How to wear a beret

For a long time berets were only worn by the French, the military and you aged 13 on a school trip to Normandy thinking you were French. This season Maria Grazia Chiuri sent a parade of models down the catwalk in leatherette berets at Dior AW17 and SS18, sparking a trickle down into high street stores. So autumn’s hottest accessory was reinvented and has been seen on everyone from bloggers and celebrities to your girl crush on the tube. The time is officially nigh: the beret is big. While you shudder at the thought of 13-year-old you, here is some musings on the beret trend if not yet brave enough to buy.

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Despite being one of autumn’s biggest key buys, the beret is hard. The line between mime artist and cool Parisian girl is very slim making it difficult to get a good balance between chic and comical. But while it’s all very well a 6’2″ Amazonian goddess/model sporting the trend, it’s not always so easy for the everyday girl to write their very own ode to the beret. In the interest of saving you from getting ogled on your commute, consider these few tips.

Know your angles

After scouring Instagram and blogs (plus a few dodgy test runs), the conclusion has been drawn that the beret is best worn slightly in front of your hair line at a backwards tilt. Feel free to play around, but this method is tried and tested and should save you from looking like you’ve just joined the marines.

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Keep it simple

Sticking to the clichés: simplicity is the key. While a zebra print beret might look fun, imagine it on your head. Avoid busy prints or quirky shapes as the beret speaks for itself. Opt for ditsy prints such as small stars or pearls to keep the outfit understated and cool. The beret is maximalist enough already.

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How about a pop?

It is true what they say, the addition of a good accessory can transform an outfit so go for bright colours, such as the shade of the season, red. A splash of vivid colour will put your outfit back on the fashion radar and plunge you right into the new season – fast.

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Eleanor Oaten