The Return of the Beret and How to Style It #iwillwearwhatilike

How to style a beret in winter: With a navy pinstripe wool coat, check trousers, a sweater dress and taupe lace ups | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion blog

Like the colour orange, skinny jeans and velvet, I almost died a little inside when I heard that the beret was making a comeback. Of course, a girl’s allowed to change her mind…!

Not since the early 90s have I worn a beret.  I bought a black one for a fancy dress party at college where I went as Faye Dunaway’s Bonnie Parker – just about the most stylish fancy dress outfit there is, no?! – and they were on trend for quite a while during that decade (think Cher Horowitz in Clueless). Maybe because that’s the last time I remember them being a thing that hearing about their return made me cringe a little?

[THE BERET IS] THE PERFECT NEUTRAL COLOUR AND WILL GO WITH SO MANY THINGS IN MY ALMOST-DEVOID-OF-BLACK WARDROBE.

Anyway, I probably wouldn’t have bought one (despite the beret being THE hat of the Dior Fall 2017 Ready-to-Wear collection) if I hadn’t seen this camel wool beret from Asos. It’s the perfect neutral colour and will of course go with so many more things in my almost-devoid-of-black wardrobe than a black one would have.

How to style a beret in winter: With a navy pinstripe wool coat, check trousers, a sweater dress and taupe lace ups | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion blog

SHOP THE LOOK:

 

They may not be the warmest hat to wear in the winter but you can style them in all sorts of different ways: You have to decide on the best way to wear a beret depending on your own style and what looks right on YOU. I tend to wear mine pulled to one side and down onto my forehead (more like a military beret I guess), but you may find it suits you better further back on your head or poufed up a little.

In keeping with the theme of these Monday #iwillwearwhatilike link ups – no rules, ladies!

The rest of the outfit was pulled together from what I just fancied wearing that day. The Jaeger navy pinstripe coat and check trousers are old favourites, the Seasalt sweater dress was new this Autumn (now on sale) and hadn’t been worn in a few weeks, and the patent flatform lace-ups are new and from Marks & Spencer… omGEE do I love these shoes?!!

Marks & Spencer shoes are ALWAYS so comfy, and these have a fabric edging at the back which stops rubbing at the heel (look closely: it looks like my socks are poking out but that’s actually part of the shoes). Again, like the beret, they’re a perfect neutral and I have worn them loads already.

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What I really love about this outfit though are the colours and the little collections of stripes everywhere – stripes on the coat, stripes on the hem of the dress, stripes at my cuffs where gloves, roll neck sweater and dress cuffs and coat meet (see the close-up photo below). It’s the details like that which make me love an outfit: Lots of clumps of colour which for me are so much interesting than a black coat, black trousers and black boots… ESPECIALLY in the winter.

Don’t miss the different colour beret and navy coat finds I’ve sourced for you below if you’d like to try out either of these items for yourself…!

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Onto the link up: Add your outfits to this week’s link up – and if you’ve added a link to here or my button to your post you may be featured next week!

HAVE YOU EMBRACED THE RETURN OF THE BERET YET? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB!

Catherine

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How to style a beret in winter: With a navy pinstripe wool coat, check trousers, a sweater dress and taupe lace ups | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion blog
How to style a beret in winter: With a navy pinstripe wool coat, check trousers, a sweater dress and taupe lace ups | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion blog
How to style a beret in winter: With a navy pinstripe wool coat, check trousers, a sweater dress and taupe lace ups | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion blog
How to style a beret in winter: With a navy pinstripe wool coat, check trousers, a sweater dress and taupe lace ups | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion blog
How to style a beret in winter: With a navy pinstripe wool coat, check trousers, a sweater dress and taupe lace ups | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion blog
How to style a beret in winter: With a navy pinstripe wool coat, check trousers, a sweater dress and taupe lace ups | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion blog
How to style a beret in winter: With a navy pinstripe wool coat, check trousers, a sweater dress and taupe lace ups | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion blog
How to style a beret in winter: With a navy pinstripe wool coat, check trousers, a sweater dress and taupe lace ups | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion blog

Beret: Asos
Coat: Jaeger c/o (try this navy pinstripe trench or this similar plain navy wool coat)
Sweater dress: Seasalt c/o (limited sizes, I also like this one)
Trousers: Asos (old, I like these)
Shoes: Marks & Spencer
Bag: House of Fraser (same in black or I like this burgundy one)
Gloves: Tesco (similar)

 

OTHER BERETS AND NAVY COATS TO TRY:

 

 

 

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The #iwillwearwhatilike link up with Not Dressed As Lamb
Thank you for joining the #iwillwearwhatilike link up! This started as a campaign on Instagram in August 2015 where women over 30 wore everything on a journalist’s list of “inappropriate” items for 30+ women (including leopard print, short dresses and oversized sunglasses. Yes, really). It was so popular that I decided to carry it on weekly where women of all ages link up their fabulous style, never mind what anyone tells them not to wear!

The link up goes live every Monday at 3pm UK time and will stay open for a week. Whilst the original article was of course aimed at the 30+, you can be ANY age to link up. The only criteria is that you’re wearing whatever you damn well like!

Linking up etiquette…

CLICK HERE to read the rules of linking up (and to grab the #iwillwearwhatilike button). Basically it’s just good manners to link back to here – to leave a comment is even nicer!

An InLinkz Link-up


Featured favourites

Fashion bloggers who believe in #iwillwearwhatilike

My favourite outfits from last week’s link up:

(L-R) Vanity & Me | Style Is My Pudding | Style Splash

To get yourself featured next week, make sure you’ve included a link back to Not Dressed As Lamb or my button in your post/sidebar!

 

DO SHARE THE LOVE AND VISIT AS MANY LINKS AS YOU CAN (YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT OTHER LOVELY LIKE-MINDED LADIES YOU MIGHT MEET) – THE ORIGINAL INSTAGRAM CAMPAIGN FORGED SOME WONDERFUL NEW FRIENDSHIPS SO DON’T MISS OUT!

P.S. DO CHECK OUT MY PINTEREST BOARD WITH ALL THE BEST OF THE #IWILLWEARWHATILIKE LINK UPS – HAVE YOU BEEN PINNED…?

Linking up to: iwillwearwhatilikeShoe and TellVisible MondayFake It Until You Make ItTurning Heads TuesdayBrilliant Blog Posts, Fun Fashion Friday, Passion for Fashion FridaySaturday Share Link Up

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means if you click through and buy I may receive a small commission (click here for my full disclosure). Items listed as c/o were gifted.

How to style a beret in winter: With a navy pinstripe wool coat, check trousers, a sweater dress and taupe lace ups | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion blog

50 Comments

  1. 23 March 2018 / 4:03 am

    Thanks for your outfits.You’re very young <3. Love your bags, Catherine <3

  2. 11 January 2018 / 3:40 pm

    I keep seeing fab ladies like yourself wear a beret and I’m seriously tempted! That shade looks awesome with your hair too!

    • catherine
      Author
      11 January 2018 / 6:17 pm

      OMG Hayley thinking about it you would look GORGEOUS in a beret!! Thank you sweetie… you should go get one pronto 😉

  3. 10 January 2018 / 2:49 pm

    I am a recent convert to the appeal of a beret as well, dearest Catherine!! Yours is absolutely adorable styled with this striped sweater dress and plaid pants combo…and ohmygosh, do I ever LOVE the interesting asymmetrical waist seaming of your pinstriped coat!! That sleek patent bag is a stunner, too; it would look pretty cool with my fuchsia hair, don’t you think?? P.S. I’m pleased as punch to be one of your featured faves from last week’s linkup; thank you ever so much!! P.P.S. Sending tons of good vibes as you approach your surgery day; I’m sure you are quite ready to have the whole thing behind you now and get on with your recovery. You’ll do well…I just know it!! XOXO

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

    • catherine
      Author
      10 January 2018 / 4:30 pm

      Yes I’m seriously (weirdly) looking forward to it Monika – it being all over, that is…!

      And thank you – for all the good vibes and the compliments. I had a feeling you’d be a beret girl, lol!! xoxo

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 8:50 pm

      I agree Cheryl #thanksDior 😉 – thank you hon! xx

  4. 9 January 2018 / 3:24 pm

    I love all hats especially berets. There are some great ones this year decorated with pearls and sequins.

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:55 pm

      There are Josephine, too many I want to buy unfortunately (for my bank balance)…!! x

  5. 9 January 2018 / 3:05 pm

    Glad to join you once more, dear Catherine.
    Much love

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 3:16 pm

      Glad to have you, Sacramento…!

  6. 9 January 2018 / 1:24 pm

    Thanks so much for the feature Catherine! The beret really suits you, and like you say, the neutral colour makes it very versatile. I bought a mustard-coloured vintage beret on eBay ages ago but still haven’t worn it. Your bag is gorgeous, I love the metal handle!

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 1:43 pm

      Your dress was a stunner Emma so to include you was a no-brainer!! Thank you – and do get your beret on, I’d love to see it 😀

  7. 9 January 2018 / 8:51 am

    I think you look great in that beret! Berets are a very easy hat to wear and when people comment on my blog that they can't wear hats (I do have and blog a lot about hats!) I always say whatever the shape of your face why not try a beret – because I do think they look good on most people. You've teamed the beret up with a beautiful outfit with a great colour mix as well – nice one!

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 1:31 pm

      I agree that most people can wear hats – I think it’s mostly because people aren’t comfortable in them. In the “old days” EVERYONE wore hats, just because it was the norm!! Thank you Penny…! x

  8. 9 January 2018 / 7:56 am

    I'm wearing a red beret in this week's outfit post! Took me ages to find a shape that suited, now I have 3 colours. You look so chic in yours, I bet you looked amazing as Bonnie at that party! Xx

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 1:29 pm

      My mum has a photo of me in the Bonnie Parker outfit in one of her family photo collages, Porcelina… Complete with blonde bobbed wig!! 😉 Love that you have a red beret, I want a red one next…

  9. 9 January 2018 / 1:04 am

    Catherine, I just read your post on your medical diagnosis. I'm so happy that it was finally diagnosed. Your words of advice are so true about continuing to look for an answer until you get it! I wish you the best and you will be in my thoughts. XO, cherie

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 1:28 pm

      Cherie that’s so lovely of you – thank you SO much!! x

  10. 8 January 2018 / 10:26 pm

    I love Beret and this neutral color would go with anything.

    xo,
    Janise

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 1:28 pm

      I love camel more than all the others neutrals, Janise…! x

  11. 8 January 2018 / 10:00 pm

    Beret's are classic and will never out of style. For fun, I sometimes wear a pin on them.

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 1:27 pm

      Oh that’s a good idea, Teresa!!

  12. 8 January 2018 / 7:16 pm

    I like the beret – I wear them to in red, White, black and blue. It's a perfect style for woman 40plus. Wonderful post with fabulous pictures – you are my Inspiration!
    XO Martina from Munich – Germayn

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 1:27 pm

      Martina thank you, that’s really lovely of you to say! Glad to find another beret fan 😀

  13. 8 January 2018 / 6:29 pm

    What I love most about this beret is how it breathtakingly frames your face. Honestly Catherine my jaw dropped xx

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 1:26 pm

      Oh my you always say the loveliest things, MT!! Thank you so much oh-so-gorgeous-yourself one, I’ll pay you later lol 😉

  14. 8 January 2018 / 5:37 pm

    This beret looks smashing on you. Of every kind of hat, I am most comfortable in a beret, and maybe a cloche. I tend to feel overwhelmed in other styles. I used to wear a beret daily, hence, the name of my blog, Bag and a Beret. It was like a tiny security blanket for my head. Hahaha! Thanks for the linkup.

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 1:23 pm

      OMG of course, it just didn’t occur to me about your blog name before!! I love that you wore one every day, though I think I’d get a headache if I did that, lol x

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 1:21 pm

      I think that’s why I like it so much, Joi – love me a box clutch or handbag 😀

  15. 8 January 2018 / 5:08 pm

    I've got a beret hiding in my wardrobe – a previous Christmas present. I might dig it out and give it a try. Thanks for hosting Hun. x Jacqui
    http://www.mummabstylish.com

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 1:20 pm

      Oooh yes do, Jacqui! I think they suit most people…

  16. 8 January 2018 / 4:52 pm

    I love all of the colours here Catherine and I've never tried a Beret before! I'm going to check it out, you never know I might find a hat that suits me finally! Thank you so much for featuring me this week xx

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 1:20 pm

      I’m so jelly that you have that M&S coat, Laurie.. you HAD to be included!! Thank you, and yes you should def. try a beret xx

  17. 8 January 2018 / 4:40 pm

    I've never worn a baret. I don't think hats and caps look good on me. I do like them, shall I give them another try?

    • 9 January 2018 / 12:38 pm

      Definitely give them another try, Nancy!! I think it’s one hat that pretty much suits everyone… it’s quite subtle if you see what I mean! x

  18. 8 January 2018 / 3:58 pm

    I just wore mine the other day, but I think I need to poof it up more? It was kinda flat on my head…..
    But they are more functional than fedoras or other hats because they travel better!!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • 9 January 2018 / 12:37 am

      I've not thought about the travelling better thing before, Jodie – you're right!! x

  19. 8 January 2018 / 3:37 pm

    I remember wearing berets too, and if they are back, I'm quite happy about it. I think they are a lot easier to wear than a beanie! Such a cute look!

    • 9 January 2018 / 12:36 am

      TBH I wear all style hats, Amy, but there's just something about a beret IMO…!! Thank you x

  20. 8 January 2018 / 3:23 pm

    Fabulous outfit! I adore the mix of all the stripes and the color palette is superb. I just shared a beret styling today as well and have been collecting quite a few berets and other hats recently.

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • 9 January 2018 / 12:35 am

      That's two for the Yes to Berets camp, Shelbee!! 😉 Thank you hon, so glad to hear you're a fan too x

  21. 8 January 2018 / 3:16 pm

    Love all the stripes that complement each other in this outfit. Looks good with the plaid trousers as well. I've never worn a beret. But it looks so cute on you, I think I may have to give one a try!

    Theresa
    http://www.vintagestylefiles.com

    • 9 January 2018 / 12:34 am

      You should, Theresa!! Thank you my lovely x

  22. 8 January 2018 / 3:13 pm

    Well, I'm thrilled to see you bring back the beret! I no longer own one but this post makes me wish I did. I love how you styled it with the trench, dress and striped slacks! 🙂

    • 9 January 2018 / 12:33 am

      Thanks Chrissy – sounds like I've convinced you…!

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