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 have a keen interest in accessories because I know that they are what truly personalise an outfit and help you discover a unique style that’s all your own.

That’s why I’m sharing with you everything I know about the beret, that iconic hat which has made the Parisian look famous all around the world!

There are several ways to wear a beret: to the side, in the iconic style of Parisian women, with some volume on top of your head, or positioned at the back for added comfort and ease. To wear a beret stylishly, opt for subtle makeup and pair it with fashionable clothing suitable for the mid-season. If your beret is colourful, feel free to echo that colour with another piece of clothing or accessory. The beret can be styled in various ways, whether you want to wear it with a feminine dress or skirt, with a smart, sophisticated outfit à la haute couture, or casually with jeans and everyday wear.

Want more information? Keep reading to find out:

• What is the history of the beret in fashion,
• How to style 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 chic and unique look!

Where does 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, stylishly adorned with this iconic accessory! However, the beret only made its way into women's fashion quite late in France: the term 'beret' first appeared in 1825, originally referring 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 only in the early 20th century that he made his first steps into the world of fashion, championed by designer Coco Chanel: he was then worn with a brooch and pearls. He 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 sporting 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 of recognition for the Black Panthers movement in the United States. They wore a black beret as a sign of protest against the injustices faced by African American people 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 your fashion style, there will surely be one 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 likely visualise a wool beret, tilted to one side of the head. This aligns perfectly with the iconic look of Parisian women and is ideal for those wanting to don a lovely classic and feminine outfit.

To set it aside, follow these steps:

🔸 Position the beret on your head, about 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 often requires a bit of trial and error: to make it easier for you, I recommend starting by pulling the edge of your beret 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 slightly towards your eyebrow, you'll create a more dramatic and cliché effect. On the other hand, pulling it a bit further back will give you a more casual look.

Volume on Top

If wearing a beret to the side feels a bit too much for you, you can try wearing it at the top of your head, creating some volume. This style is great for pairing with a casual everyday outfit or for complementing a more polished, haute couture look.

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 larger forehead, feel free to place it higher; the 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 have a small button in the centre that you can hold onto during 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, 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 the hairline on your forehead and the back edge as close to your nape 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 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. Rest assured, it is indeed possible, and the outcome can be quite lovely! However, to avoid spending the day constantly adjusting your beret, I recommend securing it in place with hairpins: this is a style that's easier to adopt if you wear your beret throughout the day. Otherwise, you would need to restyle your hair each time, which isn't always practical.

5 Tips for Wearing a Beret Stylishly

Wearing a beret can sometimes require stepping a bit out of 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 comfortable with this hat.

Pair it with suitable makeup

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

Wear it for 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 light enough to wear in spring. It pairs perfectly with mid-season outfits, making the transition between beanies and summer hats seamless.

Make it the focal point of your look

If you're worried that your outfit might be a bit dull, you can spice it up with a colourful beret to draw attention to your face. A red beret would be perfect, for instance, to highlight 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 a variety of outfits and remains quite understated. If you're comfortable with it and want your beret to be the focal point of your look, don't hesitate to wear a colourful beret, one that's embroidered or adorned with beads.
👉 To ensure it complements the rest of your outfit perfectly, remember to wear another item in a matching colour (like a bag, shoes, or jacket…).

Create Contrasts

Do you want to wear a beret but want to avoid looking like a little girl? In that case, feel free to create contrasts that will help define your style:

• With combat boots and a leather jacket for a rock vibe,
• With vibrant clothing and shoes for a fresh and lively spring outfit,
• With original accessories: jewellery, bags...

What look to adopt with a beret?

To wrap up this article, I’m sharing three outfit styles that pair particularly well with a beret. Choose what suits you best and use it as inspiration! 😉

With a dress or a short skirt for a preppy look

Feeling like wearing something cute and feminine? Pair your beret with a skirt or a short dress for a fresh and stylish look. Don’t hesitate to choose a skater cut, which is flared, for that outfit to achieve a really adorable vibe. This is especially perfect 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 described in the following lines, if you want to avoid giving off a sense of lightness.

With Smart Clothing

The beret is perfect for enhancing a chic and elegant outfit. You can wear it with a well-fitted jacket, a fitted dress, or even a 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, feel free 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 they are jeans or cotton, paired with a plain, solid top. By mixing it with elements like sneakers or a vibrant blazer, you'll achieve a modern look that will make you feel beautiful every day!

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

Worn with a bohemian outfit, the beret adds to a super cute romantic style, whether it's for a special occasion or everyday wear. To get inspired by this look, check out our dresses and bohemian chic skirts on our specialised online store!

Bohemian Long Dress

The Men's Beret: A Trend That’s Gaining Ground

While women no longer hesitate to wear the beret in any situation, men, though a bit more reluctant, are slowly starting to reclaim this typically French headwear. After being set aside for a time, 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 clichéd image of the Frenchman with a moustache, carrying a baguette 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 headwear back into the spotlight. Always searching for something new, fashion icons have set their sights on this wool beret, making it the must-have hat of the moment.

However, far from the old man's beret, there are trendy berets for men that perfectly complement the modern male wardrobe. They can certainly keep their traditional black colour, but they are also embracing a variety of more contemporary shades.

You can choose to wear a Basque beret or a Béarnais beret in subdued colours (black, navy, fir green, etc.), or on the contrary, brighten up your winter by opting for a red or orange beret. For the bold, the famous beret of the Alpine hunters will be perfect.

Where to buy a quality men's beret?

To find the beret that will add an incredible style to your outfits, purchase it from a reputable website known for the quality of its headwear. For this, visit the Traclet website.

This hat shop offers berets from well-known brands like Laulhère and Le béret français, as well as stylish and charming models from their own collection.