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How to Wear Your Beret Like a True Parisian

This classic fall staple just got a little less cliché.

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There's no denying that the beret has been around for decades. There's also no denying that to style the Parisian staple in a way that reflects your current-day aesthetic, you'll need to think beyond the cliché. Luckily, there are plenty of places to turn to for fresh inspiration. From the runways of New York and Paris to the feeds of your favorite influencers, there is a slew of ideas worth bookmarking ahead of the new season. Read on and shop.

Fabric Play

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Invest in a beret made from unexpected materials (think patent leather, corduroy, or velvet) for a less traditional take on a classic trend. For those looking to take it a step further, consider styling the hat with a piece of outerwear of the same fabric to complete a coordinated outfit.

Dior Dior Parisian Beret Black Rabbit Felt

Dior Parisian Beret Black Rabbit Felt
Shop at Dior

A style with a fishnet vail overlay like Dior's felt iteration offers a vintage feel that's undeniably cool.  

Military Style

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Switch up the style altogether and go for a beret with a more structured silhouette that's reminiscent of one found in the militia. Pairing the relaxed shape with laid-back pieces offers a more casual approach. Plus, the styles with adjustable ties in the back allow you to find your perfect fit.

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Ruslan Baginskiy Wool Flat Cap

Wool Flat Cap

Very few millineries create hats quite like Ruslan Baginskiy, which is why its flat cap is tops. This one is perfect for that military feel. 

A Tried-and-True Classic

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Of course, there are plenty of classic styles on the market, too, if you're looking for something timeless. Any woolen felt style will give you that signature Parisian air. Give it a slightly updated feel by wearing it with color-blocked separates and modern accessories.

Brixton Black Audrey Beret

Black Audrey Beret
Credit: Neiman Marcus

Brixton's Audrey beret is a great starter style if you're looking for something you know you'll get a lot of wear out of. 

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Fall Cottagecore

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A white or cream-colored beret is a great way to wear summer 2020's cottagecore trend well beyond the warm-weather months. Pair the fall staple with a long-sleeve poplin top or dress and your favorite overcoat.

Maison Michel New Billy Suede Beret

New Billy Suede Beret
Credit: Neiman Marcus

Stray slightly from the traditional felt and opt for a suede beret that's as soft as it is chic.

Early-2000s Edge

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Draw inspiration from Julia Roberts's iconic look in Notting Hill and embrace the early-2000s trend by styling a pair of retro shades with a leather beret. The unlikely duo will give any outfit a cool edge.

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Eugenia Kim Carter Leather Beret

Carter Leather Beret
Credit: Neiman Marcus

Inspired by Beyoncé, Eugenia Kim's best-selling Carter beret has been a part of the brand's core collection for years—a testament to its styling power. 

The Everyday Print

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For those who want to make a statement, reach for a beret in a print that doubles as a neutral—think plaid or wallpaper florals. Keep the rest of your outfit minimal with a fresh white T-shirt and well-tailored trousers.

Banana Republic Banana Republic Plaid Beret

Banana Republic Plaid Beret

There's something so perfectly fall about plaid.  

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The Trendy Update

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The classic felt beret got an update with logo-embroidered details for the new season. Try pairing it with other trendy staples, like a cult bag and an oversized leather blazer layered over a sweatshirt, to round out the look.

Burberry Logo Graphic Merino Wool Beret

Logo Graphic Merino Wool Beret

Leave it to Burberry to put a trendy spin on a true wardrobe staple with its embroidered logo. 

Headshot of Shelby Ying Hyde
Shelby Ying Hyde

Shelby Ying Hyde is a Brooklyn-based shopping and fashion contributor BAZAAR.com, with bylines on The Zoe Report, Teen Vogue, Essence, Nylon, Elite Daily and more. Prior to entering the editorial space, she worked at luxury e-commerce giants Net-a-Porter and Moda Operandi on the product editorial team, where she gained an extensive understanding of the luxury market as it pertains to shopping and engaging customers in a digital space. Follow @theshelbyying on Instagram for shopping advice, sale updates, and tips for building a well-rounded wardrobe.

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