We love Rihanna for her fearlessness on the red carpet. She’s one star who’s not afraid to take major risks, and she often winds up ushering in totally new and creative trends. When it comes to her fashion choices, she’s worn everything from high-concept couture to eye-popping displays of skin through itty-bitty dresses, and pulled each different ensemble off with her rocker chick attitude. We were excited to see what she might choose for fashion’s biggest night – the Metropolitan Costume Institute Gala, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on Monday, May 2nd – and were surprised to see her choose an uncharacteristically understated asymmetrical Stella McCartney gown.

Don’t get us wrong – we are totally digging the demure silhouette on Rihanna, and love that she went in a completely unexpected direction – it’s just that we pictured her in something super bold. Nevertheless, the California King Bed crooner looked fabulous – and the black lace confection left very little to the imagination, allowing her knockout figure to shine on such a big night. She completed her look to sophisticated and chic perfection with strappy black Christian Louboutin stilettos, and added a fun pop of color with a pair of emerald green Wilfredo Rosado chandelier earrings. But even though her pretty ensemble was surprisingly forgettable, we doubt we’ll be able to shake her fierce and fabulous fire-engine red braided hairstyle. We think her ‘do totally make her outfit, and are ready to try our hands at a DIY version.

The good news is that if you can master a simple braid, you can recreate Rihanna’s MET look at home. First, begin your style with second day hair. Shampoo that morning, and there’s a good chance your pretty plait will fall flat by lunch. Create a deep side part, and braid the front sections until you reach the nape of your neck. Once you can combine those smaller front pieces with the rest of your hair, create one unified braid over your shoulder, and secure with an invisible band. This simple Rihanna-approved braid can take you throughout the summer in major star style!