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 ideas to pair with this type of hat?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I'm very interested in accessories because I know they are what truly personalise an outfit and help to define a unique style.

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 Parisian style, with a bit of height on top of your head, or positioned at the back for added comfort and ease. To wear a beret stylishly, opt for subtle make-up and pair it with trendy mid-season outfits. If your beret is colourful, feel free to match it with another piece of clothing or accessory in a similar hue. The beret is versatile and can be styled in various ways, whether you choose to wear it with a feminine dress or skirt, for a smart-casual look, or in a relaxed manner with jeans and everyday attire.

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

women's beret

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

When we think of a beret, the image that often comes to mind is that of a Parisian woman, very stylish and adorned with this iconic accessory! However, the beret in women's fashion only appeared quite late in France: the word "beret" first appeared in 1825 and originally referred to a hat worn by the working class. It later became a military accessory: for example, the alpine hunters are known for wearing a blue beret.

It was only in the early 20th century that it made its first steps into the fashion world, highlighted by designer Coco Chanel: at that time, it was worn with a brooch and pearls. It then came to symbolise the bohemian lifestyle, embraced by figures like Ernest Hemingway and Edith Piaf, on the left bank of Paris.

Other celebrities are also known for wearing the beret and helping to define the iconic Parisian look:

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

Parisian beret

👉 The beret was also one of the symbols associated with the Black Panther movement in the United States. Members wore black berets as a sign of their 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 clothing style, there is definitely one that you will prefer over the others!

The traditional way… Parisian style!

If you’re asked to imagine someone wearing a beret, you’ll likely picture a wool beret, perched on one side of the head. This aligns with the iconic look of Parisian women and is perfect for those wanting to sport a lovely, classic, and feminine outfit.

To set it aside, follow these steps:

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

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

🔸 Lastly, pull one side of your beret down. This step usually requires a bit of practice: to make it easier for you, I suggest starting by pulling the brim of your beret either to the left or the 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 eyebrow, you'll achieve a more dramatic and clichéd effect. Conversely, by pulling it slightly back, the look will appear more casual.

how to wear a beret

Volume on Top

If wearing a beret tilted to the side feels a bit much for you, try wearing it on the top of your head with some volume. This works well for a casual daily outfit or a more polished look, like high fashion.

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 wide 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” look.

🔸 Gently pull on the top of your hat: many styles have a small button in the centre that you can hold onto during this step. Don't hesitate to pull a few 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, by wearing it this way, your hat might tend to slip and shift throughout the day.

To give it a go:

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

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

🔸 Use a mirror to check how your hat looks from behind and adjust it accordingly.

French beret for women

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 having to constantly adjust your beret throughout the day, I recommend securing it in place with hairpins: this style is easier to pull off if you don't take your beret off during the day. Doing so would mean you'd need to restyle your hair each time, which can be a bit of a hassle.

5 Tips for Wearing a Beret in Style

Wearing a beret can sometimes push you out of your comfort zone! It definitely draws attention and instantly adds a lot of style to your outfit. Let's explore some simple tips to help you feel comfortable in this hat.

Pair it with suitable makeup

Many women are hesitant to wear a beret for fear of looking silly: to avoid appearing overly dressed up or even like they're in costume, opt for a discreet and very natural makeup look. I recommend a light, matte lipstick paired with subtle blush and a touch of mascara.

beret hat

Wear it during the mid-season

What’s great about a 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 colourful beret to brighten it up and draw attention to your face. A red beret, for instance, would be ideal 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 wear a coloured, embroidered, or pearl-adorned beret.
👉 To ensure it complements the rest of your outfit perfectly, remember to wear another item that matches in colour (like a bag, shoes, or jacket…).

red beret for women

Create Contrasts

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

  • With combat boots and a leather jacket for a rock look,
  • With colourful clothes for a vibrant, spring outfit,
  • With original accessories: jewellery, bags…

What look to go for with a beret?

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

woman wearing a beret

With a short dress or 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 choose a A-line cut, which flares out, to achieve a super cute vibe. This is especially perfect for the transitional seasons!

👉 This style is more suited to young girls and young women, as it can appear quite juvenile. Opt for a more dressed-up outfit, as described in the following lines, if you want to avoid giving off that lighthearted impression.

With Dressy Clothes

The beret is perfect for accentuating a chic and elegant outfit. You can wear it with a well-tailored jacket, a fitted dress, or even a stylish women's suit. It’s ideal 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!

chic women's beret

In a casual way

Do you prefer a more casual look? You're in luck, as a beret can also be worn with a simple pair of trousers, be it jeans or cotton, paired with a straightforward, solid-coloured top. By mixing it with elements like sneakers or a vibrant blazer, you’ll create a modern look that will make you feel fabulous every day!

casual outfit with jeans and a beret

I hope this article has helped you adopt the beret into 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 super cute romantic style, whether for a special occasion or everyday wear. To get inspired by this look, check out our dresses and our skirts in bohemian chic styles on our specialised online store!

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 headwear. Once set aside, the flat beret is making a strong comeback, adding a distinctive flair to winter outfits for men.

The undeniable charm of the men's beret

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

The vintage trend has brought this headwear 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, far from the classic granddad beret, there are trendy berets for men that fit perfectly into the modern male wardrobe. While they can certainly stick to the traditional black colour, they’re also embracing a range of more current styles and colours.

You can choose to wear a subtle-coloured beret, like a black, navy blue, or forest green Basque or Béarn beret, or alternatively, brighten up your winter with a red or orange beret. For the bold, the iconic beret worn by alpine hunters is a perfect choice.

Where to buy a quality men's beret?

To find the beret that will add an amazing style to your outfits, shop on a reputable website 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 and charming designs they’ve created themselves.