How to Wear a Beret: 7 Tips for Styling a Beret

A beret is a soft, round hat with a flat crown, typically made of wool, cotton, and acrylic fibers. A beret has a flat shape when you hold it but takes on a bulb-like form when placed on your head. Rather than the wrap-around visor of a more structured hat, the visorless brim of a beret is a tight headband that prevents it from flying off of your head.

Berets have long been a staple of French culture, dating back to the Basque berets of the seventeenth century. It is the traditional headgear for the shepherds of the Pyrenees Mountain crest (located along the border of France and Spain). In 1840, southern French milliner Laulhère began commercially producing berets in the town of Oloron-Sainte-Marie in France.

In 1889, the French Chasseurs Alpins (a mountain infantry force) adopted military berets. Following World War II, the US Army Special Forces also adopted the green beret with its military uniforms. The beret’s popularity continued throughout the twentieth century, and it remains a retro yet trendy accessory today.

Wearing a beret can help you channel French flair in your style. Here are three ways that you can wear a French beret:

1. 1. Back of the head: This style involves perching your beret towards the back of your head, so the bottom brim hits the base of your neck. For this style of wear, place the beret on your head so that the band lands right on your hairline, then slowly stretch the back until it sits at the back of your head. Secure the beret in place with bobby pins or clear clips. Note that this style will not secure the cap tightly, so it may fall off.
2. 2. Classic style: Wearing a beret on top of your head with a slight tilt is the classic French style of wear. Simply place the hat a little more than halfway up your forehead so that the headband sits an inch behind your ears. Tuck the brim under, then gently tug the hat fabric to the side until you achieve a flattering tilt. Alternatively, angle the tilt toward the front of your face or the back of your head, depending on your preference.
   
3. 3. Un-tilted: Place the beret on top of your head with the headband about an inch above the brow line. Fold the beret brim under for a flat cap look that is more flush against your head. For a puffed-up look, untuck the brim of the beret, place it over your ears, and lightly pull it up from the top.

This French accessory is one of fashion’s most versatile styling tools. Heavier berets can keep your head warm in the winter, while lighter berets can add whimsy to a spring outfit. Follow these styling tips to craft a great ensemble:

1. 1. Experiment with fabrics. Try on different styles and types of berets. A wool beret, felt beret, or leather beret will each lend a different spin to your outfit.
2. 2. Incorporate modern fashion trends. Pair your classic beret with edgy pieces like a leather jacket or combat boots for a more modern, street-style-inspired look. Wearing a beret with casual workwear pieces like jeans, sneakers, or boiler suits will also yield a more modern and eclectic look.
3. 3. Pair with complementary colors. Wear a bold beret hat with colors that complement the other hues in your outfit. For instance, pair a mustard yellow jacket with a Navy blue or maroon beret.
4. 4. Pair with a trenchcoat. Add the right amount of classic style to your ensemble by pairing a tan trench coat with a red beret.
5. 5. Try a blazer. An ensemble consisting of a black beret with a plaid blazer and black turtleneck is sophisticated and professional. Finish the look with high-waisted slacks and short heels.
6. 6. Wear neutral makeup. Heavy makeup paired with a beret and designer clothing can be an intense look. Wear natural makeup full of muted tones when donning a beret (especially if the hat is bold, patterned, or colorful) for a balanced look.
7. 7. Wear your hair down. Prioritize hairstyles that are more natural and less fussy when wearing a beret. To secure the beret to your head, wear it with your hair down. Too much hair underneath the hat can loosen its hold, making it vulnerable to falling off.

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