Jane
Hair accessories are no longer just a convenience for keeping hair out of your face—they’ve become statement pieces worthy of runways from Paris to New York. From embellished barrettes and crystal hairpins to silk scarves and dramatic headbands, these accessories offer an effortless way to elevate any look.
But wearing them with finesse, like the style icons spotted at Fashion Week, requires more than just throwing something in your hair. In this guide, we’ll break down how to style hair accessories with the confidence and creativity of a Fashion Week pro. Whether dressing for a casual brunch or a glamorous evening event, these expert tips and curated styling ideas will help you make the most of this versatile trend.
Understanding the Types of Hair Accessories
Styling hair accessories like a Fashion Week insider requires understanding their variety and how they enhance different hairstyles and occasions. From understated elegance to bold statement pieces, accessories can transform a look, adding dimension and personality.
Hair Clips and Barrettes
These versatile pieces come in various designs, from pearl-adorned clips to metallic or resin finishes. They are perfect for fastening polished hairdos while enhancing elegance. A rhinestone-embellished barrette can elevate a simple side part, while stacked clips tame flyaways without sacrificing style. Fashion-forward individuals often use asymmetrically placed clips for a fresh take on classic designs.
Headbands
These accessories range from plush minimalist styles to ornate, jeweled variations. A padded headband offers a polished yet subtle accent, perfect for an effortless daily look. Meanwhile, embellished headbands with crystals or pearls bring a regal touch, ideal for evening events or fashion showcases. Playful options like braided or fabric-wrapped headbands channel a fun, youthful vibe.
Scrunchies and Hair Ties
Not just for practicality, scrunchies add texture and richness to hairstyles. Velvet hair ties bring a sophisticated touch, while silk alternatives elevate a refined appearance. Even a simple ponytail can feel luxurious when paired with the right fabric.
Hair Drapes
These elegant accents seamlessly fuse nostalgic allure with contemporary sophistication. Tying a scarf around a bun, braiding it into hair, or draping it over a ponytail infuses a boho-chic aesthetic. Patterned scarves provide a vibrant splash of color, while solid tones offer understated sophistication.
Combs and Hair Forks
These accessories lend structure and elegance and are perfect for updos and buns. A decorative comb adorned with floral or geometric motifs secures a twisted chignon while making it a focal point. Hair forks, often crafted from wood or metal, anchor voluminous buns while adding an artisan-inspired touch.
Bobby Pins
Once considered purely functional, bobby pins now serve as artistic accents. Modern designs feature embellishments like pearls, crystals, or geometric shapes, making them visible rather than concealed. Crisscrossing pins or layering metallic-toned ones create a high-fashion statement, turning an everyday style into an editorial-worthy look.
Ultimately, choosing the right accessory depends on your hair type, the occasion, and your style. Fashion Week insiders carefully curate their selections to complement their ensembles, ensuring that accessories are not mere afterthoughts but intentional design elements. Whether channeling understated refinement or daring ornamentation, a well-chosen hair accent can elevate your style, turning your tresses into a signature statement.
Matching Accessories to Hairstyles
Selecting the right hair accessory for your hairstyle can elevate your look, ensuring harmony between texture, shape, and style. Understanding these pairings allows you to create visually appealing and well-balanced ensembles.
Ponytails
Whether high or low, ponytails offer a great canvas for accessorizing. A silk wrap at the foundation introduces graceful fluidity, effortlessly transforming a basic ponytail into a sophisticated statement. For a relaxed vibe, a statement scrunchie in velvet or satin brings personality. If opting for a sleek, low ponytail, metallic clips or minimalist barrettes provide a polished, sophisticated touch.
Braids
Braided hairstyles allow for creative accessorizing. Weaving a ribbon or narrow scarf directly into the braid infuses a playful, bohemian flair, while decorative pins offer a refined, artistic touch.
Buns
Whether high or low, buns benefit from the right accessories. A jeweled comb or an ornate clip tucked into a low bun adds elegance and is perfect for weddings or evening events. A striking turban injects urban flair into elevated buns, transforming a classic style into a cutting-edge fashion statement.
Loose Waves
Soft waves naturally embody a carefree elegance. Adding pearl-adorned barrettes on one side enhances a romantic, vintage-inspired look. Alternatively, deliberately arranged intersecting hair clips add dimension while preserving a sleek, understated style.
Short Hair
Those with shorter styles can experiment with accessories without overwhelming their hair. Mini clips add delicate flair, while a sleek headband can define the look, ensuring sophistication and structure without overpowering the hairstyle.
Natural Curls and Coils
Textured hair thrives with volume-enhancing accessories. Wide combs allow for shaping and definition, bold pins highlight intricate patterns within curls, and scarves complement the natural movement of coils. These elements emphasize the richness of curly textures, making them even more striking.
The key is balance—a bold accessory can be the standout element if your hairstyle leans toward simplicity. Conversely, a subtle accent ensures harmony if the hair itself is intricate. Thoughtfully chosen accessories bring depth to any hairstyle, making it a statement-worthy part of the overall outfit.
Color Coordination and Outfit Pairing
Hair accessories, much like jewelry or handbags, play a crucial role in completing a look. Their ability to blend seamlessly or stand out as statement pieces depends on carefully coordinating colors, textures, and patterns. Thoughtfully styled, they can make an outfit feel polished and intentional.
Monochrome Looks
Creating a streamlined aesthetic involves matching your hair accessory to your outfit’s dominant color. For example, a pastel pink headband with a blush-toned dress or a deep navy scrunchie paired with a midnight blue suit ensures continuity. This approach gives an elegant, well-curated effect, making the ensemble look cohesive and sophisticated.
Metallics and Neutrals
Gold and silver hairpieces function similarly to jewelry, adding a hint of luxury and refinement. A sleek gold barrette or silver-detailed comb can enhance an evening look with understated glamor. Meanwhile, neutral tones such as black, beige, and white remain versatile, blending with most outfits while ensuring balance and elegance.
Print Mixing
Pairing patterns requires strategic styling. If wearing a patterned outfit, a solid-colored accessory helps tone down the complexity and avoid clashing. Alternatively, selecting an accessory with a matching motif—such as a floral headband with a floral dress—maintains harmony and coordination.
Fabric Matching
Texture is crucial in making an outfit feel complete. Coordinating the material of an accessory with a garment adds depth. A velvet scrunchie paired with a velvet blazer enhances a luxe look, while a linen bow complements summery, breathable fabrics.
Stylists at Fashion Week often highlight hair accessories as intentional focal points rather than afterthoughts. Whether it’s a bold crystal-embellished comb or a sleek satin ribbon, a well-chosen accessory can dictate the mood of an ensemble. Don’t be afraid to let your headband or pin take center stage—the little details make the most significant impact.
Seasonal and Event Styling
Seasonal and event styling for hair accessories involves choosing pieces that complement the time of year and the setting you’re dressing for. Carefully curated hair adornments can enhance an ensemble, lending harmony and purpose to the overall look.
Spring/Summer
Warmer months call for light, breezy designs that reflect freshness. Floral clips, whether delicate daisies or bold tropical blooms, bring a lively touch to hairstyles. Pastel scarves can be tied around ponytails or woven into braids for a soft, feminine aesthetic. Woven headbands add a bohemian, beachy vibe and pair well with sundresses. Opt for lightweight fabrics like chiffon or cotton to keep cool while still stylish.
Fall/Winter
As temperatures drop, richer textures and deeper colors become more appropriate. Darker hues like burgundy, forest green, and navy fit well with autumnal fashion, while jewel-toned accessories with gold embellishments add festive flair during holiday gatherings. Heavier materials keep hairstyles in place while matching the seasonal mood.
Casual Events
Laid-back outings call for fun and practical accessories. Playful hair clips featuring quirky shapes, colorful scarves tied loosely, or oversized scrunchies offer a chic touch for brunch, shopping trips, or casual meet-ups.
Professional Settings
Workplace hair accessories should be sleek and understated, complementing a polished ensemble. Tortoiseshell barrettes add a subtle sophistication, while black satin headbands create a clean and refined look. These accessories should be elegant and functional, avoiding overly flashy elements.
Crowning Creativity: The Art of Hair Accessories
Styling hair accessories like a Fashion Week pro isn’t just about trends—it’s about expressing your unique style. The right piece can elevate your look, frame your face, and complete your outfit, whether whimsical, edgy, elegant, or bohemian.
Take inspiration from the runway, but make it your own. Experiment with vintage or handmade options, mix textures, and let your accessories speak as boldly—or subtly—as you like. Confidence is key, and intentional styling ensures a polished, fashion-forward look.
Mastering selection, coordination, and placement turns a simple clip into a statement. Now, go ahead—crown yourself with creativity. Your hair is your canvas.
