How to Wear a French Beret: The Ultimate Style Guide for Men and Women

October 24, 2024

Ah, the French beret—possibly the most iconic headwear in fashion history. Whether you're channeling your inner Parisian or adding a touch of timeless elegance to your look, berets offer versatility, charm, and a certain je ne sais quoi. But how exactly do you wear a beret without feeling like you’re headed to a costume party? The good news is, anyone can rock this hat, and today, we're going to show you exactly how.

 

We’ll dive into style tips for both men and women, exploring ways to wear a beret, how to place it just right, and more. Whether you’re aiming for classic chic or something more modern, consider this your guide to wearing a beret like a pro. So, grab a cup of coffee (perhaps with a croissant on the side) and let’s get started.

A Brief History of the Beret

Before we jump into how to wear a beret properly, let’s take a quick stroll through history of French berets. The beret continued its rise from humble beginnings in the Basque region of France and Spain, where it was primarily worn by shepherds. 

 

By the 19th century, French military units adopted the beret as part of their uniforms, cementing its status as a symbol of French culture. Over the years, the beret’s enduring style has been embraced by artists like Picasso, revolutionaries like Che Guevara, and fashionistas like Brigitte Bardot.

 

Now, this once-practical piece of headwear has become a fashion statement, beloved by style icons and celebrities alike. But enough about history—let's get into the fun part: how to actually style a beret and make it work for you.

How to Wear a Beret for Women

1. The Classic French Chic Look

If there’s one thing French women know how to do, it's to wear a beret with effortless grace. The key to mastering this look is to keep it simple, sleek, and understated.

Position the beret slightly tilted to one side, ideally about an inch or so behind the center of your forehead.
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Opt for classic beret colors like black, navy, or red, which add that extra Parisian flair to your outfit.
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Pair your beret with a trench coat, wide-leg trousers, or even a cozy sweater dress for that chic but relaxed vibe.
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This style is about minimalism and class, but it doesn’t mean you have to stay boring! Add a little flair with a brooch or an accessory like a scarf, or go for bold lipstick to make a statement.

2. Bohemian Beret: The Slouchy Approach

Feeling more artistic and carefree? Try a slouchy beret look.

Place the beret towards the back of your head, almost as if it’s just resting there. It should have a relaxed, slightly oversized feel.
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For this vibe, opt for a soft beret made of wool or cotton. These materials allow for a bit more flexibility, giving you that boho-chic aesthetic.
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Pair it with a flowing maxi dress or a pair of boyfriend jeans, and add some layered necklaces to accessorize.

The slouchy beret style is perfect for casual days when you want to look stylish but feel comfortable. And the best part? It’s effortlessly cool without even trying.
Lilas and Pearls Beret
Lilas and Pearls Beret
Lilas and Pearls Beret
Lilas and Pearls Beret
Lilas and Pearls Beret

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3. Modern and Edgy: The Urban Vixen

For those who love to push the envelope, you can wear the beret with a more contemporary twist.

Opt for a leather or patent beret for an edgy look that screams confidence.
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Wear it perched more forward, almost directly on the top of your head, for a modern, fashion-forward style.
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Pair this with bold pieces like leather pants, oversized jackets, or even a chic updo to really complete the vixen vibe.

Don’t forget to add some bold earrings or perhaps an extra layer of eyeliner for that dramatic finish. You could wear a beret with nearly anything when you're aiming for something a bit more daring.

Style Tips for Women

Try wearing a beret with your hair styled in loose waves or tucked behind your ears for a polished beret look.
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Add a brooch to your beret if you want to give it an elegant, personalized touch.
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Don’t be afraid of color! While black and red are classics, berets come in a variety of different colors. Match your beret to the rest of your outfit for a cohesive ensemble.

Now that we’ve covered women, let’s move on to the gentlemen.

How to Wear a Beret for Men

1. Casual Cool: The Laid-Back Approach

If you want to avoid looking too stiff or out of place, the key is to make the beret seem like it’s just a natural part of your everyday wardrobe.

Position the beret slightly off-center on your head—similar to how you would wear a beanie. Keep it casual, no need for perfection.
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A neutral-toned beret made of wool paired with a classic denim jacket or even a plain white tee and a bomber jacket works wonders.
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For the brim, keep it soft and relaxed. You’re not aiming for military precision here, but more of a laid-back, approachable vibe.

This is a great style for those who are dipping their toes into beret fashion without going overboard.

2. Artistic and Intellectual: Channeling the Classics

If you’ve ever admired the way writers like Ernest Hemingway or painters like Picasso wore their berets, you might be going for a more artsy, intellectual look.

Wear your beret tilted slightly forward, covering part of your forehead, for that iconic intellectual feel.
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Pair it with a chunky sweater, turtleneck, or even a tailored blazer.
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Accessories like glasses or a book tucked under your arm can add to the persona (even if you're just grabbing coffee).

This style is perfect for anyone who wants to bring a little bit of old-school charm into their modern wardrobe. It’s cozy, thoughtful, and oh-so sophisticated.

3. The Rebel: A Nod to the ’70s

For those who want to give a little nod to the rebellious spirit of the Black Panthers or the counterculture of the ’70s, here’s your guide.

Wear the beret pulled down low, almost resting at the back of your head, tilted to the side. Think defiant, bold, and revolutionary.
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Pair it with a leather jacket or something similarly cool and slightly subversive.
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This look works especially well with black berets or those in deeper, muted tones.

It’s a way to add an extra layer of attitude to any outfit, proving that berets are also for those who like to bend the rules.

Style Tips for Men

Want to add some personality? You can use pins like enamel badges or patches to personalize your beret.
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A hat that’s too small or too big can throw off your entire look, so make sure to keep your beret in place with the right fit.
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If you're feeling bold, go for a patterned beret to shake things up. Pair it with a minimalist outfit so the beret remains the focal point.

General Tips to Wear a Beret Without Looking Out of Place

Whether you’re male or female, knowing how to wear a beret without looking like you’re in a play is important. Here are a few more tips that work for everyone:

Tuck your hair up into a low updo if you're having a bad hair day, and let the beret do the work.
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Style your hair to match the occasion. If you’re going for classic chic, keep it sleek; if you want a relaxed look, let it be tousled.
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Don’t overthink it! The best way to wear a beret properly is to wear it with confidence. Anyone can wear a beret, and it's all about finding the different styles until you find what works for you.

Keep It Chic, Keep It You

At the end of the day, whether you’re going for French sophistication, a bohemian flair, or something entirely different, the key is to wear your beret with confidence. Use this guide to wearing a beret as a starting point, but don’t be afraid to make it your own. Berets are a timeless accessory for a reason—they adapt to whoever wears them. So, go ahead, experiment with how to wear the beret, and remember, there’s no wrong way to style it.

 

Berets are about self-expression, so whether you're channeling Brigitte Bardot, like Ernest Hemingway, or adding a nod to the Black Panthers, it's all about feeling good in your own skin... and of course, your new favorite hat!
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