Make a Statement: 7 Must-Have Hair Accessories

When you think hair accessories, your mind probably jumps to lavish, ivory headpieces on the painstakingly coifed hair of a bride-to-be. Despite this association, hair accessories are not just for weddings, and have been making a comeback in a more informal style. Some of the most unconventional celebrities have been taking advantage of this trend for years – check out pretty much any of Lady Gaga’s everyday looks, from the famous hair bow to unusual headpieces (you must remember that bedazzled lobster “hat“) . Recently, though, celebs have been incorporating more subdued hair accessories into their red carpet ensembles. 

At the 2011 Venice Film Festival, Keira Knightley’s sleek hairstyle was breathtaking with two dazzling flower hairpins. (Grazia Daily)

This season, designers embraced the trend, as statement hair accessories stole the spotlight on both the fall ready-to-wear and the couture runways. Since these shows, hair accessories have gained popularity on the street.  In the same way that you can play with makeup to take your look to the next level, hair accessories are an easy way to immediately enhance your style, without much effort or the risk of breaking the bank. With such a wide variety of hair accessories, everyone can work this trend, from wary beginners to brazen fashionistas.  

1: HAIR TIES

Let’s start with the most basic hair accessory – hair ties. There are so many cute alternatives to the boring, black bands that are constantly breaking. Now, putting your hair up doesn’t have to be a sloppy, running-late-to-class fate. Especially with sleek ponytails coming into vogue, you can adopt this style and add your own quirky spin on it. 

These packs of 5 hair ties, with their sparkly and sheer shades, are a wonderfully feminine way make your ponytail chic. Check out the mint and blue sets if you want to add some pops of color to your hair. (Anthropologie, $12)

2: HAIRPINS

Every girl owns bobby pins and uses them, for simply tucking hair behind an ear to elaborate updos. Add another element to these hairstyles with embellished hairpins, or let the accessory shine in a more simple look. You can find anything to suit your style desires in embellished hairpins, from flowers to pearls to feathers.

If you’re in a vintage mood, show off your ladylike grace with these 2 adorable cameo pins. (Out of the Blue, $10)

These unique twig hairpins are meticulously embellished and offer a simple, rustic look. The pair is perfect for an understated beauty. (Woodland Belle, $20.50)

3: HAIR WRAPS

Remember when you were a tween and got your hair wrapped with yarn and beads, perhaps with a heart charm at the end of the strand? Trust me, this hair wrap trend is not at all permanent and infinitely cuter. A fun way to add some color and unusual texture to your hair in the summer, the wraps look best woven into braids (giving off the same cool look of braided hair chalk) and used to tie up your hair with the ends dangling. While you can achieve a similar look by using scarves, there’s often simply too much material to look both laid back and sharp. 

This mixed thread hair wrap combines crochet lace with sparkling silver and bronze strands. I love this color combination because the cream lace is thick and stands out in dark hair.  But there are also five other great options to choose from, some with bright colors and stones attached to the end of the strands. (Free People, $14)

4: HEADBANDS

Don’t fret, not all headbands have to exude the severe, far-too-preppy vibe. The new wave of embellished headbands, from sweet flowery designs to edgy spiked detailing, make the perfect statement hair accessory with their versatility. 

This flower and filigree embellished headband, from backstage at the Fall 2012 Dolce & Gabbana show, is a gorgeous and romantic take on this hair accessory staple. (Style.com)

Get that same vintage, poetic Dolce & Gabbana look with this black filigree headband topped with an ivory rose. (R & L Designs, $15.50)

If you think hair accessories are too feminine, try this thin black headband with a gold cable chain trimming. It’s sexy and still feminine, but with a lot more edge. (Forever 21, $4)

5: HEADWRAPS

The hippie alternative to the classic headband, headwraps resemble a halo that rests on your locks and across your forehead. They’re perfect for the free-spirited summer music festival goers with long, tousled waves. 

Like the dandelion chains you used to make as a child and wear as a crown, this floral headwrap embodies both nature and a bit of princess. (Urban Outfitters, $24)

6: TURBANS

One of the hottest hair accessories trending right now, turbans are a fabulous alternative to the hat. This retro look will add a chic, glamorous element to your outfit. Pair with some huge sunglasses in the summer, or a faux fur coat in the winter, to really embody the retro vibe of this accessory. If you’re worried about trying this bold look, you shouldn’t be. Just keep the turban simple, with a solid color and limited detailing, and you can pair it with anything. 

This gorgeous, deep teal turban is perfect for the fall. (ASOS, $8.30)

If you want to adopt some more exciting prints and patterns, try opting for the combination headband and turban, the turband. This glittery, metallic black turband with a twist front detail looks luxurious and classy. (Rum raisin, $12.50)

7: HATS

Hats are always in. They’re the easiest hair accessory and great for making a bad hair day into a fabulous hair statement day. 

Straw floppy hats have been everywhere this summer, and can now easily transition to the fall, with heavy materials and dark colors. This plum, wool hat, with the sweet side bow detail, is lovely. (Threadscene, $34)

BOY ALERT: The next time you’re contemplating buying your boyfriend boxers for yet another anniversary, surprise him with something more original, like a hat, which is just as stylish on men as women. 

The great thing about men’s hats is that even a simple, casual snapback, like this denim and navy cord combination, can add so much style to his outfit. (Topman, $32)

If he’s already a fashion pro, let him make your heart swoon with this sharp fedora. (Brixton, $50)

Featured Image From: Sound is Style

Tags: hair accessories, hair accessory, hair bow, hair ties, hair wraps, hairpins, hats, headbands, headpieces, headwraps, informal style, keira knightley, lady gaga, men, ponytails, red carpet, turbans, venice film festival

Category: Fashion