Berets come from the Basque. The British adopted the beret for their tank companies a long time ago, and they've taken off with many military units since because they're cheap and easy to handle. Try sticking a framed hat in your pocket.

The toorie is part of a proper bonnet, and it's sad to see that so many folks object to it. It was originally what was left over after knitting a wool bonnet, and today it's part of both bonnets and tam-o-shanters.

I prefer having the toorie and bonnet the same color, but I own some on which the toorie is red while the bonnet is navy blue, balmoral and glengarry.

If you prefer a beret, so be it. Wear it. I sometimes do myself, but I don't confuse a beret with a bonnet. I have British berets (REME) and even a French Foreign Legion beret which I love, but I do not confuse them with bonnets or tams, each of which has a proper toorie. Wear your bonnet with pride, toorie and all.

Oh, well. To each his own. Just thought I'd ramble a bit.