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’m here to help you.
As a fashion enthusiast, I have a keen interest in accessories because I know they truly personalize an outfit and help you discover your own 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 style of Parisians, with volume on top of your head, or pulled back for more comfort and ease. To wear the beret with style, opt for subtle makeup and pair it with chic outfits for the mid-season. If your beret is colorful, feel free to tie in the color with another piece of clothing or accessory. The beret adapts to various styles, whether you want to wear it with a feminine dress or skirt, a classy and elegant outfit, like haute couture, or casually with jeans and an everyday 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 ridiculous,
- Some outfit ideas to pair with a beret for a stylish and unique look!
Where Did 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 chic Parisian woman sporting this iconic accessory! However, the beret in women’s fashion only emerged in France relatively recently: the word “beret” appeared in 1825 and initially referred to a hat worn by the working class. It later evolved into a military accessory: for instance, the Alpine hunters wear a blue beret.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that it made its first steps into the fashion world, highlighted by designer Coco Chanel: it was then worn with a brooch and pearls. It later became emblematic of the bohemian movement, championed by figures like Ernest Hemingway and Edith Piaf, on the Left Bank of Paris.
Other celebrities are also known for wearing berets and helping to define the iconic Parisian look:
- Greta Garbo,
- Brigitte Bardot,
- Marlene Dietrich,
- Lauren Bacall…
👉 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 protest against the injustices faced by African Americans in the country in 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 is surely one that you will like more than the others!
The Traditional Way… Parisian Style!
If you are asked to picture someone wearing a beret, it’s likely that you’ll envision a wool beret, tilted to one side of the head. This reflects the iconic look of Parisian women and is perfect for those who want to wear a lovely, classic, and feminine outfit.
To set it aside, follow these steps:
🔸 Place the beret on your head, three-quarters of the way up your forehead and a few inches 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 takes a bit of practice: 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 eyebrow, you’ll achieve a more theatrical and cliché effect. On the other hand, pulling it back slightly will create a more relaxed look.
Volume on Top
If wearing the beret tilted to the side is a bit too much for you, you can try wearing it on the top of your head for a more voluminous look. This style works well for everyday casual outfits or for a more polished, high-fashion look.
To wear it like this:
🔸 Position the beret on your head so that the brim is approximately 3 centimeters above your eyebrows. If you have a wide forehead, feel free to place it 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” 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. Don’t hesitate to pull multiple times to puff up your beret.
On 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 try out:
🔸 Position the front brim of the beret just beyond your hairline on your forehead, and place 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 Pair Berets with Curly Hair?
If you have curly and 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 bobby pins: this style is easier to maintain if you don’t take your beret off during the day. Otherwise, you’d have to style your hair again each time, which isn’t always convenient.
5 Tips for Wearing a Beret Stylishly
Wearing a beret can sometimes require stepping out of your comfort zone! It certainly catches the eye and instantly adds a lot of style to your outfit. Let’s explore a few simple tips together to help you feel comfortable with this hat.
Pair It With Suitable Makeup
Many women hesitate to wear a beret for fear of looking ridiculous. To avoid appearing too dressed up or costume-like, 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 chilly, yet light enough to wear in the spring. It pairs perfectly with mid-season outfits, making it an ideal transition accessory 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 colorful beret to elevate it and draw attention to your face. A red beret, for example, would be perfect for accentuating an all-black look.
Dare to Wear a Unique Beret
The classic black beret is easy to wear, making it a great choice for beginners, as it matches many outfits and has a fairly understated look. If you’re comfortable with it and want your beret to be the focal point of your ensemble, don’t hesitate to wear a colored, embroidered, or beaded beret.
👉 To ensure it complements the rest of your outfit, remember to wear another item that echoes the color (such as a bag, shoes, or jacket…).
Create Contrasts
Do you want 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:
- With combat boots and a leather jacket, for a rock vibe,
- With colorful clothing, for a cheerful and spring-ready outfit,
- With unique accessories: jewelry, bags, and more…
What Style to Wear with a Beret?
To wrap up this article, I’m sharing three outfit styles that pair perfectly with a beret. Feel free to choose what suits you best and use it as inspiration! 😉
With a Dress or 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 choose a fit-and-flare style, which means flared, for this outfit to achieve a super cute vibe. This is especially perfect for the transitional seasons!
👉 This style is better 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 light-hearted impression.
With Dressy Clothes
The beret will be perfect for enhancing a chic and elegant outfit. You can wear it with a well-tailored jacket, a fitted dress, or even a women’s suit. It will be ideal for adding a personal touch 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!
Casually
Do you prefer a more casual style? Great! A beret can also be paired with simple pants, whether jeans or cotton, along with a plain top. By mixing in elements like sneakers or a colorful blazer, you can achieve a modern look that will make you feel beautiful every day!
I hope this article has helped you incorporate the beret into your wardrobe. With a little practice, this unique hat will quickly become easy to wear and will give you a stylish flair!
Worn with a bohemian outfit, the beret helps create a super cute romantic style, whether for a special occasion or an everyday look. To inspire this look, check out our dresses and boho-chic skirts on our specialized online boutique!
The Men’s Beret: A Trend That’s Here to Stay
While women no longer hesitate to wear berets in any situation, men, although a bit more reluctant, are gradually starting to reclaim this typically French headwear. After being set aside for a while, the flat beret is making a strong comeback, adding a distinctive touch 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 Frenchman with a mustache and a baguette under his arm. It’s quite unfortunate. 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 headwear back into the spotlight. Always on the lookout for something new, fashion icons have set their sights on this wool beret, making it a must-have hat to wear.
However, far from the traditional grandfather’s beret, there are trendy berets for men that perfectly complement the modern male wardrobe. They can certainly retain their classic black color, but they are no longer afraid to embrace a variety of contemporary shades.
You can choose to wear a classic Basque beret or a Béarnais beret in subtle colors (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 will be just right.
Where to Buy a Quality Men’s Beret?
To find the beret that will add an incredible style to your outfits, shop at a reputable site known for the quality of its hats. For this, visit the Traclet website.
This hat store offers berets from top brands like Laulhère and Le Béret Français, as well as stylish and charming models of their own design.