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

Want to wear a beret but not sure how to style your hair with it? Looking for outfit ideas to pair with this type of hat?

I'll help you out.

As a fashion enthusiast, I have a keen interest in accessories, as I know they truly personalise an outfit and help define a unique style.

That's why today I'm sharing 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 style of Parisian women, with volume on top of your head, or at the back for more comfort and ease. To wear the beret in style, opt for subtle makeup and pair it with chic outfits for the transitional season. If your beret is in a bright colour, don't hesitate to match it with another piece of clothing or accessory that shares the same hue. The beret can adapt to various styles, whether you want to wear it with a feminine dress or skirt, a classy and elegant outfit, haute couture style, or casually with jeans and everyday attire.

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

• What is the history of the beret in fashion,
• How to wear 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 Did the Beret Come From? A Brief History of the Iconic 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 came into prominence 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, alpine hunters wear a blue beret.

It was only in the early 20th century that it made its first steps into the fashion world, thanks to designer Coco Chanel: it was then 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 known for wearing the beret 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. They wore black berets 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: based on the shape of your face, your preferences, your hairstyle, or even your fashion sense, there's definitely a style that you will like more than the others!

The traditional way… Parisian style!

If someone asks you to picture a person wearing a beret, you’re likely to imagine a wool beret, perched to one side of the head. This aligns with 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, do the following:

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

🔸 Slip it on to keep it secure. 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 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 eyebrow, you'll achieve a more dramatic and cliché effect. On the other hand, if you pull it a bit further back, the result will look more casual.

Volume on Top

If wearing the beret tilted to the side feels a bit too much for you, why not try wearing it on top of your head, giving it some volume? This look works well with casual outfits for everyday wear or can also elevate a more polished, haute couture style.

To wear it like this:

🔸 Position the beret on your head such that the brim is about 3 centimeters above your eyebrows. If you have a broad forehead, feel free to place it a bit higher; the aim is to achieve a flattering look.

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

🔸 Gently pull on the top of your hat: many styles have a small button in 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, by wearing it this way, your hat may tend to slide and shift throughout the day.

Give it a try:

🔸 Position the front brim of the beret just beyond your 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 secure.

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

Can we pair berets with 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, yes, you absolutely can, and it can look really lovely! However, to avoid spending the entire day adjusting your beret, I recommend securing it with hairpins: this way, it’s a style that's easier to maintain without needing to take off your beret throughout the day. Otherwise, you would have to re-style your hair every time, which isn't very convenient.

5 Tips for Styling a Beret

Wearing a beret might sometimes require you to step 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 so you can feel comfortable with this hat.

Pair it with Suitable Makeup

Many women are hesitant to wear a beret for fear of looking ridiculous: to avoid appearing overly dressed up or even dressed as if in a costume, 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 spring. It pairs perfectly with mid-season outfits, making it a great transition between beanies and summer hats.

Make it the focal point of your look

If you're worried that your outfit might look a bit dull, you can wear a colorful beret to elevate it and draw attention to your face. A red beret, for instance, would be perfect for enhancing an all-black look.

Dare to try a unique beret

The classic black beret is easy to wear for beginners as it matches many outfits and remains quite subtle. If you're comfortable with it and want your beret to be the focal point of your look, feel free to wear a colourful, embroidered, or beaded beret.
👉 To ensure it complements the rest of your outfit perfectly, don't forget to wear another piece of clothing that echoes the colour (like a bag, shoes, or jacket…).

Create Contrasts

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

• Pair it with combat boots and a leather jacket for a rock vibe,
• Team it with colourful clothing for a vibrant spring look,
• Add some original accessories like jewellery and bags…

What Outfit to Wear with a Beret?

To wrap up this article, I'm sharing three outfit styles that pair really well with a beret. It's up to you to choose what suits you best and draw inspiration from them! 😉

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. Don’t hesitate to choose a flared cut for this outfit; it will give you a really adorable vibe. This style is especially perfect for the transitional seasons!

👉 This style is more suited for young girls and young women, as it can come across as quite youthful. If you want to avoid giving off a light-hearted vibe, opt for a more formal outfit, as described in the following lines.

With Formal Attire

The beret will be 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 great for adding a personal touch 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!

Casually

Do you prefer more casual outfits? You're in luck, because a beret can also be paired with simple pants, whether they're jeans or cotton, along with a plain top. By mixing it with items like sneakers or a colourful blazer, you can achieve a modern look that will make you feel fabulous every day!

I hope this article has helped you incorporate the beret into your wardrobe. With a bit of practise, this unique hat will quickly become easy to wear and will add a lot of style to your look!

When paired with a bohemian outfit, the beret adds to a super cute romantic style, whether it's for a special occasion or an everyday look. To inspire you with this style, check out our dresses and boho-chic skirts at our online boutique now!

Bohemian Long Dress

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 hesitant, are slowly starting to reclaim this typically French headwear. 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 rather clichéd image of the mustachioed Frenchman with a baguette tucked under his arm. It's quite a shame. In reality, for men who know how to wear it, it can be a remarkable charm asset.

The craze 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 fit perfectly into the modern male wardrobe. While they can certainly keep their classic black colour, they are also embracing a variety of trendy colours nowadays.

You can choose to wear a Basque beret or a Béarnais beret in understated colors (black, navy, forest green, etc.) or if you prefer, brighten up your winter with a red or orange beret. For the bold at heart, the iconic alpine hunter's beret would be 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, head over to the Traclet website.

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