Ooh la la… the beret is back, and we could not be more excited.
As the self-confessed Francophiles that we are, it’s no secret we can’t resist anything that promises to bring us a step closer to living out our dreams of becoming a chic Parisian woman. So naturally we are ready to hop on board with the return of this most fabulous of French trends.
Ever since Maria Grazia Chiuri sent every single model down the runway topped with a leather beret in Dior’s AW17 show earlier this year, the long abandoned French millinery of choice has been creeping back to the top (quite literally) of every fashionista’s look.
And with a history embedded in artistic culture and revolution, it’s no surprise that the beret is Chiuri’s accessory of choice as she continues to take a feminist stand with her collections.
While mass production of the beret began in the 19th century, it’s roots go much further back. According to The Guardian, the first examples were found by archaeologists in bronze age tombs and the style has been skirting in and out of fashion ever since. Crossing both the social and political divide, the beret has been worn by everyone from peasants to royalty and artists to the military, before it became a favourite of the fashion set in the 20th century.
In the 1960s the beret was politicised by Argentinian revolutionary Che Guevara who adopted the look as he rallied support against the Batista government in Cuba. It has been utilised by activist groups ever since, notably as the uniform of the Black Panthers in the 1960s and 1970s – a look which Beyoncé used to make a political statement at the 2016 Super Bowl.
For many though, the beret continues to evoke the style of screen icons such as Faye Dunaway and Greta Garbo – and it’s almost whimsical quality can have a transformative effect on our look.
So, if you’re looking to channel your inner Parisian, there’s something for every style. From traditional designs from French brand Laulhère, who have been making berets in the same spot since 1840, to Itchy Scratchy Patchy’s political incarnations, scroll down to shop a few of our favourites below.
Black Wool Beret with Silver-Tone Eyelets
£95, thekooples.co.uk
Wool Beret in Red with Leather Look Bound Edge
£10, asos.com
Star Studded Beret
£15, accessorize.com
Solidarity Beret
Vinyl Beret
£17.99, mango.com
Pom Pom Beret
£39, toa.st/uk
Velour Beret
£450, net-a-porter.com
Authentique Merino Wool Beret
£29.95, hatsandcaps.co.uk
Images: REX Features
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