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

Are you keen to wear a beret and wondering how to style your hair with it? Are you on the lookout for outfit ideas to pair with this type of hat?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I'm really into accessories because I know they are the key to truly personalising an outfit and finding a style that's uniquely your own.

That's why today I'm sharing everything I know about the beret, the 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 style of Parisian women, worn high on your head, or at the back for added comfort and ease. To wear the beret with flair, opt for subtle makeup and pair it with stylish attire suitable for the mid-season. If your beret is in a bold colour, don’t hesitate to echo that colour with another piece of clothing or accessory. The beret fits into various styles, whether you want to wear it with a feminine dress or skirt, a smart and chic outfit like haute couture, or casually with jeans and a day-to-day ensemble.

Do you want more details? Keep reading to find out:

• What is the history of the beret in fashion,
• How to position it on your head according to your preferences and hairstyle,
• Tips for wearing it without looking silly,
• Outfit ideas to pair with a beret for a stylish and original look!

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

When we think of a beret, the first image that often comes to mind is that of a Parisian woman, effortlessly chic and 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 transformed into a military accessory: for example, Alpine hunters wear a blue beret.

It wasn't until the early 20th century that it made its debut in the fashion world, championed by designer Coco Chanel: it was then worn with a brooch and pearls. It later embodied the mindset of 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 wearing berets and helping to shape the iconic Parisian look:

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

👉 The beret also became one of the symbols of recognition for the Black Panther movement in the United States. They 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 even your fashion sense, there’s bound to be a style that you’ll like more than the others!

The Traditional Way… Parisian Style!

If you were asked to picture someone wearing a beret, you’d probably envision a wool beret, perched on one side of the head. This is the iconic look associated with Parisian women and is perfect for those who want to wear a lovely, classic, and feminine outfit.

To set it aside, follow these steps:

🔸 Position the beret on your head, approximately three-quarters of the way 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 few tries: 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 more towards your brow, you'll achieve a more theatrical and clichéd look. On the other hand, pulling it slightly back will give a more relaxed appearance.

Volume on Top

If wearing a beret tilted to one side feels a bit too much for you, you can try wearing it on the top of your head for a bit of volume. This style works well with a casual outfit for everyday wear or can be paired with a more polished look, reminiscent of haute couture.

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 a bit higher: the end result should be flattering.

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

🔸 Gently pull on the top of your hat: many styles come with a small button in the centre that you can hold for this step. Don't hesitate to pull a few times to give your beret some volume.

At the back of your head

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

To give it a go:

🔸 Position the front brim of the beret just past the hairline on your forehead, and place the back brim as close to your nape as you can.

🔸 Tuck the edge of the beret underneath to keep it secure,

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

Can you mix berets and curly hair?

If you have curly and thick hair, you might be wondering if it's possible to wear a beret with it. Rest assured, it is definitely achievable, and the result can be very lovely! However, to avoid spending the day adjusting your beret, I recommend that you secure it in place with hairpins: this style is easier to adopt if you don't take your beret off throughout the day. Otherwise, you'd need to fix your hair each time, which isn't very practical.

5 tips for wearing a beret in style

Wearing a beret can sometimes mean stepping outside your comfort zone! Indeed, it 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 are hesitant to wear a beret for fear of looking ridiculous: to avoid appearing too dressed up or even like they're in fancy dress, 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 for Mid-Season

What’s great about the beret is that it’s warm enough to keep your head cosy when it’s cold, yet light enough to wear in spring. It pairs perfectly with mid-season outfits, making it ideal for the 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 wear a bright beret to elevate it and draw attention to your face. A red beret will be ideal, 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 well with many outfits and remains quite understated. If you're comfortable with it and want your beret to be the standout piece of your look, don't hesitate to opt for a colourful, embroidered, or beaded beret.
👉 To ensure it coordinates perfectly with the rest of your outfit, remember to wear another item in a matching colour (bag, shoes, jacket…).

Create Contrasts

Would you like to wear a beret, but you’re not keen on looking too much like a little girl? In that case, don’t hesitate to create contrasts that will help define your style:

• Wearing combat boots and a leather jacket for a rock-inspired look,
• Teamed with shoes and colourful clothing for a vibrant spring outfit,
• Accessorised with unique accessories: jewellery, bags…

What look to go for with a beret?

To wrap up this article, I’m sharing three outfit styles that pair perfectly with a beret. It’s up to you to choose what suits you best and to find your inspiration! 😉

With a Dress or a Short Skirt for a Preppy Look

Fancy an adorable and feminine outfit? Pair your beret with a skirt or a short dress for a fresh and elegant look. Don't hesitate to choose a fit-and-flare style, meaning it flares out, for this ensemble, to achieve a super cute appearance. This is especially suitable for the mid-season!

👉 This style is more suited to young girls and young women, as it can come across as quite youthful. Opt for a more dressed-up outfit, as outlined in the following lines, if you want to avoid giving off a casual impression.

With Smart Clothing

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

👉 To complete your look, don't hesitate 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 worn with a simple pair of trousers, whether jeans or cotton, paired with a plain top. By mixing it with elements like sneakers or a bright blazer, you’ll achieve a modern look that will make you feel fabulous every day!

I hope this article has helped you to incorporate the beret into your wardrobe. With a bit of practice, this stylish hat will soon become easy to wear and will give you plenty of flair!

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

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, though a bit more reserved, are gradually starting to reclaim this typically French headwear. Having been set aside for a while, the flat beret is making a strong comeback, adding a unique touch to men's winter outfits.

The Undeniable Charm of the Men's Beret

The beret has long suffered from the somewhat caricatured image of the Frenchman with a moustache and a baguette tucked under his arm. It's a real pity. In fact, for men who know how to wear it, it turns out to be a fantastic charm asset.

The vintage craze has brought this headpiece back into the limelight. Always on the lookout for something new, fashion icons have set their sights on this woollen beret, making it the must-have hat this season.

However, far from the traditional grandad's beret, there are trendy berets for men that fit perfectly with the modern male wardrobe. While they can certainly keep their classic black colour, they now aren’t afraid to embrace a variety of more contemporary shades.

You can choose to wear a Basque beret or a Béarnais beret in understated 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 worn by alpine hunters would be just the ticket.

Where to buy a quality men's beret?

To find the beret that will give your outfits an incredible style, make your purchase from a trusted website renowned for the quality of its headwear. For this, visit the Traclet website.

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