How to Wear Your Beret Like a True Parisian (2024)

This classic fall staple just got a little less cliché.

By Shelby Ying Hyde
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There's no denying that the beret has been around for decades. There's also no denying that to style the Parisian staple in a way that reflects your current-day aesthetic, you'll need to think beyond the cliché. Luckily, there are plenty of places to turn to for fresh inspiration. From the runways of New York and Paris to the feeds of your favorite influencers, there is a slew of ideas worth bookmarking ahead of the new season. Read on and shop.

Fabric Play

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Invest in a beret made from unexpected materials (think patent leather, corduroy, or velvet) for a less traditional take on a classic trend. For those looking to take it a step further, consider styling the hat with a piece of outerwear of the same fabric to complete a coordinated outfit.

Dior Dior Parisian Beret Black Rabbit Felt

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Dior Dior Parisian Beret Black Rabbit Felt

A style with a fishnet vail overlay like Dior's felt iterationoffers a vintage feel that's undeniably cool.

Military Style

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Switch up the style altogether and go for a beret with a more structured silhouette that's reminiscent of one found in the militia. Pairing the relaxed shape with laid-back pieces offers a more casual approach. Plus, the styles with adjustable ties in the back allow you to find your perfect fit.

Ruslan Baginskiy Wool Flat Cap

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Ruslan Baginskiy Wool Flat Cap

Very few millineries create hats quite like Ruslan Baginskiy, which is why its flat cap is tops. This oneis perfect forthat military feel.

A Tried-and-True Classic

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Of course, there are plenty of classic styles on the market, too, if you're looking for something timeless. Any woolen felt style will give you that signature Parisian air. Give it a slightly updated feel by wearing it with color-blocked separates and modern accessories.

Brixton Black Audrey Beret

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Brixton Black Audrey Beret

Brixton's Audrey beret is a great starter style if you're looking for something you know you'll get a lot of wear out of.

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Fall Cottagecore

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A white or cream-colored beret is a great way to wear summer 2020's cottagecore trend well beyond the warm-weather months. Pair the fall staple with a long-sleeve poplin top or dress and your favorite overcoat.

Maison Michel New Billy Suede Beret

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Maison Michel New Billy Suede Beret

Stray slightly from the traditional felt and opt for a suede beret that's as soft as it is chic.

Early-2000s Edge

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Draw inspiration from Julia Roberts's iconic look in Notting Hill and embrace the early-2000s trend by styling a pair of retro shades with a leather beret. The unlikely duo will give any outfit a cool edge.

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Eugenia Kim Carter Leather Beret

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Eugenia Kim Carter Leather Beret

Inspired by Beyoncé, Eugenia Kim's best-selling Carter beret has been a part of the brand's core collection for years—a testament to its styling power.

The Everyday Print

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For those who want to make a statement, reach for a beret in a print that doubles as a neutral—think plaid or wallpaper florals. Keep the rest of your outfit minimal with a fresh white T-shirt and well-tailored trousers.

Banana Republic Banana Republic Plaid Beret

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Banana Republic Banana Republic Plaid Beret

There's something so perfectly fall about plaid.

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The Trendy Update

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The classic felt beret got an update with logo-embroidered details for the new season. Try pairing it with other trendy staples, like a cult bag and an oversized leather blazer layered over a sweatshirt, to round out the look.

Burberry Logo Graphic Merino Wool Beret

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Burberry Logo Graphic Merino Wool Beret

Leave it to Burberry to put a trendy spin on a true wardrobe staple with its embroidered logo.

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Shelby Ying Hyde

Shelby Ying Hyde is a Brooklyn-based shopping and fashion contributor BAZAAR.com, with bylines on The Zoe Report, Teen Vogue, Essence, Nylon, Elite Daily and more. Prior to entering the editorial space, she worked at luxury e-commerce giants Net-a-Porter and Moda Operandi on the product editorial team, where she gained an extensive understanding of the luxury market as it pertains to shopping and engaging customers in a digital space. Follow @theshelbyying on Instagram for shopping advice, sale updates, and tips for building a well-rounded wardrobe.

How to Wear Your Beret Like a True Parisian (2024)

FAQs

How to Wear Your Beret Like a True Parisian? ›

Start by placing it flat: Traditionally, you'll want to wear a beret flat on top of your head, about three-quarters of the way up the forehead and an inch or so behind the ears. Tuck in the brim: To keep your beret in place as you go about your day, you'll want to tuck in the brim so it stays put.

Is it cliche to wear a beret in Paris? ›

Tan France recently told Insider that tourists should generally avoid wearing a beret in Paris. The accessory can come off as cliché, but French style experts said it can be done — sometimes.

Why do Parisians wear a beret? ›

In the 19th century, the French military adopted the Basque beret as part of their uniform. The beret was lightweight, easy to wear, and provided some protection from the elements. It quickly became popular among soldiers and civilians alike.

Are berets classy? ›

They are timeless, classic, and elegant, making them a popular accessory among people of all ages. Beret hats originated in France, but their popularity has spread across the globe, and they are now a fashion staple in many countries.

How should a French beret be worn? ›

The preferred way to wear a beret is to have it comfortably positioned over the left eye and slouched or draped over the right ear. Pull the beret straight on, covering the top of your forehead. Style the volume in the beret accordingly for a contemporary, off-duty street-style look.

Are berets in style in 2024? ›

From sophisticated cashmere to retro berets, these women's hats score top marks in 2024. The coldest month of the year has arrived with a bang—numerous flurries, cold rain, and below zero temps.

Why not to wear a beret in Paris? ›

One blogger wrote, if you wear a beret in Paris, you will give “the impression that you lack sartorial savoire-faire.” Wearing the beret back home could be a fashion statement, though, or maybe even signal an admiration for the best parts of French culture.

Why is there no beret in France? ›

France. The black beret was once considered the national cap of France in Anglo-Saxon countries and is part of the stereotypical image of the Onion Johnny. It is no longer as widely worn as it once was, but it remains a strong sign of local identity in the southwest of France.

Is it rude to wear a beret indoors? ›

You may even be wondering, “Is it okay to wear a beret inside?" The answer is a resounding yes! Especially since its introduction to military uniforms, the beret has been perceived as a dignified style that is suitable for wear in a variety of situations.

Do French girls wear berets? ›

Worn by both men and women, berets were first adopted by the military in France before being picked up by forces around the world, many of whom continue to wear this style today.

Are berets French or Italian? ›

A beret is a round, soft hat. Berets were first made in 17th-century France, and they're still commonly associated with that country. If you enjoy French culture, you might don a beret while eating baguettes with brie.

Did the French ever wear berets? ›

At the time of the Second World War, the beret was indeed the most common accessory in France. Later, the hat was adopted by the American special forces (who wore green or khaki berets) and by the Rangers (black version).

Are berets flattering? ›

The size and shape of a beret should flatter your facial features; for example, an oval face will suit an angular beret, while rounder facial features will opt for something more round or soft. Second, consider how formal or casual your look is.

What looks good with a beret? ›

Wool berets bring warmth and coziness to the outfit. Felt ones are perfect for a more formal occasion, while denim berets are perfect for a more casual and laid-back look. Wearing a Beret with casual workwear, Berets can also be paired with casual workwear, such as a sweater and slacks.

What face shape can wear a beret? ›

Oblong face (rectangular)

You can also wear berets and wide brimmed hats, making sure the brim of the hat runs about halfway down your forehead. We also recommend not wearing narrow berets or anything with a raised visor.

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