The beret is back.

No less an authority than Vogue confirms it: the classic beret is in the midst of a moment. Or another moment, more precisely; one in a line of moments that began in the 1920s.

With the right clothes and some styling savvy, the beret can be more surprise than stereotype. Square at the intersection of class and sass, this French topper practically begs for a Breton striped mariniere and knotted neck scarf.

Resist! Unless you are off to The Ride Beret Baguette or Anjou Velo Vintage — either of which I encourage, fear NOT the twee — that is no way to treat a beret.

Why not re-think it in red?

A zesty testament to the confidence of the wearer, a rosy topper telegraphs a certain savoir-faire. Sophisticated with a classic trench and flats, or continental with a sharp-shorn bob, the beret is a hall-of-famer; versatile, ageless and timeless.

With proper styling, you’ll never be mistaken for a vigilante in your red beret. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. If you’re going to be a vigilante, you might as well be a stylish one, right?

 

Red lip, black trench + beret = cosmopolitan.

 

From London’s Tweed Run. Very 1930s! More info on the annual dapper dash through London on bicycles at tweedrun.com.

 

Monochrome magic.

 

Berets. Making pretty girls even prettier for nearly a century.

 

A party on your head!

 

Another bicyclist dressed to the nines in 1930s vintage for London’s Tweed Run. (Be still my heart!)

 

Besting the boys at the menswear game.

 

Softening the moto jacket and knife-pleated skirt. Lovely!

 

 

This blogger’s vintage style is a favorite of mine. The face of an angel to boot.

 

Peony is actually wearing a striped shirt here, but I’m mesmerized by those fearless brocade trousers. Advanced style, not for the meek.

 

Paired with echoes of another classic, the camel trench. Fresh, young and modern.

 

 

 

I’ve never been especially fond of green. Not when there are so many other lovely, far more feminine colors to cherish. But all greens are not created equal. Have I missed the boat on green?

One way I like to explore color is to assemble a set of pictures incorporating that hue. The catch? I have to be drawn to everything about the images, except the color. Mood, subject, composition, these are first and foremost.

When I do that, and then line them up, the color I don’t like can be transformed. Not always, but it’s possible. Apparently, I am a fan of pale, delicate greens. They lend themselves well to a fairy tale mood.

Who knew?