• How To Style A Beret

    A beret is a simple but effective way to switch up your daily headwear rotation. Berets have a different shape and vibe to a typical baseball cap or beanie, but don’t require a different wardrobe to style it well. 

    Paired with an oversized wool coat, knitwear in winter, or thrown on with jeans and a jacket at the weekend, it’s a great addition to any wardrobe.

    If you’ve never worn one before, working out how it should sit and fit best is the first hurdle. Once you perfect this aspect, the rest is fairly straightforward.

Different Ways To Wear A Beret

Switching the position of a beret can change the vibe of your outfit and how it looks overall. Here are a few options to try.

Side Tilt

Tilt the beret slightly to the left or right, so that the crown sits naturally rather than completely flat.
This works well with structured outfits, particularly coats and jackets. It is also a nice starting point if you are wearing a beret for the first time.

Worn Further Back

Move the beret towards the back of your head so more of your forehead and hair are visible.
This gives the hat a more relaxed feel and works well with casual fits. Try it with jeans, a sweatshirt or a jacket for an everyday outfit.

Worn Straight

You don’t have to tilt a beret. Wearing it straight can look cleaner and works particularly well if you are wearing a patterned or brightly coloured style.
It also keeps the focus on the beret itself without adding another strong angle to the outfit, so if you want a bold accessory or your headwear to be the focal point of the outfit, this is the one to go for.

Relaxed Style

Depending on the shape of your beret, you can leave a bit more room in the crown rather than pulling it tightly into place.
This pairs well with casual layers and softer fabrics.

How To Wear A Beret

Start by placing the beret on your head and making sure it feels secure with a proper fit. It should stay in place without feeling too tight or uncomfortable.

From there, how you wear it is more of a personal preference; you can decide how you want it to sit. A slight tilt to one side is the standard option, but you can wear it further back for a more relaxed, casual feel. You can even wear it closer to the centre of your head if you prefer a simpler shape.

How Do You Style A Beret?

A beret works well with jackets, knitwear, denim and even tailored, fitted clothing.

The best position depends on your hair length and style, the shape of the beret, and what feels more comfortable for you, without the need to force it into a particular shape.

The New Era Wool Grey Beret is a good starting point if you want something versatile. Grey coordinates well with darker winter layers, denim, and neutral knitwear, and the wool material makes it well suited to colder months.

How Should A Beret Fit?

A beret should sit securely without feeling tight or uncomfortable. You should be able to move your head without it slipping off or moving, but it shouldn’t be too tight or put pressure on your head.

Some people prefer a more precise fit, while others like a bit more room in the crown. The right choice comes down to the style of beret and how you want to wear it.

What To Wear With A Beret

You don’t need to build an entire outfit around any headwear. It should complement your outfit; it’s easier to start with clothes and add the hat from there.

Person wearing a leopard print beret with a New York Yankees logo and matching coat.

Beret With A Coat

A beret and a coat are a must-have combination for Autumn and Winter. Try a wool beret with an oversized winter coat, shorter wool jacket or padded jacket.

If you’re wearing a larger or oversized coat, keeping the beret relatively neat will help balance proportions. With a cropped or shorter jacket, you can play around more with the shape.

Beret With Knitwear

Wool and knitwear naturally work well together, particularly in colder months.

Try a wool beret with a jumper, cardigan or crew neck. Grey, black, navy and brown all go nicely with neutral knitwear, while a bolder colour can break up an otherwise simple outfit.

SHOP YANKEES WOOL LEOPARD BERET

Beret With Denim

Pair your beret with denim for a stylish but relaxed vibe.

A pair of jeans, a sweatshirt or knit, and a jacket are the only components you need for a good outfit. Keep the rest of the outfit fairly simple and let the beret be the finishing touch.

Beret With Casual Streetwear

Berets aren’t strictly for traditional or dressed-up outfits. They’ve now made their way into streetwear, working just as well with relaxed trousers, sweatshirts, trainers and oversized jackets.

New Era's New York Yankees MLB wool berets are versatile, with subtle branding that complements outfits without going down the usual baseball cap route. Navy, dark green, and dark brown are ideal for Autumn/Winter months and pair perfectly with neutral colours.

For a statement piece, the New York Yankees MLB Leopard Beige Beret adds a bold finishing touch to level up a minimalist outfit, or for a pop of colour. 

SHOP YANKEES WOOL BLACK BERET

How To Style A Beret For Different Occasions

Berets can be styled for a whole host of different outfits and occasions.

For simple, everyday looks, keep things relaxed by combining jeans, knitwear, trainers and a jacket. 

For smarter outfits, pair a beret with tailored trousers, a structured jacket or an overcoat. Keep the colour palette relatively neutral if you want the look to feel understated.

For weekends, a colourful beret or print can add personality to an otherwise straightforward outfit.

When the temperature drops, a wool beret is a useful alternative to your usual winter hat. It keeps your head warm, as well as looking good. Pair it with chunkier knitwear and thick winter coats for a look that fits the weather and is stylish.

How To Choose The Right Beret Colour

The easiest colour to style of course are neutrals, but bold statement pieces always compliment an otherwise basic outfit.

A black New York Yankees beret hat featuring the embroidered white NY logo on the side and a small white New Era logo near the brim, set against a plain white background.

BLACK AND NEUTRAL BERETS

A black beret is a staple wardrobe accessory. It pairs with dark colours, lighter neutrals and even denim, and works with both casual and smart outfits.

Grey, navy and brown are good alternatives if you want something a little less blocky and dark.

The New Era Wool Grey Beret is perfect for the winter season where fashion is usually more monotone. Team it with a dark coat, jeans and a baggy jumper for the perfect cold-weather fit.

SHOP NOW

BOLD COLOURS

Once you are comfortable wearing a neutral beret, a stronger colour is the statement piece to complete your outfit.

A red beret, for example, provides a strong contrast against black, grey or navy. You don’t need an exact colour match elsewhere in the outfit. In fact, it’s often better to let the beret be the one thing that stands out, or even match the colourtones of your accessories, e.g red beret = red shoes.

The same applies to brighter shades and patterns or prints. Start with a simple outfit and add the finishing touches through a funky beret.

For a statement piece, the New York Yankees MLB Leopard Beige Beret adds a bold finishing touch to level up a minimalist outfit, or for a pop of colour. 

SHOP NOW
New York Yankees MLB Wool Script Dark Red Beret

How To Style A Beret With Different Hairstyles

You don’t need a particular haircut or hairstyle to make a beret stylish. The only thing that may differ is you might just need to change the way you position it.

Short Hair

With short hair, it's recommended to wear the beret slightly further back so that more of your hair and hairline are visible.
A small tilt can however add some shape. Try to avoid pulling the beret too far down if it starts to hide the hairstyle completely.

Long Hair

Long hair allows for essentially any style choice. Leave it loose underneath the beret or pull it into a low ponytail or bun.
If you want the beret to be the main focal point, keep the hairstyle simple. Alternatively, letting some hair fall around your face can make the outfit more relaxed.p

Curly Hair

For curly hair, try wearing the beret further back rather than pulling it tightly over your curls.
Leaving some of the hair visible helps keep its natural shape. A more relaxed position usually works better than trying to flatten everything underneath the hat.

Fringes

Position the beret slightly further back so your fringe remains visible. You can also try a small side tilt to see how it sits alongside your fringe, it’s all about trial and error.

Shop New Era Berets

Explore New Era's Berets & Beret Hats collection for wool, team-branded and statement styles.

Choose from neutral wool berets for every day, to New York Yankees for a little more character and team flare, there are plenty of ways to make the style work for you.

Discover our berets and find your next headwear staple.

FAQ

How are you supposed to wear a beret?

There is no set in stone way to wear a beret. As long as it fits securely, try wearing it slightly to one side, further back or more centrally. The best position will depend on the beret, your hairstyle and your outfit. 

Which way should a beret tilt?

A beret can tilt either way. Try the left and right to see which position you prefer.

Do you wear a beret over your ears?

A beret usually isn’t pulled over the ears. It should sit securely on your head without feeling tight or restrictive. Adjust the position until it feels comfortable and stays in place.

Are berets still fashionable?

Yes! Berets can be worn with modern casual, streetwear and dressed up attire. The style has moved well beyond the traditional looks it is typically associated with.

What face shape suits a beret?

Any face shape can work with a beret. Changing the position can alter the shape around your face, so try wearing it further back, centrally or with a slight tilt to find the most comfortable fit.

Can you wear a beret with glasses?

Yes. If your glasses feel uncomfortable underneath the beret, try moving it slightly further back or adjusting the position until it feels comfortable, make sure the beret positioning doesn’t move your glasses.

Are berets suitable for men and women?

Yes, berets can be worn by anyone. The colour, fit and styling are much more important than whether a particular style is labelled for men or women.