A beret hat is not something you see every day. And when you do, there are only two options: effortlessly cool or just dumb. If you’ve shied away from wearing berets for fear of the latter, stick with us.
If you’ve got short hair, you might wonder: Can I actually pull this off? The good news is, yes, you totally can. Whether you’re rocking a pixie, a bob, or a cropped curly cut, berets can work beautifully with shorter styles.
You just need the right styling tricks. In this post, we’ll show you how to wear a beret hat with short hair and make it look intentional, stylish, and very you.
How To Wear A Beret Hat With Short Hair
Here’s how to wear a beret with short hair and look polished (and not like you’re heading to a costume party).
1. Find the Right Beret Shape
Not all berets are created equal. With short hair, the wrong shape can overwhelm your face or look floppy. So follow these tips:
- Go structured: Choose a beret that holds its form like structured wool or leather styles.
- Avoid oversized slouchy ones: These can drown out short hairstyles and make your head look unbalanced.
- Try different materials: Wool for classic style, cotton for casual days, and faux leather or velvet for a bolder statement.
2. Master the Tilt
The way you position your beret can change everything. With short hair, the right tilt adds style and dimension. Here are some tilt styles you can try:
- Classic French angle: Tilt it slightly to one side, so it rests just above one brow. This is our favorite here.
- Backwards slant: Push it back a bit to expose your hairline and give a more relaxed, modern vibe.
- Center placement: For pixie cuts or symmetrical bobs, a centered beret with texture can look edgy and cool.
3. Style Your Hair To Work With It
Short hair doesn’t mean no styling. You can play with volume and texture to switch things up with your beret.
- Pixie cuts: Add some texture with pomade or mousse. Think messy-chic.
- Bobs: Tuck one side behind your ear and let the other peek under the beret. Stylish!
- Curly styles: Let your curls do their thing! A few coils escaping around the edges of the beret look playful and intentional.
4. Secure It in Place
Short hair means less grip, so don’t be afraid to cheat a little. Use bobby pins to pin the beret to your hair discreetly underneath to prevent slipping. Another option is to look out for lined berets with inner bands or grips to help them stay put without flattening your style.
5. Balance With Accessories
Berets draw attention to your face, so don’t leave it hanging. Do these to balance your beret fashion:
- Statement earrings: Short hair and berets leave your ears exposed. Use that space for bold hoops, pearls, or artsy drop earrings.
- Makeup or lips: A red or wine lip instantly elevates the look. Or keep it soft and glowy for a cozy vibe.
6. Match It With Your Outfit
Pull the look together by treating your beret as part of the outfit, not an afterthought. That means that as you choose other parts of your grooming, you put your beret in mind. Here are some ideas:
- Keep it monochrome: All black with a matching beret? Instant French girl energy.
- Use it for contrast: A colored beret with a neutral outfit adds a fun twist.
- Layering matters: Coats, blazers, or oversized knits look especially good with a well-placed beret on top.
No Short Hair? Other Ways To Wear A Beret Hat
Not part of the short hair crew? Don’t worry, berets work for all hair lengths. Here’s how to style them if your strands are on the longer side.
1. Long Hair (Straight or Wavy)
- Tuck it in: Create a faux bob by tucking your hair into your coat or scarf and placing the beret just above.
- Loose and wavy: Let your hair flow out naturally beneath the beret. Add beachy waves for softness.
- Low ponytail: A chic low pony under the beret gives you a clean silhouette.
2. Curly or Coily Hair
- Play with volume: Let the beret perch lightly on top of your curls, don’t flatten them.
- Face-framing curls: Pull a few pieces forward to soften your face.
- Half-up curls: Tie the top section back, leave the rest down, and place your beret slightly behind.
3. Protective Styles (Braids, Twists, Locs)
- Casual tuck: Wear the beret just back enough to let your braids or locs fall forward.
- Side styles: Sweep braids or twists to one side for a romantic feel.
- Highlight edges: Use edge control to slick down baby hairs for a polished finish.
4. Bangs or Fringe
- Bangs front and center: Let them peek out under the beret for a soft, feminine touch.
- Side-swept bangs: Pair with a tilted beret for vintage-inspired glam.
5. Updos and Buns
- Low bun: Secure a neat bun at the nape of your neck, then place the beret slightly above.
- French twist: Perfect for more formal looks—adds elegance under a classic beret.
- Avoid high buns: They can make your beret sit awkwardly or pop off. Sure, you wouldn’t want that.
Flaunt That Beret!
Berets aren’t just for long, flowing hair. They can totally work with short styles, too. It’s all about balance, texture, and a little tilt of the head (literally and figuratively).
With the right beret and a few styling tricks, you can look put-together, confident, and seriously chic no matter your hair length. Check out our fashion collection for some really cool items to wear with your beret!
Do you wear berets often? Share some tips in the comment section! Will you be trying a beret after reading this? We’ll like to know, too!