Wearing a beret is one of the most well-known signatures of vintage-inspired fashion. It is sometimes associated with the flat wool caps worn by rural communities, and sometimes seen as a symbol of French resistance.
Whatever the reason, they still dominate the fashion of today. Hats are one of the few accessories for making a look so effortless in so many ways. A red hat is an example of a classic French beret-wearing, which can be paired with a striped shirt and a high-waisted pair of jeans. For staid occasions, a black one with tailored dressing, and on easy, casual days, it can be worn together with a simple top and wide leg jeans.
Collectif London, with its vintage-inspired collections, shows a reinterpretation of past decade's elegance through modern materials, forms and sizes. From blue, pink, brown plain berets that can adjust to any style to leopard-printed berets that are symbols of power and femininity, there is an entire family of designs to fit for every occasion.
History of Wearing a Beret for Women
Wearing a beret is one of the finest examples of timeless fashion. With a history that stretches back to ancient Europe, these hats were originally worn by rural communities for their warmth and waterproof qualities. As the world moved through war years, they began to spread rapidly among military units.
In the early 20th century, poets, writers, directors, and other artists brought them back into fashion, much like today, turning them into a symbol of intellect and cultural identity. The deep-rooted history of these hats has made them a timeless accessory. In the mid-1950s, wool felt hats temporarily lost popularity as women preferred to use more elaborate hairstyles and makeup as symbols of femininity.
However, towards the end of the decade, renewed interest in French cinema brought the beret back into fashion for women. Today, these hats continue to be symbols of political expression, intellectualism, art and Parisian chic, and reflect different cultures from all walks of life, from farmers to artists.
How to Properly Wear a Beret?
It's difficult to give a single answer to the question of how to properly wear a beret. From the size of the hat and the length of the hair and even how it is positioned on the head, there are many factors that can influence the look created by these timeless accessories.
Different styles of wearing a beret can be listed as follows:
● After placing the band of the hat at the centre of the forehead, it can be worn by folding the brim of the band under.
● For an intellectual classic wearing a French beret style, the band is positioned just below the hairline, the edges are tucked inward, and the hat is placed to fall to the right or left, just above eye level.
● For a more romantic, 1970s-inspired look, the hat can be placed at or just above the hairline and worn tilted backwards.
● Those who prefer a more natural and casual look can wear the hat farther back, leaving a few strands of hair visible.
These hats are generally designed in either larger or smaller sizes, and both options tend to suit most face shapes. That said, some fashion experts suggest that smaller hats complement round facial features better, while larger ones are often more flattering on women with longer, more angular face shapes.
Different Ways of Wearing a Beret
These hats' soft, flexible structure makes them easy to shape after wearing. For this reason, wearing a beret is known for versatility that many other hats do not. In the traditional way of wearing a beret, the hat is placed over about three-quarters of the forehead, the edges are gently tucked, and then it is tilted to one side according to personal preference.
Wearing a Beret with Short Hair
Even though these hats work for almost all hairstyles, factors that go into choosing a hat, like hair length, can make your look all the more stylish. For example, when wearing a beret with short hair, the beret is usually tilted back and secured with a bobby pin. For a more energetic appearance, a few strands can be left out while the rest of the hair is tucked inside the hat.
Wearing a Beret with Long Hair
Wearing a beret with long hair is possible using several different methods. One common way is to part the hair in the middle or to one side, place the hat just above the hairline and secure it with a hairpin. For a softer, more ladylike style, wearing a beret with locs can also be a stylish choice.
Wearing a Beret with Bangs
Wearing a beret with bangs sounds challenging, but it's easier than people think. Longer bangs can be softly curled to frame the face and add volume. Alternatively, they can be pulled back slightly. Shorter bangs can be styled by tilting the brim of the hat to one side.
Even with its ups and downs, wearing a beret has remained a fashion staple dating back to ancient Europe. For a more relaxed look, it can be paired with jeans and a shirt, or styled in a classic French chic look with a black dress and high heels. To achieve a bohemian 1970s look, it can be worn with a long, layered skirt.
Known for its vintage-inspired designs, Collectif London offers berets in a wide range of colours across its collections. Explore Collectif London collections and add this timeless accessory to your everyday style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wearing a Beret
How to Wear a Beret with Long Hair?
One of the most suitable hairstyles for wearing a beret is long hair. When wearing a beret with long hair, the hair can be parted in the middle or to the side, then the hat is placed behind the hairline and gently tilted back. Those with long hair can also wear them with a ponytail or locks for a relaxed and put-together look.
How to Wear a Beret with No Hair?
Among the different ways of wearing a beret, one of the easiest is for those with no hair, as the smooth surface allows the hat to sit effortlessly in place. Wearing a beret with no hair makes it easy to achieve a clean, minimalist elegance, especially when choosing classic colours such as blue, black, brown, or grey.
How to Wear a Knitted Beret?
Knitted French berets are among the most commonly worn styles. They can be placed either just below or above the hairline and worn tilted back, or angled to the right or left.
How to Wear a Beret with Braids?
When wearing a beret with a braid, the hat is usually positioned below the hairline and tilted to one side; if a larger French beret is chosen, the centre can also be pushed towards the back for a more relaxed finish.
Can You Wear a Beret in the Summer?
Unlike the felt hats of past eras, they today are produced using a variety of materials. When made from breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen, they can be comfortably worn even during the summer months.
