Ah, le béret. This well-known hat has been around for centuries, harking back to the Bronze Age, as discovered by archeologists who found traces of the flat hat inside tombs, as well as depicted in sculptures and paintings across Europe.
In the 14th and 15th centuries, berets became most common amongst the poorer classes (i.e. farmers and artists) before steadily gaining popularity in political circles, even attaining integration into wartime uniforms.
However, they unofficially achieved peak chic status in the 1920s when famous folk like Ernest Hemingway, Lauren Bacall, and French singer Edith Piaf took to wearing them, making them a symbol of Parisian bohemianism.
Styling Tips
- If you’re confused about how to position the beret hat or the proper way to wear it, know that there are no rules here. You should try adjusting it yourself in different positions to find one that feels most natural to you.
- If you’re wearing the beret hat to a place where you’re afraid it might fall, for example, an amusement park, it’s pretty easy to keep it secured with the help of some bobby pins. This is also a good way to make sure that the hat doesn’t mess up your hair.
- Beret hats are not just reserved for formal or semi-formal wear, you can easily wear them with the most casual outfits and instantly upgrade the look.
- The best hairstyle with beret hats is to let your hair loose or go for a ponytail. A bun will hardly ever work with a beret.
Beret Hat Outfit Ideas
↓18. Like A Parisian
If you are going to wear a beret, you might as well do it right, eh? For many, that means donning a cap in a way worthy of a Parisian. So, first off, we have an outfit perfect for strolling – you guessed it – the streets of Paris!
Start with a classically red beret and wear over loose, lightly curled hair. A silky deep blue camisole tucked into mid-rise jeans is stylish, and is further accented with a pair of glittery drop earrings.
For this outfit, you can wear flats, boots, or espadrilles as your footwear of choice. You should also check out our earlier post on How to Wear Hats with Different Outfits.
↓17. With Short Hair
We love this cute and cheeky look that somehow conjures up a Parisian accordionist displaying her skills beneath the Eiffel Tower. Or a really fun art teacher.
Whichever you are, this look was made for you!
A high-necked red and white striped tee is tucked into a pair of mid-rise pants. Plop on a beret and a simple necklace and voilà! C’est magnifique!
SHOP THE LOOK FOR UNDER $150
Pure Cotton Striped Paris Straight Fit T-Shirt
The Heron – Black $120
↓16. With Jumper Sut
Ooh-la-la, we spy a fashionista!
A mustard-colored jumper has never looked so fabulous, especially when paired with a chic wool beret, black ankle boots, and a bejeweled purse. To ensure that the highest possible level of fab is achieved, go bold with your choice of a jumper. This one is cowl-necked and features oversized bishop sleeves, as well as a hem that hits right above the knee. If yellow is your color, do have a look at these fabulous Yellow Skirt Outfits.
SHOP THE LOOK FOR UNDER £20
Emily Shak Mustard Cowl Neck Oversized Jumper £15.99
↓15. With Cashmere Sweater and Skinny Jeans
Throw on a cashmere sweater (opt for off-white or other neutral shade) and a pair of high-rise skinny jeans. Black boots are the footwear of choice, and you can accessorize with a necklace, a watch, and perhaps some stud earrings.
For your beret, go bold with bright pink or red. It is your standout piece, after all!
SHOP THE LOOK FOR UNDER $400
Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny Jeans $68
Lucy Williams Beaded Coin Necklace $188
↓14. Fabulous Gingham Suit for Plus-size Ladies
Pair your gingham trousers with a matching blazer and tuck in a little white tee beneath it. A cute beret is worn straight (not tilted), adding a boldly stylish twist to this look. It also matches perfectly with a pair of stiletto mules. Accessorize with sunglasses and a pale pink purse.
This is the perfect ensemble for grabbing lunch with your girlfriends or hitting the shops after brunch.
SHOP THE LOOK FOR UNDER $250
Quilted Flap Lock Crossbody Bag
Qiabao Women’s Adjustable PU Leather Beret Hat $12.99
Hope Stiletto Mule $72
Nordstrom 1901 Graphic Tee $35
↓13. Coffee Date Outfit
Grabbing coffee with your favorite guy? Sitting down for lunch at a cafe? We have the perfect outfit for you.
Matching your beret with your tee is like, so cute. So opt for a color that stands out! This orange-red hue grabs the eye and is perfect when paired with a matching lipstick. Accessorize with a camera. For more ideas, check out these Date Outfits For Women.
↓12. Like A Fashionista
With this look, it’s all about the individual pieces. A classy tan beret is worn over curled hair and is further highlighted by a pair of wire-rimmed sunglasses. This deep navy blue sweater is tucked into a pair of high-rise jeans and is accessorized with a Louis Vuitton fanny pack.
SHOP THE LOOK FOR UNDER $700
Louis Vuitton Purse $519.99
↓11. Winter Street Style
This gray wool beret works so well with this chunky turtleneck sweater and these gray gloves. Pair with jeans and over-the-knee boots.
SHOP THE LOOK FOR UNDER $150
High Waisted Denim Perfect Curves Jean Leggings $88
Nordstrom Alinda Over the Knee Boot
↓10. Fall Outfit
As the leaves start to fall and winter creeps closer, keep yourself smiling with this super stylish city outfit featuring – you guessed it – a cream-colored beret that, quite honestly, steals the show.
Pair your adorable hat with an equally eye-catching ruffled eyelet blouse and toss a checkered blazer around your shoulders for warmth and added pizzazz. Throw on some casual jeans and some bright red slingback heels. For accessories, a chic little purse, as well as some diamond stud earrings, a couple of rings and a watch or bracelet will bring this look home.
Check out the outfit details
SHEIN Schiffy Eyelet Ruffle Trim Blouse $18
Clara Red Round Heel Slingback Shoes
Check Patterned Blazer £50
↓9. Knee High Boot Outfit
SHOP THE LOOK FOR UNDER $200
Shimmer V-Neck Sweater $19.88
Carlene Suede Over the Knee Boots $99.88
↓8. With Long Teddy Coat and Doc Martens
SHOP THE LOOK FOR UNDER $550
Dr. Martens Jadon 8 Eye Boots $170
↓7. With Curly Hair
With color popping everywhere, you are going to want to stop and pose wherever you turn in this outfit!
A cherry red beret with matching sunglasses isn’t the only fun aspects of this ensemble. This boldly striped mustard yellow and white sweater is absolutely stunning, especially when tucked in ever so slightly in a pair of high-rise skinny jeans. You won’t want to forget your matching lipstick with this outfit as it really brings the whole look together.
Great for touring new cities, doing a photo shoot, or grabbing lunch at a cute little restaurant!
Check out the outfit details
Women’s Highest-Rise Skinny Jeans
↓6. To a Theater Show ft. Beret
Let your playfully fashionable side shine with a paisley-printed top, black wool beret, and infinitely chic trenchcoat. A bucket bag is an ‘a la mode’ accessory you won’t want to put down. Some high-waisted ankle pants and old school Vans complete the look, as well as add an unexpected twist to this city-ready ensemble.
SHOP THE LOOK FOR UNDER $350
ASOS Design Long Sleeve Paisley Puff Sleeve Top
Kangaroo Wool Black Beret Hat $9.95
↓5. Matching it with Trench Choat
Tuck a striped tee into a pair of high-waist skinny jeans. Top it off with a short trenchcoat and a slightly darker toned beret. We love these animal print flats, especially when paired with some super cute shades. Leave your hair loose and curled and be sure to accessorize with a couple of necklaces and even some dangling drop earrings.
SHOP THE LOOK FOR UNDER $200
Klong Wool Beret Hat French Style $9.99
↓4. Adorable Tweed Dress
This fun look is great because it’s versatile. It could work for a variety of occasions (visiting a new bookshop, going to a concert, reading live poetry, grabbing lunch, and so much more!) and suits all body types. Keep reading for how to score this look yourself!
Start with a tweed dress. This one hits midthigh and features a super cute collar and added ribbon. Wear black tights underneath and pop on some little bright-red heels. A trench with a contrasting pattern looks super cute and brings a new element to the ensemble.
SHOP THE LOOK FOR UNDER $60
Brushed Plaid Wool Blend Trench
↓3. Matching with Long Coat
A beret and matching coat never looked so adorbs.
Wear with a pleated magenta top, jeans, and boots. Leave your hair loose and go natural with your makeup. This is a casual city girl look you’ll be wearing again and again!
↓2. With a Matching Faux Fur Jacket
Start with a merino turtleneck. We love this deep purple one. Bundle up in gloves and shaggy faux fur and pop a white beret on your loose and natural hair. Next, throw on a pair of white skinny jeans and a pair of over-the-knee boots. Accessorize with sunglasses and a crossbody purse.
SHOP THE LOOK FOR UNDER $1200
Banana Republic Merino Turtleneck Sweater $59.99
Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans
LOFT Felt Beret $9.88
SW The Tieland Over-the-Knee Boot $399
Small Faye Leather & Suede Shoulder Bag $695
↓1. With Mini Dress and Knee High Boots
It’s all about statement pieces with this ensemble. Start with a dress that can take center stage with no problem. This off-the-shoulder number features long trumpet sleeves and a stripe of color down the side. Over-the-knee boots are chic and very nearly steal the show. Last, but certainly not least, accessorize with a beret that matches the detail on your dress, as well as sunglasses and a necklace or two.
Red Dress Boutique Over the Knee Black Boot $44
Ja-jo Polarized Brown Gradient Round Ladies Sunglasses $89.50