Short answer: because a beret is instantly chic, endlessly photogenic, and adds character with almost no effort. It signals French style and creativity in one move, which is exactly what a camera-ready wardrobe wants. That is why it keeps turning up on famous heads decade after decade.
I am Camille, and the beret has always kept company with artists and stars. Here is what celebrities actually get from it, and how to borrow the same effect.
- Berets are chic and photogenic, perfect for the camera.
- They add instant personality with very little effort.
- They signal French style and creativity in one piece.
- They double as low-key cover on an off-duty day.
- The look is easy to borrow: one beret, a simple outfit.
The short answer
Short on time? These are the reasons the beret is a celebrity staple.
| Why celebrities love it | What it does |
|---|---|
| Photogenic | Frames the face beautifully |
| Instant chic | Lifts a plain outfit in seconds |
| Full of character | Signals French, artistic style |
| Low-key option | Quiet cover on an off-duty day |
It is made for the camera
A beret frames the face and adds a clean, flattering line above it, which is why it photographs so well from every angle. For people who are photographed constantly, a piece that reliably looks good is worth its weight in gold.
It also comes with instant story. The beret has sat on the heads of icons for a century, and that heritage is part of what it lends the wearer. Our piece on who famously wore a beret runs through the names that made it iconic.
The camera-ready classic
Anyone who wants a piece that flatters in photos and lifts a plain outfit, exactly what draws celebrities to it.
★★★★★ 4.8 · 62 reviews
Black French Beret
The off-duty icon. Matte black felt that photographs cleanly and lifts the simplest outfit.
Shop now · $39Borrow the celebrity trick: keep the outfit plain and let the beret be the only statement. A white shirt, jeans and a beret is the off-duty formula for a reason.
It makes a statement, quietly
When a celebrity wants to look considered without trying, a coloured beret does the work. A rich wine tone reads elegant and a little dramatic, finishing an outfit while still feeling effortless. It is a statement that never looks like it took effort.
That balance of impact and ease is why the beret keeps returning to red carpets and street style alike. On whether the look is still current, we cover it in are berets still trendy.
★★★★★ 4.9 · 85 reviews
Wine Red Beret
Rich burgundy velvet, elegant and a little dramatic. A quiet statement that photographs beautifully.
Shop now · $45
A little colour, a lot of personality
Celebrities also use the beret to show a bit of personality on an otherwise simple day. A soft pink beret adds warmth and playfulness to jeans and a jumper, the kind of easy, human touch that reads well on and off camera.
It is the accessory that says you dress for yourself, which is exactly the impression a good off-duty look aims for.
★★★★★ 4.9 · 75 reviews
Pink French Beret
Vibrant fuchsia felt with a soft finish. Playful personality for an easy, off-duty look.
Shop now · $45How to borrow the look
- Keep the outfit simple and let the beret lead.
- Black for off-duty cool, a colour for a soft statement.
- Tilt it back and to one side for that easy, camera-ready angle.
Do not over-accessorise around a beret. Pile on bold jewellery, sunglasses and scarves all at once and the look tips from chic to costume. Let the beret be the star.
Frequently asked questions
They are photogenic, instantly chic and full of French character, so they lift an outfit and flatter in photos with very little effort.
Black for off-duty cool, a rich wine for an elegant statement, or a soft colour for playful personality. Keep the rest simple.
Wear a plain outfit, add one beret at a back-and-to-one-side tilt, and skip the extra accessories so the beret leads.
Yes. They return to the runway and street style regularly, which is a big part of why celebrities keep reaching for them.
So, why do celebrities love berets? Because they do so much with so little: chic, photogenic and full of story. Keep your outfit simple, add one, and you get the same effect.
Worn well, never overthought.
Camille
