Berets seem to be back, but the question is: have they ever been gone? Defined as a round, soft and flat hat easily mistaken for a loaf of mouldy or charred bread, the modern Basque-style beret has endured throughout the years since its inception in the 19th Century, crowning everyone from the French and soldiers the world over to Jane Birkin and Faye Dunaway (a.k.a. the Queen of Silver Screen Berets). Has the beret ever been not relevant? No, but thanks to the likes of Alessandro Michele’s Gucci and most recently Maria Grazia Chiuri’s second runway collection for Dior – every model had a black leather beret on – berets, like baguettes fresh out of the oven, seem to be hotter than ever.

The beret is sort of like the statement shoe or, as we like to call them, feet expressos. Gross, but true. Like the statement shoe, the beret has the power to shake an outfit awake, though it is more of a tap on a shoulder than a kick in the heinie. Don’t believe us? Just try it. Wear a simple white t-shirt, a pair of jeans, a red lip and pop on a beret. See? Theory proven. There’s just something about wearing a flat hat drooped to one side. Call it classy, quirky, boarding schoolesque, commanding or all of the above. You don’t even need a baguette under your arm to complete the picture – though you could if you wanted to.

Gucci Leather Beret

Gucci Crocheted Pom Pom Cotton Beret

Gucci Wool-Felt Beret

Gucci Crocheted Pom Pom Cotton Beret

Moncler Knitted Beret

Gucci Crochet Pom Pom Cotton Beret

Silver Spoon Attire Mesh Veil Beret

Gucci Crochet Pom Pom Cotton Beret

Main Image: Imaxtree