Berets Are an Essential Part of French Girl Style: Learn How to Wear Them

The effortlessly cool nature of French girl style has been captivating the fashion world for ages, from Parisian staples to how French women are transcending stereotypes. If you're a fan of French style staples, you might be wondering how to modernize them in a way that feels more chic than cheesy—as much as we all love Emily in Paris, her well-meaning but overly earnest energy isn't ideal for blending in with the locals. The beret will forever be an emblem of French fashion, but how do you wear one—wherever you are—without looking like a tourist in front of the Eiffel Tower? The good news is people have been experimenting with the classic piece for ages, and we have a few key tips. Read on to learn the history of the beret as well as how to wear one tastefully and confidently in the modern age, complete with product picks to shop.

The History of Berets

Who wore it better, the artists or the revolutionaries? Dutch artist Rembrandt was one of the first to wear the beret, regularly sporting a black velvet version that we now remember via many of his self-portraits. It would go on to become one of France's most iconic accessories, with the working class—both artists and farmers—favoring the utilitarian headwear. The French word “beret," dating back to 1825, originates from the Latin word "birretum" and the term "bearnais berret," describing a flat cap worn by the working class.

Berets as Political Statements

The first step in the beret's transition from working-class staple to beloved bohemian chic piece was a moment as a political statement. During 19th century Spain's First Carlist War Tomás de Zumalacárregui led his Carlist revolutionaries wearing a red beret—which his followers quickly adopted. In France, the beret color of choice for the Chasseurs Alpins was light blue, signifying their elite status with the French Army. While colorful berets had become military headgear, black berets were then only popular among peasants. 

In the 20th century, the political significance of the beret continued as members of the Black Panthers wore these iconic hats as a sign of revolution. Decades later, the beret remains a symbol of Black power, donning the heads of activists and celebrities standing up for racial equality and the lives of those in the Black community.

Berets as Fashion Statements

In the 20th century, the beret became a true fashion statement thanks in large part to Coco Chanel, who often decorated her beret with a brooch and complemented the look with strings of pearls. Creatives like Ernest Hemingway and Edith Piaf would add a more bohemian twist, embracing the beret as part of both casual and formal looks along Paris’s right and left banks. Pablo Picasso was a fan of the beret as well, even painting a piece titled Femme au Béret et à la Robe Quadrillée (Marie-Thérèse Walter).

Soon, movie stars like Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, and Lauren Bacall would also embrace the beret, working the piece into their iconic signature styles both on and offscreen. The beret's presence in Hollywood helped it to achieve its own star status, and it's held a constant presence in fashion ever since. The likes of Dior and Gucci have reconfirmed the beret’s high fashion appeal for the modern day by including it in recent runway shows, showing that bohemian French style has a place in every era and closet. 

How to Wear a Beret

Wearing a beret is simple, and while you can adjust it to your liking, we do have a few key placement tips below to help you achieve that timeless je ne sais quoi.

• 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.
• Adjust for intentional asymmetry: You've probably noticed that most people wear berets with one side pulled down. This achieves that effortlessly cool slant, while the crease gives it shape. Whether you choose to pull it down over the left or right side is up to you.
• Embrace practicality: For additional warmth, pull your beret straight down to cover your ears. Et voilà!

How to Style a Beret

Once you know how to wear a beret properly, the next step is styling the rest of your outfit so it feels like an intentional look rather than a kitschy statement—and it turns out that one of the best strategies is to go for the unexpected.

"A cool way to wear a beret is to make sure the rest of your outfit juxtaposes it," says Alix Gropper, one half of celebrity styling duo Danielle & Alix. "Instead of leaning so heavily into Parisian style, it’s cool to pair a beret with a baggy pair of jeans and a simple tee. We’d definitely opt for neutral colorways—black, tan, and white—so it doesn’t distract from the entire look and just appears effortless."

Ultimately, no matter what way you choose to style your beret, staying true to yourself is key. Nothing will look more effortlessly cool than an outfit that makes you feel confident—so don't be afraid to experiment with new pairings or find a few beret-centric looks that inspire you.