The beret is not merely a head accessory; it is a member of the most diverse class of accessories that instantly transform an ordinary image into an extraordinary one. Worn for regular occasions but also as formal evening headwear, the beret can be worn in numerous ways, allowing you to be both uniquely French and modern.
Whether you are in pursuit of setting a fashion trend you want to follow or you fancy a hat known as a beret, then this guide will take you through how to wear a beret like a pro. Now, turning of fashion, it is high time you found out how great berets actually are, how you can wear them, and where!
Why It’s Such an Iconic Hat
Just a brief history of the beret before we get down to how to wear one: First used by shepherds of France and Spain, the beret became popular in the 19th century, being sported by everybody from artists to intellectuals to soldiers. Today it is an emblem of nonchalance and uniqueness. Having such knowledge at your fingertips not only makes you a bearer of a cultural thing but also gives you a boost of confidence when wearing it; knowing you are promoting a style that has been there centuries ago gets you a certain feeling.
Now that we have a better understanding of the hat, let’s proceed to the best part: how to wear a beret like a fashionista.
Finding Your Perfect Fit
Before diving into styling tips, let’s ensure you have the right beret. Here’s what to consider:
Material: Wool or cashmere berets are very warm, classic pieces. For anyone who is just starting on a bohemian fashion journey, lighter materials like cotton can see one through during the warmer months.
Size: It should not be tight on the head or feel just a little loose. It should be comfortable to rest on your head without experiencing some sort of pressure.
Style: The simplest is to use felt but woollen and straw berets can also be used where a textured or summery feel, respectively, is desired.
Pro Tip: Besides, do not hesitate to try something new! Most vintage shops should have a trove of excellent beret materials that are yet to be found.
Right Beret for Your Style and Occasion
- Casual Beret: Ideal for everyday wear. For casual wear, choose the soft wool or cotton beret in a natural colour that can be beige, grey, or black when matched with plain clothes such as jeans and sweaters.
- Formal Beret: On more formal occasions, choose a tailored beret with pearls, shiny bits, or even the tiniest of leather touches. These give some sophistication to an outfit.
- Vintage vs. Modern Beret: Wearing a vintage beret is simply unique; if you choose one that is bright in colour or has some impressionist design to it, you are certain to carve a fairly antique and chic image, while a new serene black leather beret is good for a modern image.
When choosing the type of beret to wear, think of the occasion: wear a simple type to go with casual wear to a festive occasion and glam it up for evening wear. Which beret type matches your wardrobe best?
The Essentials of Beret Placement: Angles, Tilt, and Positioning
The way in which you wear your beret is what will change your ENTIRE look. Here are a few ways to style it for different vibes:
Classic French Tilt: Put the beret on an angle onto your head—to the right is most common. This gives it a more light-hearted feel that is perfect for everyday use and won’t hurt the integrity of the shoes.
Slightly Back and Relaxed: Slide it more to the back of your head, so that it rests even above the crown. It looks best with the liberated hairdo, especially the curly or wavy hair that would give the model that casual and relaxed look.
Pulled Down and Cosy: Adjust the beret down over your forehead and ears in winter for warmth while still being fashionable at the same time. It also fits perfectly well with big coats and winter boots, which are quite popular today.
Try different angles and then select those that are appropriate for you. Indeed, you can change it based on the type, complete, or partially based on the event!
How to Style Berets for Different Hair Lengths and Types
Perhaps the most confusing issue related to beret wearing is: how do I wear this accessory with my hair? Here are some ideas to make it work with various hair lengths and textures:
Short Hair: The thing is, if you have short hair, then the beret is going to be even more of a statement. This is how you wear it: try putting it to one side of the head, like the French do it. The black suit and a grey blouse with a bolder trouser can be accompanied by a classic beret in a pastel color and contrast round earrings.
Long Hair: If your hair is longer, you can put it into the beret to give it a stylish look or leave it loose. You can also wear your hair up loosely in a pony or braid for some interest as well.
Curly or Textured Hair: The former is particularly mindful of women who have voluminous or curly hair, pick up the beret and place it at the crown, then letting the curls roll out is the best way to accentuate the beret and the curls.
Updos: Whether they are high or low and indeed whether they even qualify as buns or are sloppy, allow me to make a crucial connection: they look great with berets. Maybe try tilting it slightly backward in a way to enhance the bun that is on the head without hiding it entirely.
Now it is time to find out how each looks! They say a picture paints a thousand words so here are a few shots so you can compare the vibes!
Styling Ideas for Men and Women
Even though wearing berets is most often associated with the fashion of women, it is also important to note that berets are ideal headwear for men as well. Here’s how anyone can rock this look:
For Men: Choose the traditional dark shades—navy blue, charcoal, or olive, to name a few. Best worn with trousers and a structured coat or leather jacket for that smart and edgy look at the same time. To achieve a classic look, go for the newsboy cap-like beret with a jacket and a scarf.
For Women: Blush, off-white, or even a pinkish red will help make things look more feminine. To achieve the best results, go with a black beret and wear all black. A small flair (pearls or chains) on the beret comes as an added bonus for those who prefer a glamorous look.
Berets fit every piece of clothing and every hairstyle, making the clothing style modern or belonging to the classics.
Pairing Your Beret with Outfits
So once you have perfected the beret and the styling method that best suits you then it is time to accessorise. Here are outfit ideas for various settings:
Everyday Wear: Add a wool beret to a knitted sweater, jeans, and ankle boots for a casual, wardrobe-meets-street look. A cross-body bag and layered necklaces can perfect this very chic look.
Work or School: A grey beret that is worn with a buttoned-up shirt, slim trousers, and loafers gives a corporate feel. A necklace or a wristwatch is elegant if it wants to be decent and formal at the same time.
Special Occasions: Velvet or leather beret is trendy when worn with a fitted dress, statement earrings, and heels; this type of hat makes a strong fashion statement. As for the beret, it comes to be something extra in the formal wear.
Festival or Event: Combine a bright-colored beret with a dressed-up patterned dress with a long coat and thick boots. For the boho appearance, put on floppy sunglasses and large hoop earrings.
Whether you are going to work or attending some formal event you will find the beret style and outfit combination quite appropriate.
Practical Beret Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts
When it comes to wearing a beret, a few etiquette tips can help you feel comfortable and confident:
Do: Wear it slightly tilted; that’s where the character comes from!
Don’t: Pull it too tight over your head,” an instruction which is issued probably due to some biological imperative peculiar to men. It has to sit lightly for that relaxed classy look to accessorize your outfit to make it complete.
Do: Wear it tight in winter, or wear it with thinner fabrics in the summer – whenever the weather gets very hot.
Don’t: Formal business suits and occasions when the trench coat or fashionable blazers harmony with it.
These tips help you stay on the right path so that your beret is an accessory and not a focal point.
Embrace Confidence and Style
In particular, there is no better way of wearing a beret than in a way that makes you feel comforted by them. This timeless hat is bound to give character, sophistication, and just the right amount of playful vibe. I’ve always loved them as an accessory that is not tied to any trends, it has history, it’s practical and it has that European feel to it.
We’re talking about an everyday beret for a walk or a simple cup of coffee, a classic beret for ceremonies or formal events, or a warm woolen beret to fit a chilly winter day. Ready to experiment? Play around with positioning, tried several types of outfits, and found several methods that work well with the beret.
What do you think? Have you ever been in a beret before or maybe you want to try a new look? If you have any opinions to add, please share them in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
