How to Wear a Beret: A Women's Fashion Guide

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 have a keen interest in accessories, as I know they are what truly personalise an outfit and help you discover a style that is uniquely yours.

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: off to the side, in the iconic style of Parisian women, with some volume on the top of your head, or at the back for added comfort and ease. To style a beret beautifully, opt for subtle makeup and pair it with fashionable clothing suitable for the mid-season. If your beret is colourful, feel free to incorporate a matching colour with another garment or accessory. The beret complements a variety of styles, whether you want to wear it with a feminine dress or skirt, with a smart and elegant outfit in a haute couture manner, or casually with jeans and everyday attire.

Would you like 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 risking looking ridiculous,
  • Outfit ideas to wear with a beret for an original and elegant look!

women's beret

Where does the beret come from? A brief history of the famous Parisian style!

When we think of a beret, the image that often comes to mind is that of the Parisian woman, very chic and adorned with this iconic accessory! However, the beret in women's fashion only appeared relatively late in France: the term 'beret' first appeared in 1825 and initially 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 took his first steps into the world of fashion, highlighted by the designer Coco Chanel: at that time, it was worn with a brooch and pearls. It then became associated with the bohemian movement, championed 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…

Parisian beret

👉 The beret was also one of the symbols of recognition for the Black Panther movement in the United States. Members of this movement wore black berets as a sign of rebellion 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 hairstyle, or even your outfit, there is bound to be a look that you will prefer over the others!

The traditional way... Parisian style!

If you were asked to picture someone wearing a beret, it's highly likely that you would imagine a wool beret, tilted to one side of the head. This reflects the iconic style of Parisian women and is perfect for those wishing to wear a lovely classic and feminine outfit.

To set it aside, proceed as follows:

🔸 Place the beret on your head, three-quarters of the way 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 takes a few attempts: 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 clichéd effect. Conversely, pulling it a bit further back will give a more relaxed appearance.

how to wear a beret

Volume on the Top

If wearing a beret tilted to the side feels a bit too much for you, you might try wearing it on top of your head, adding some volume. This style works well for a casual daily outfit or can also complement a more polished, high-fashion look.

To wear it like this:

🔸 Position the beret on your head so that the brim is approximately 3 centimetres above your eyebrows. If you have a high forehead, feel free to go a bit higher: the result should be flattering.

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

🔸 Gently pull on the top of your hat: many styles feature a small button in the centre that you can hold for this step. Feel free to pull a few times to puff up your beret.

At the back of your head

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

To give it a try:

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

🔸 Tuck the edge of the beret underneath, so that it stays in place,

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

French beret for women

Can you pair berets with curly hair?

If you have thick, curly hair, you may be wondering if it’s possible to wear a beret with it. The good news is that it certainly is, and it can look quite lovely! However, to avoid spending all day adjusting your beret, I recommend securing it with hairpins: this is a style that is easier to achieve if you don’t take your beret off throughout the day. Otherwise, you would need to re-style your hair every time, which isn’t particularly convenient.

5 Tips for Wearing a Beret Stylishly

Wearing a beret can sometimes require 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 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 dressed up or even costumed, opt for a discreet and very natural make-up. I recommend a light, matte lipstick, paired with subtle blush and a touch of mascara.

beret hat

Wear it in the Mid-Season

What’s great about the beret is that it's warm enough to keep your head cosy when it’s cold, yet lightweight enough to wear in spring. It pairs perfectly with mid-season outfits, making it an ideal 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 liven it up and draw attention to your face. A red beret, for instance, will be perfect for highlighting an all-black ensemble.

Dare to wear a unique beret

The classic black beret is easy to wear for beginners, as it pairs well with many outfits and remains quite subtle. If you're comfortable with it and would like your beret to be the focal point of your look, don't hesitate to sport a coloured, embroidered, or beaded beret.
👉 To ensure it complements the rest of your outfit perfectly, remember to wear another item in a matching colour (bag, shoes, jacket...).

red beret for women

Create Contrasts

Would you like to wear a beret but don't want to look like a page from a children's fashion book? 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 bright and dynamic spring outfit,
  • With unique accessories: jewellery, bags…

What Style to Wear with a Beret?

To conclude this article, I would like to suggest three outfit styles that pair particularly well with a beret. It's up to you to choose the one that suits you best and to take inspiration from it! 😉

woman wearing a beret

With a dress or a short skirt for a preppy look

Fancy an adorable and feminine outfit? Wear your beret with a skirt or a short dress for a fresh and elegant look. Don’t hesitate to opt for a skater cut, which is flared, for this outfit to achieve a very cute style. This will be especially suitable for the mid-season!

👉 This style is more suitable for young girls and young women, as it can appear quite youthful. Opt for a more sophisticated outfit, as described in the following lines, if you wish to avoid giving off a casual impression.

With Smart Clothing

The beret is perfect for enhancing a chic and elegant outfit. You can wear it with a well-tailored jacket, a fitted dress, or even a tailored suit. It’s ideal for adding a personal touch to a plain outfit and giving it a haute couture flair.

👉 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 more casual outfits? Well, you're in luck, as a beret can also be paired with simple trousers, whether they are jeans or cotton, along with a plain top. By mixing it with elements like sneakers or a colourful blazer, you can achieve a modern look that will make you feel beautiful every day!

casual outfit with beret and jeans

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

Worn with a bohemian outfit, the beret helps to create a very cute romantic style, whether for a special occasion or for everyday wear. To inspire you with this look, check out our dresses and skirts from our chic bohemian collection available on our specialised online store!

The men's beret, a trend that is gaining traction

While women no longer hesitate to wear berets on any occasion, men, although a bit more reserved, are gradually starting to reclaim this quintessentially French accessory. Having been sidelined for a while, the flat cap is making a strong comeback, adding a distinctive style 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 shame. 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 the must-have hat to wear.

However, far from Grandpa's beret, there are fashionable berets for men that fit perfectly with the current men's wardrobe. They can certainly maintain their traditional black colour, but they are also embracing a variety of more trendy colours.

You can choose to wear a Basque beret or a Béarnais beret in subdued colours (black, navy, forest green, etc.) or, alternatively, add some cheer to your winter by opting for a red or orange beret. For the bold, the iconic beret worn by mountain 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, make your purchase from a reputable site known 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 stylish, charming models of their own design.