An unexpected return for this accessory that we haven’t seen for decades.
He has lived in the shadow of the newsboy cap for years. Worn by our grandpas, this vengeful accessory returns to the forefront of the fashion scene thanks to various cumulative elements including the sacrosanct parades. For its fall-winter 2026/2027 show, Ralph Lauren has reinvented it in black leather style in an outfit in earthy tones, perfect for bucolic walks in the forest. But if its appearance is still timid on the runway, the street has already happily seized it. The culprit? The TV series “Love Story” broadcast on Disney+. If Carolyn Bessette’s minimalist chic style has been emulated among the fairer sex, John F. Kennedy Jr’s outfits, preppy with an effortless chic twist, have also resonated with men. In the neighborhoods of New York City, fashionistas confirm it: this typical 20’s headgear is on the heads of all men. This is the “JFK Jr. effect”.
But if this stylistic madness reaches the Big Apple today, it’s a safe bet that in a few months, it’s the entire world of international fashionistas who will succumb to the “beret-cap”, also called “flat cap” or even “Irish flat cap”.
Throughout the 90s, the Kennedy son wore said cap backwards, displaying a certain coolness and stylistic nonchalance which largely contributed to his charisma. Sometimes with wool pleated pants, sometimes with jeans: under John F. Kennedy Jr., the Irish cap became versatile. But if men are the ones who favor it, over the years, the Irish flat cap has also conquered the stylish girls of Pop music. Among them, singer Britney Spears.
Nicknamed “Princess of Pop”, the artist is also queen of headwear since she tried on absolutely all types of hats at the start of her career. Logically, in the 2000s, she also adopted the flat cap, in leather, corduroy, classic wool versions… and everything in between.
Today, the iterations are multiple and suitable for all styles. Women who like the preppy or country chic style like Kate Middleton can wear it right side up, like Courtois Pariswith a blazer jacket, a blouse, fitted bootcut or slim jeans and loafers. Those with a more streetwear look can choose the signed version Kangol and combine it with loose-fitting clothes, such as a trendy jogging and cardigan set, barrel-cut pants and hybrid or non-hybrid sneakers.
