As a girl with a thing for skateboarders, I discovered early that wearing your boyfriend's beanie is a cute way to show your love, and one that's much more fashionable than actually wearing his men's large sweatshirt in public.  If you're single, or if your boyfriend doesn't wear beanies, don't fret - I have some knit picks perfect for our winter wardrobe.  After the jump:  My faves and where to buy them, and a D.I.Y. anyone can pull off.

Celeb Inspiration

Rachel Bilson is the queen of casual chic.  I only wish my casual included a Chanel purse!  Here she is in simple black and white with gold accents.  Hair tucked up in a warm beanie is a great way to transition into cooler weather.

A slouchy beanie is a fantastic way to keep it classic chic or add a funky hipness to an outfit, depending on how you wear it.

Rachel Bilson looks city pretty, mix-matching delicate feminine pieces with her black jacket.  The white hat balances the black by bringing softness to her face, and adds a twist of Parisian sophistication.

Scarlett Johannson (shown here campaigning for Obama - ignore that dude to her right) wears trendy dark tights with black boots and tops a comfy grey dress with a laidback beanie.

My favorite celebrity couple (they remind me of my boyfriend and I the way they share clothes) Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson show beanies at perhaps their laidback best -- something to keep you snuggled up and warm.

Mary-Kate and Ashlee (had to!) are both fans of this red slouch beanie.  I love how it makes both of their eyes pop.

Where to Buy

This Roxy houndstooth-print billed beanie is available from Killer Dana.  For other surf, skate and snow styles, check out CCS, Zumiez, or PacSun.

My fave of the thick knittted styles include the Urban Outfitters beanie above left.  The one at right (also from UO) is more like a headband, but a great way to wear a huge trendy flower.

If you're more glam than skate girl, something like this sequined beanie from ASOS might be for you.  For more classic styles or classic styles with a twist like the beret above, also try Forever 21 or TopShop.

D.I.Y.

If you're super crafty you can probably knit yourself your own beanie.  I can't knit and could maybe remember how to crochet a square, so my D.I.Y. consists of modifying something cheap into something unique & priceless:

My fave celeb-worn beanie is the one above sported by Mischa Barton.  She looks both warm and edgy with the black complementing her light hair and eyes.  (Black works on everyone, but play around with shades and styles of hats until you find what looks good with your face.)  I'm sure her beanie isn't a do-it-yourself job, but this isn't a hard look to imitate.  Stores like Walmart, Walgreens, or even gas stations sometimes carry basic stocking cap beanies.  Purchase a beanie and scrounge up a handful of fun buttons (thrift shop, yard sale, craft store, your grandma's sewing box).  Using yarn or thick thread matching the beanie, stitch buttons onto the front of your beanie in a haphazard pattern to your liking.  You'll be answering teenyboppers' "Oh my God, where'd you get your beanie?" in no time.

photos:  ASOS.com, People Style Watch, Queen of the Posh and Broke