Kiko Mizuhara in Helter Skelter (2012)

Berets are one of the most classic items in millinery history and have been woven into the heart of Western fashion for almost a century.

You'll frequently catch me sporting one or cuddling a hoard of ten at any given retail store, which is why I'm often asked by friends about them. I decided to create this post to answer the questions beret virgins may have when starting on their quest to channel their inner early 20th century French actress self.

Would I look good in a beret? 

Much like how your skin betrays you by making it apparent to the world that you're stressed or having hormonal imbalances, berets, although most of the time look good on anyone, can have their bad days too. These hats pair well with any race, gender, hairstyle, wardrobe style, body type, forehead size, etc., but if they look wonky the one day you try them on, don't give up. In my case, if my hair isn't perfectly clean and it falls a bit flat, it's just not happening for me. You'll find the right time and fit for you one way or another.

How do I wear a beret?

The most common styling of a beret is to fit it on your head 1-2 inches from your hairline (easier to navigate if you have bangs) and fixing it to rest most of the material toward one side or the other. This is to detract from the flying saucer effect most berets create when centered, which might still look cute especially if you have a smaller head.

If you'd like, you can pull the beret down to cover your forehead and/or the tops of your ears for warmth or a different style as well. If you have a smaller forehead or arched eyebrows this might not be as flattering depending on your own preferences.

How do I style a beret? / What can I wear a beret with?

Anything. But if you're really banging your head against the wall looking for inspiration, I've come equipped with suggestions based on the different types of berets out there.

Missguided

Christy Turlington

Saima Chowdhury

Here's the go to beret for beginners. Most are made with wool or felt so they pair well with all other materials thanks to their soft, matte appearance. $17 reformation.com / $9 amazon.com

Wear with: mom jeans, gingham, high-waisted shorts, long pleated skirts, flowy or form-fitting dresses, simple jewelry, leather pants.

Rihanna

Sixty Six

Angelababy for Marie Claire China

To add a tough, sexy, Rihanna-esque element to any look, swap out the wool for a sleek leather beret. These look especially favorable on those with curls or wavy hair. $39 urbanoutfitters.com / $11 charlotterusse.com

Wear with: thin chokers, oversized denim jackets, dark skinnies or trousers, ankle boots, bright lips.

Elsa Hosk

IU

Pretty AnntoiNet's

The quickest way to add a pop of color to any outfit is with a colored beret. Red is the second most sought after beret color after black, but colors like camel, burgundy, hunter green, pink, and navy are flattering on everyone as well. You can also go for matching head to toe if you want to seem extra chic and put-together. $28 freepeople.com / $16 asos.com

Wear with: matching sets, faux fur, overalls, vintage (sun)glasses, off-the-shoulder sweaters, vegan leather handbags.

Photo by Nabile Quenum

Photo by Emily Malan

Photo by Imaxtree

Sometimes you need some structure in your life. The base of the beret is held together by leather and offers more shape to the hat so that it isn't subjected to your head shape or gravity. I've seen a lot of these worn by East Asian celebrities and fashion weeks goers. $19 urbanoutfitters.com /

Wear with: belted blazers, corduroy skirts, plaid trousers, tights or thigh-highs, long earrings, sheer layering pieces.

Adwoa Aboah

Krystal and Jessica Jung

STYLENANDA

T-shirts aren't the only way to make a statement. Try a beret with a quote or saying that interests or represents you. These look especially nice in cursive handwriting but bolder fonts are great for short, blunt political text. They can also feature pictures or logos. Some berets even have embellishments like pearls or metal rings attached, which prove perfect when you're feeling lazy about accessorizing. $18 stylenanda.com / $34 mixxmixx.com

Wear with: plain t-shirts, bomber jackets, loafers, raw hem denim, comfy t-shirt or bodycon dresses, small hoops, fuzzy crop tops, bucket bags.

Sex & The City