The chic Parisian staple is hitting the high street, just in time for autumn and winter. So, if you're ready to embrace the trend and give this forgotten gem a new lease of life, we've shared how to wear a beret with some of the best to buy.
For any fans of Emily In Paris, you'll know just how timeless and stylish the classic beret can be. It's been a favourite throughout the decades; adorned by screen icon Brigitte Bardot and model Twiggy in the sixties and infiltrating the fashion scene of the nineties. And with the '90s making a comeback right now, so is the quintessential French accessory.
We spoke toDonna Taylor, Stylist and Fashion Editor, for her best beret style tips.
Can I wear a beret?
"The enduring appeal of the beret is undisputed," says Donna. "There is a reason we associate them with Parisienne, ageless, style, as nothing screams ‘chic’ more than adding a beret as the finishing touch to an outfit. They have the ability to take a look to the next level.
"That said, many people claim to ‘not have a head for hats’ or just don’t know how to style them. Quite simply, everyone, yes you read that right, everyone, has a ‘head for hats’. As we hurtle towards autumn/winter, a beret will elevate your attire for the upcoming season."
Beret style tips
Colour
"The key here is to think about colour," Donna says. "When wearing something close to your face, wearing a colour that flatters your skin tone will ensure you feel great when wearing one. So if you’re a cooler colouring such as the Duchess of Cambridge or Actress, Lupita Nyong'o, then opt for a cooler colour such as black, grey, or an all-out statement colour such as a magenta pink.
"However, if you’re a warmer colouring such as Jennifer Lopez or Eva Mendes, then picking a warmer colour such as camel, taupe, khaki or cream will work best."
Texture
"Also consider texture, as there really is a wide variety on offer here. Gucci offers a pink lamé version, whilst at ASOS you can find a fluffy camel design and they even have a knitted one."
Details
"Embellished berets are also a thing right now and with the Barbie Movie ensuring that all things pink will rule for the foreseeable, this beauty from Millie-Amber hits all the right notes.
"However, if you want to keep it simple, this cashmere one from Scottish brand, Kiltane is a great call."
How to wear a beret
"Then you quite simply just need to adhere to the following three steps to achieve optimum beret placement;
1. Position the beret approximately ¾ of the way up your forehead and roughly an inch behind your ears.
2. Tuck the brim in to ensure it remains in place.
3. Pull one side of the beret down so it sits at a slant and allows the crease of the beret to give it shape.
"Et voilà, you’re all set."
Best berets for autumn/winter 2022
Using Donna's expert styling tips, we've shared our pick of the best berets to wear this year.
www.stories.com
Certified according to the Responsible Wool Standard, we love this trendy embellished beret. In a classic style and with a soft wool finish, it's been decorated with pearl-inspired beads that add that extra layer of sophistication.
This hot pink beret is very on-trend for the moment. However, if you're after something a little more subtle, it comes in eight other solid colours. Made of soft wool, it's the ideal accessory to finish off your autumn/winter look.
www.accessorize.com
Accessorize is one of our go-to shops for chic accessories, so it's no surprise they're stocked up on beautiful berets. Created in pure wool, this plain grey Parisian classic is a good choice if your skin tone has cooler undertones.
www.coggles.com
From afar it may look like a simple black beret, but the Freja has been made entirely in silky faux fur, framed with a faux leather trim. It has an oversized silhouette and would look stylish paired with a neutral or minimal outfit.
www.asos.com
A fantastic choice for those with a warmer skin tone, this chic camel beret from New Look has a stalk top and fitted brim designed to fit most adults. One reviewer said, "Really lovely colour, co-ordinates with any colour at all, very cute."
www.manieredevoir.com
For a change in texture, why not try out a faux leather beret? Tres chic with a grunge edge. This beret has a silver 3D plaque on the front for a clean, minimal aesthetic, and has a bungee drawstring rim so you can get the perfect fit.
www.riverisland.com
Keeping to the 'Barbie' aesthetic, this River Island beret is tickled pink in faux fur - combining two trends of the season. It has a gold monogram plaque of 'River Island' on the back but this just adds to the elegance.
www.freepeople.com
Available in navy, black, camel, birch, and cayenne (pictured), this beret can easily top off your look. Made from 100 per cent wool, it's more slouchy compared to your classic beret for fuller head coverage. It's great if you have a large head or lots of hair to cover.
www.johnlewis.com
For a beret that's luxuriously soft, opt for one made of cashmere just like this one from John Lewis. Available in light grey and light blue, it has a ribbed trim for optimum fit and comfort and can be thrown in the washing machine if it gets caught in the rain.
www.laredoute.co.uk
Leopard-print clothes and accessories seem to be timeless, so pairing the pattern with the classic beret is a no-brainer! One reviewer said, "Fab hat. Love the quality and the ability to alter the size if needed. As I have a little head that's always good, although it does fit nicely. Now to master the art of wearing it!"
www.wolfandbadger.com
This beret by Tomcsanyi, a contemporary Hungarian womenswear brand, combines playful freehand embroidered patterns with eye-catching colours for a statement piece. Whilst the pink is on-trend, we also love their orange beret with leaf embroidered details.
www.riverisland.com
With the dogtooth print, this beret shares in the loud optical art scene of the '60s. Despite its retro flair, it's still ever so stylish with the pattern still being a favourite in designer couture. It's also available in a purple/cream dogtooth print - helpful if you have a pastel or light-coloured wardrobe and worry the black and white might be too stark.