Short answer: yes, the beret is one of the most bohemian hats you can wear. It carries decades of artist-and-poet history, and worn with a relaxed, earthy outfit it instantly reads free-spirited. But it is not only bohemian, which is part of its charm.
I am Camille, and I shape these by hand in the Béarn tradition. The beret began as practical countryside headwear and was adopted by painters and writers, which is exactly why it feels artistic today. Here is how to lean into that boho side without it tipping into costume.
- Yes, a beret reads bohemian, thanks to its artist-and-poet history.
- Earthy tones (olive, rust, brown, cream) lean the most boho.
- Pair it with soft, flowing or textured pieces, not sharp tailoring.
- Tilt it back and to one side for the relaxed, artistic look.
- It is versatile too, so it never looks like fancy dress.
The short answer
Short on time? This is how the way you wear it changes the vibe.
| Wear it like this | The vibe it gives |
|---|---|
| Tilted, earthy tone | Artistic and free-spirited |
| With a maxi dress | Soft, romantic boho |
| With denim and boots | Easy, lived-in boho |
| Neutral felt, simple outfit | Understated, not costume |
Why the beret reads bohemian
The beret earned its artistic reputation honestly. It moved from farmers and shepherds to the painters, writers and musicians of Paris, and that creative crowd is exactly who made it a symbol of individuality. Put one on and you borrow a little of that story.
What keeps it boho rather than costume is restraint. One beret, an earthy palette and soft fabrics read free-spirited. Piling on every trend at once does not. If you are still finding your angle, our guide on how to wear a French beret covers the simple placement that does the work.
Who the boho beret suits best
Free-spirited dressers, lovers of earthy colour and natural texture, and anyone who wants one piece that makes an outfit look artistic.
★★★★★ 4.8 · 89 reviews
French Green Beret
Soft, deep green with a gentle texture. An earthy, artistic colour that anchors a boho outfit without shouting.
Shop now · $45Keep the palette earthy and let fabrics do the work. Olive, rust, cream and brown, in soft or textured materials, read far more bohemian than bright primary colours.
How to style a beret the boho way
Boho is about softness and layering. Pair the beret with a flowing dress, a knit cardigan, or denim with a textured jacket, and add natural materials like suede, leather or linen. The beret ties the relaxed pieces together and gives the look a focal point.
Texture matters more than logos here. A felt or knit beret next to a chunky knit or a soft suede boot feels considered and warm. For full outfit ideas, our piece on outfits with a beret shows a few easy combinations.
- Romantic: maxi dress, suede boots, cream or green beret.
- Casual: denim, chunky knit, brown beret.
An easy everyday pick
★★★★★ 4.8 · 61 reviews
Chocolate Brown Beret
Warm chocolate brown with a soft, suede-like finish. A vintage, earthy tone that suits denim and knitwear beautifully.
Shop now · $45
Boho colours that work
If you want the most bohemian feel, reach for the warm, earthy end of the spectrum. Rust, mustard, olive and deep brown all sit naturally with the soft, layered boho wardrobe and the natural materials it favours.
A warm rust or burnt orange is the colour that most says free-spirited without trying. Worn against denim, cream or olive, it lifts the whole outfit and keeps it grounded at the same time.
★★★★★ 4.8 · 58 reviews
Orange Beret Hat
Vibrant, warm orange in soft felt. The rust-toned pop that gives an earthy outfit its boho lift.
Shop now · $45Caring for a felt or wool beret
- Spot clean small marks and never wring the body.
- Reshape the crown while slightly damp so it dries round.
- Store it flat or on a rounded surface to hold the shape.
Never machine wash or tumble dry a wool or felt beret. The heat shrinks and stiffens it, and the soft slouch that makes the boho look will not come back.
Frequently asked questions
Both. It is a French classic with a strong artistic, bohemian association, earned through generations of painters and writers who wore it.
Earthy tones: olive, rust, mustard, deep brown and cream. They sit naturally with the soft, layered boho wardrobe.
Soft, flowing or textured pieces such as maxi dresses, knits, denim and suede, in natural materials and earthy colours.
Yes. An earthy felt beret with denim, a knit and a relaxed coat gives the same artistic, free-spirited feel.
So, is wearing a beret bohemian? It can be, and beautifully so. Lean into earthy colour and soft texture, keep it relaxed, and the beret will carry that free-spirited, artistic feel without any effort.
Worn well, never overthought.
Camille
