C’est Magnifique: The Beauty of Berets

The beret has a diverse past, being worn over the centuries by army men, revolutionaries, French New Wave film stars and Rastafarians alike. When you wear a beret, you inject a certain je ne sais quoi into your look unachievable with any other hat.

No matter if your beret is military or ultra-femme, it’s a one-way ticket to looking très chic.

Traditional French

The traditional French-style beret is a soft wool cap gathered at the base with a small felt tab protruding from its top. Worn by the likes of Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde and Alicia Silverstone in Clueless, the beret’s applications range from chic to funky. There’s no set way of wearing this classic hat—straight on top of the head, tilted to the side, pushed back or fully covering the head—but no matter how you don it, the beret looks right at home with a boat-neck tee and an A-line miniskirt.

Fuzzy Favorite

For a cold-weather twist on the classic beret that embraces your animal instincts, try a cuddly angora beret. This textile, sourced from a specific species of very fuzzy bunnies, gives any look a plush feel that begs to be stroked. Pair this touchable topper with a cashmere turtleneck sweater and velvet leggings for the ultimate cozy look.

Knitted Number

The knitted beret is a distinctly casual style that blends the chic vibe of the beret with the cuddly relaxation of a beanie. Allow this style of hat to gently cascade off your head when you wear it with an off-the-shoulder sweater and comfy leggings. For an extra-sweet touch, wear your hair in braids beneath it.

Floral Fun

A floral appliqué takes your wool beret from casual-chic to a new level of elegance. Suited for dressy occasions during the cold season, a flower-emblazoned beret works well alongside a cocktail dress. Top off your formal beret look with an elegant nipped-waist wool coat and practical, yet dressy, leather pumps.

Berets aren’t just for tourist photos against the Eiffel Tower—they’re the classic hat that’ll take you season to season.

Zut’allors! That beret is perfect on you!