Nothing symbolises French culture like the petite, disc-shaped beret.
The woollen headpiece is the representation of Parisian style, forming the nucleus of quintessential French taste alongside Breton stripes, baguettes and microscopic crimson neckties.
Setting aside images of bob-haired women cycling through the cobbled streets of Le Marais, berets have been reimagined throughout history in the most unexpected of ways. - from the runways of Fashion Week to the barracks of the British Armed Forces.
And now they are witnessing a renaissance. As with so many other trends, silver trousers, patchwork jeans and skinny scarves to name a few, berets have been reclaimed by Gen Z audiences to hone their ultimate art student-meets-grandpacore mood boards.
Influencers Mia Regan and Parisa Louvel (BadKidHQ) exemplify the ongoing captivation with the arguably impractical headwear, which has prompted It-girl labels such as Ganni and Kangol to broaden their beret collections. Yet, they exist most strikingly in the realm of luxury fashion, pioneered by Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, Miu Miu, Prada and Maison Margiela. Remember model Leon Dame’s wonky-stomp walk during the Maison Margiela Spring 2020 show? He was wearing a beret, which only contributed to the spectacle of the soon-to-be-viral moment.
The existence of the beret in high fashion couldn’t be a further cry from the charming hat’s humble beginnings. Berets were traditionally worn by male shepherds of the Pyrénées. The commercial production of the Basque silhouettes began in the 17th century, and by the 1920s, it became known as an accessory worn by the working classes.
Deeper socio-political implications of the beret began to emerge in the 1960s. Black berets were worn by revolutionary activists such as the Black Panthers and Che Guevara, while simultaneously acting as a Swinging Sixties fashion statement.
David Bowie, Marlene Dietrich, Mary Quant, Charlotte Rampling, Brigitte Bardot and subsequently John Lennon, were all photographed in berets that slotted into their bohemian beatnik culture. The headpiece became a resounding motif of intellectualism, whether in the artistic, political or social sense - a point further evidenced by the considered, beret-bearing portraits of Claude Monet, Rembrandt and Picasso. Not to mention various Prince lyrics detailing a mysterious lover and her raspberry beret (the kind you find in a second-hand store).
So yes, berets remain a stereotypical emblem of French taste. This isn’t set to change. However, as proven by the storied history of the hats, the sculpted accessories have stood the test of time as chic statement pieces. Whether you want to assert yourself as an artiste, academic or trendsetter, the solution lies within the flattened folds of the beret.
Discover the best berets to perfect your Parisian attitude and browse our edit below.
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Kangol Furgora Big Monty Beret
Kangol’s berets are a true sign of an It-girl. Perch this cranberry rendition atop your head and watch as all eyes fall on your fabulously furry headgear.
Buy now £63.75, Kangol
Ganni Brown Structured Rib Beret
Ganni girls do it better - a motto lovingly plastered across the brand’s social hubs. Well, it's true. Adorn yourself with a chocolate-toned beret that offers a subtle yet sophisticated centrepiece to complete any outfit.
Buy now £55.00, Ganni
Anthropologie Classic Wool-Blend Beret
A classic pick for monochrome dressers, Antropologie’s beret is a great port of call for revamping your accessories arsenal at the drop of a hat.
Buy now £30.00, Anthropologie
Prada Triangle-logo Beret
Berets are heirlooms to be cherished forever. So why not browse the best? Prada’s iconic nylon material has been fashioned into a modern beret for luxury lovers. Complete with the brand’s logo plaque, this piece promises a timeless addition to your transitional wardrobe.
Buy now £410.00, Farfetch
Marine Serre Crescent-moon Wool Beret
Showcase your brand vocabulary with a touch of Marine Serre. The brand’s motif-bearing beret offers up a low-key dose of luxury for fashion followers to covet.
Buy now £230.00, Farfetch
Mango Sequined Beret
Didn’t you hear? Noughties fashion is back. Tap into the penchant for all things kitsch with a sequined beret that harkens back to the days of Paris Hilton.
Buy now £15.99, Mango
Nina Ricci Sequin-embellished Tonal Beret
A same-same-but-different situation, Nina Ricci’s sequin-clad beret is a luxury take on Mango’s affordable headpiece. Tonal sequins promise a more subtle glimmer under the winter sun, which are held into place by impeccably constructed materials.
Buy now £204.00, Farfetch
& Other Stories Wool Beret
Add a pop of colour to any look with a pale blue beret in a charming frosty hue. An affordable choice which is also available in classic black, this high-street pick is a failsafe buy for Scandi-style lovers.
Buy now £27.00, & Other Stories
Lost Pattern NYC Houndstooth Beret Hat
We can see it now. The Damson Madder and Ganni enthusiasts going wild over gingham berets. Gingham trousers are having a moment, so why not take it a step further with an olive and cream gingham beret? Wolf and Badger has a selection of the twee items to hand, in colourways from cherry-red to classic monochrome and more.
Buy now £46.00, Wolf and Badger
Maison Margiela Four-stitch Logo-detail Beret
The love story between the house of Margiela and berets continues. Opt for a chic navy hue to perfect your sailor-inspired look with a genderless headpiece that is the epitome of elegance.
Buy now £350.00, Farfetch
The Row Dodo Cashmere Beret
The Row is notoriously luxe, a fact reflected in the brand’s price tags. This extravagant yet undeniably elegant beret is the best of the best, crafted from mid-weight cashmere in a classic shape that's easy to adjust as you wish.
Buy now £880.00, Net-A-Porter
