20BeretOutfitstoTryThisWinter2026
Table of Contents
Nothing says Parisian chic quite like a beret. This small, soft wool hat has been a style icon for decades, and for winter 2026 it is back in a big way — worn tilted over one eye with a camel coat, pulled low over a chunky knit, or perched neatly above a tailored blazer. The good news is that a beret suits everyone: it is all about placement, colour and confidence. If you love classic headwear, our pillbox hat outfits guide covers the beret’s more structured cousin, but the beret is softer, easier to wear and far more forgiving. Below are 20 beret outfits for winter 2026, plus a full guide to placement, colour matching and beret types.
Key Takeaways
- Tilt the beret to one side, sitting just above the eyebrow, and pull the back down so it stays put.
- Black, navy and burgundy berets are the most versatile; a red beret is the classic statement colour.
- Match your beret to your coat for a polished look, or deliberately contrast it for a fashion-forward one.
- Wool berets are the warmest and most classic choice; cashmere, leather and velvet versions suit different occasions.
- A beret works with hair worn down, in a low bun or in loose waves — just keep the front hair soft around the face.
In This Article
- How to wear a beret: placement and tilt
- Beret types and colours: match or contrast?
- 20 beret outfits
- Beret care and travel tips
- Frequently asked questions
How to Wear a Beret: Placement and Tilt
The classic beret placement is tilted to one side, with the beret sitting above one eyebrow and the bulk of the fabric falling over the opposite side of the head. Pull the back down low so the beret stays secure, and leave a little volume at the top rather than flattening it. If you have long hair, wear it down or in a low bun so the beret sits neatly on top; if you have a fringe, let it peek out from under the front edge. New Era’s guide to styling berets shows the same placement with step-by-step photos, and it is worth a look before you buy your first beret. A silk scarf at the neck pairs beautifully with a beret and completes the Parisian look. If the beret slips, a couple of discreet hair grips on the inside band will hold it in place all day.
Beret Types and Colours: Match or Contrast?
Wool berets are the classic choice: warm, affordable and available in every colour, from around £10 to £30 on the high street. Cashmere berets are softer and lighter, and worth the extra cost if you wear one often. Leather berets are the edgiest option and suit street-style outfits, while velvet berets are the most elegant choice for evenings. For colour, matching your beret to your coat — a black beret with a black coat, or a burgundy beret with a burgundy coat — looks polished and intentional. Deliberate contrast is just as stylish: a red beret with a camel coat is the most famous combination in French fashion, and a black beret with a cream coat is equally chic. Choose one approach per outfit and keep the rest of the colours calm.
20 Beret Outfits for Winter 2026
Each look below is built around one beret, with notes on placement, colour and what to wear with it. OutfitTrends’ beret outfit ideas offer even more inspiration if you want to see how different beret colours work with winter coats.
1. The Classic Parisian: Black Beret, Black Turtleneck and Brown Coat
The outfit that defines French style. A black wool beret tilted to one side, a black turtleneck, a brown wool coat, dark jeans and ankle boots. Keep the palette simple — black, brown and denim — and add a leather shoulder bag. This is the beret look every other beret look is measured against.
2. Red Beret in the Snow
A red beret is the most joyful winter accessory. Wear a red wool beret with a grey wool coat, black gloves and a red quilted handbag for a snowy day out. The red pops against the grey and the snow, and the matching bag ties the whole outfit together.
3. Beret With a Camel Coat and Jeans
A camel coat and a beret are a natural pairing. Wear a burgundy or black beret with a camel wool coat, a cream knit, blue jeans and tan ankle boots. The warm camel tone softens the beret’s Parisian edge, so the outfit feels relaxed as well as chic.
4. Beret With a Trench Coat
For a smart city look, wear a black beret with a classic trench coat, a striped Breton top, dark jeans and loafers. The beret adds French flair to the British trench, and the combination works for work, weekends and travel alike.
5. Beret With a Chunky Knit and Denim
For a cosy weekend outfit, wear a navy beret with a chunky cream roll-neck knit, straight blue jeans and brown ankle boots. Pull the beret low over one ear and let your hair fall loose underneath. The knit’s texture and the beret’s softness make the outfit feel warm and approachable.
6. Chic Beret With a Tailored Coat
A beret elevates tailoring instantly. Wear a black beret with a tailored black or navy wool coat, a white shirt, straight trousers and heeled boots for a polished, editorial look. Keep the beret’s tilt neat and the rest of the outfit structured.
7. Beret With a Leather Jacket
For an edgier take, pair a black leather beret with a black leather jacket, a white tee, black jeans and ankle boots. The matching leathers make the outfit feel intentional, and the beret softens the jacket’s toughness just enough.
8. Beret With a Midi Dress and Boots
A beret works beautifully with dresses. Wear a burgundy beret with a knitted midi dress in cream or grey, opaque tights and knee-high boots for a feminine winter outfit that suits lunch dates, work and weekend walks.
9. Beret With Leather Gloves and a Wool Coat
For the coldest days, pair a black beret with leather gloves, a long wool coat, a chunky scarf and boots. The leather gloves and the wool beret are both practical and polished, and the combination keeps you warm without a bulky hat.
10. Beret in Falling Snow
A black coat and a black beret in falling snow is one of winter’s most photogenic combinations. Wear a black beret with a black wool coat, a grey scarf and dark boots, and let the snow provide the contrast. Wool berets handle light snow well, so you can enjoy the moment without worrying about your hat.
11. Beret With a Plaid Scarf and Jeans
For a casual day out, wear a burgundy beret with a plaid or checked scarf, a navy coat, straight jeans and ankle boots. The beret picks up the scarf’s burgundy tones, so the outfit looks coordinated without being matchy-matchy.
12. Beret With an Evening Dress
For an evening with a difference, wear a velvet beret with a satin or velvet midi dress and heeled boots. A black velvet beret over a burgundy dress is elegant and unexpected, and it keeps you warm on the way to dinner.
13. Beret With a Faux-Fur Coat
A faux-fur coat and a beret are a glamorous winter pairing. Wear a black beret with a cream or grey faux-fur coat, black trousers and heeled boots for a luxurious outfit that suits evenings, theatre trips and festive occasions.
14. Plaid Coat and Burgundy Beret
A plaid coat with a burgundy beret is French winter style at its best. Wear the beret tilted to one side, with a cream knit, dark jeans and tan boots underneath the plaid coat. The burgundy picks up the plaid’s warm tones and makes the whole outfit feel considered.
15. Beret With a Puffer Jacket
A beret softens a sporty puffer jacket. Wear a black beret with a black or navy puffer, straight jeans and trainers for a street-style look that is warm, practical and surprisingly chic. The beret stops the puffer looking too casual.
16. Polished at Any Age: Beret for Women Over 40
A beret is one of the most flattering hats for women over 40, because it adds style without hiding the face. Choose a black or burgundy wool beret, wear it with a tailored coat, a fine knit and straight trousers, and finish with leather boots. Our winter outfits for women over 40 guide has more ideas for the same polished, age-confident approach.
17. Beret With a Blazer and Tailoring
For the office, wear a black beret with a navy blazer, a white shirt, tailored trousers and loafers. The beret adds personality to otherwise plain tailoring, and it is easy to remove and pop in your bag when you arrive.
18. Camel Coat and Red Beret
The most famous beret combination of all: a red beret with a camel coat. Wear the red beret tilted to one side, with a cream knit, dark jeans and tan boots under the camel coat. The red against the camel is the colour pairing that made French style famous.
19. Beret With a Denim Jacket and Skirt
For a softer, bohemian look, wear a navy beret with a denim jacket, a white blouse and a midi skirt, with ankle boots. The beret adds a French touch to the denim, and the combination works well for spring-like winter days.
20. Beret for Travel: Packable and Versatile
A beret is the best travel hat because it packs flat and suits every outfit. Take one black wool beret on a city break and wear it with your coat, your knit and your evening dress in turn. It weighs almost nothing, never loses its shape and instantly makes any outfit look styled.
Related: For more winter headwear and layering ideas, see our pillbox hat outfits and camel coat outfits guides.
Beret Care and Travel Tips
Brush a wool beret gently after wear to remove dust and lint, and never machine-wash it; spot-clean small marks with a damp cloth. If a beret gets wet, reshape it on a plate or a bowl and let it dry naturally, away from radiators. Store berets flat, stacked with tissue paper between them, so they keep their shape. For travel, fold a beret in half and slip it into a side pocket — it will spring back to shape when you take it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you wear a beret without it looking silly?
Tilt it to one side, above one eyebrow, and pull the back down low. Keep the rest of the outfit simple and let the beret be the statement piece. Confidence matters more than perfection — a beret always looks better slightly tilted than perfectly straight.
What colour beret should I buy first?
Black is the most versatile first beret, because it works with every coat and every outfit. Burgundy is the second-best choice, and red is the classic statement colour if you already own a black one.
Can you wear a beret with short hair?
Yes. A beret suits short hair, bobs and pixie cuts very well, because it frames the face without hiding it. Wear the beret slightly further back on short hair so your fringe or front layers show.
How much does a beret cost?
High-street wool berets cost around £10 to £30. Cashmere berets typically cost £40 to £80, while leather and designer berets can cost £100 or more.
Do berets stay on in the wind?
Mostly, yes, if the beret fits well and you pull the back down low. For very windy days, use two discreet hair grips on the inside band, or choose a beret with a snug elasticated lining.
Can you wear a beret to work?
Yes. A black or navy wool beret with a tailored coat and smart trousers is perfectly appropriate for most workplaces, and it is easy to remove and store in your bag when you arrive.
What is the difference between a beret and a pillbox hat?
A beret is soft, flat and tilted to one side, while a pillbox hat is small, round and structured, sitting straight on top of the head. Berets are more casual and easier to wear; pillbox hats are more formal and structured.
About Business Outstanders
Business Outstanders is a UK fashion editorial team publishing practical, seasonal style guides for readers across the UK. Our editors research current trends and high-street options so every guide is useful, accurate and easy to follow.
