an incredible style to your outfits, shop on a reputable site known for the quality of its headwear. For this, visit the Traclet website.

This hat shop offers berets from top brands like Laulhère and Le béret français, as well as stylish models of their own design that are chic and full of charm.