5 KEY TIPS FOR HOW TO WEAR A BERET (WITHOUT LOOKING LIKE A PSYCHO)

Before we were all relegated to life indoors, it’s no secret that berets have been one of the red-hot hottest accessories around.

No matter what store you’re shopping – Niemans, Target, Free People, Hot Topic – it’s safe to say they’re pretty much EVERYWHERE.

But despite this classic French staple catching on like wildfire for the past few seasons, trust me, it’s totally fair to still feel ~a little~ conflicted about them.

How do I wear one? Do I even WANT to wear one? Is it my style…or am I just submitting into the hand of Big Fashion & their master schemes of Reptilian-adjacent world domination yet again??

I, too, was mentally at odds. For quite some time, in fact! However, what was honestly a major catalyst in my personal change of aesthetic heart was our resident homegirl from season 17 of Project Runway: Hester Sunshine! Whose bright & bold signature style included this very staple—the ultra kitschy beret.

Hester crushing it in Project Runway | Image Source

So ever since then, I’ve basically been hooked. Especially upon also realizing how easy & fun it is to infuse them with one’s own alt-fashion twist. You know, instead of just looking like an obnoxious college student coming home from their 6-month study abroad with a fake-as-hell French accent. 

Once you key into some basic styling tips, that is.

#1: DON’T ASSUME THERE’S ONLY *ONE* WAY

We all know the classic look, but there are SO many options worth test driving that can give a whole other vibe. 

In addition to the slouched & slightly tipped to the side look, try pinning it on the back of your head & fluff it up so that it sticks straight up & out all around (if that makes sense?); pulling it straight onto your head over your forehead; hanging it on the back of your head & pulling down the bottom edge (kinda like a slouchy beanie circa 2010); pairing it with a nice side or low pony; maybe even using it to cover one eye & look like a straight up femme fatale on a misty, black & white street in Paris? Just kidding. About that last one. 

#2: KNOW YOU DON’T HAVE TO STICK WITH WOOL

Felt & wool are classic, but berets nowadays come in countless other materials. From faux fur & leather to velvet & more, it’s easy to find a fun, texture-filled alternative that really takes it all to the next level.

#3: FIND ONE THAT VIBES WITH YOUR CLOSET

For some, the plain beret pairs well with their wardrobe. But for plenty others, it can seem silly unless you find one that really feels like you. Regardless if it’s the fabric, the embroidered saying, the color palette or theme of the hat itself, there’s a (surprisingly) lot of opportunity to express yourself with different designs.

Take our very own line of alien, ouija planchette & brand-new ZODIAC SIGN berets, for example.

#4: DON’T BE AFRAID TO GO SUPER CASUAL

It’s easy to think that berets are only for super dolled-up outfits going out to brunch, but the total opposite of that can work amazingly well, too! We all love a glam, low-key, semi-troll-under-a-bridge moment, so why NOT spice up your sweats or oversized t-shirt with something fun & subtly chic like a beret?

#5: IN THE END, IF IT’S NOT YOU – IT’S NOT YOU

Whether you try & try without avail, or just know you hate them with a fiery passion, berets might simply not be your thing. Which is TOTALLY fine! As always, there’s no sense in jumping onto a bandwagon just for the sake of feeling cool – especially when it makes you feel anything but. So seriously, you do you! 

Here’s to hoping this trend continues to age well – unlike bucket hats, fedoras…or sequin newsboy caps.

*shivers*

Anyway, happy styling! (Even if it’s just to look cute playing Animal Crossing in your living room for the next 15 hours)

xxAA

++ As mentioned, we JUST dropped a few new beret styles, so be sure to check them out in our Etsy shop!

(( cat picture in feature image via the CATatelier Etsy shop ))

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