When it comes to accessories, working out how to wear headbands is a common style conundrum. Offering a fashion-forward twist to any look, this nostalgic piece is less school playground and more runway than you might have imagined.
Experiencing a boom in recent years, headbands can work for multiple occasions. Adding instant polish to any capsule wardrobe look, you can easily update wardrobe essentials with hairbands in on-trend colors, prints and embellishments. Fashioned everywhere from work to weddings, it's all about learning how to wear headbands and the different types available. Adding a feminine finish to any outfit, a padded hairband with your best blazer immediately softens tailored ensembles. Got one of your best dresses on for an evening event? Opt for a jeweled hairband for a more regal feel.
But it isn't just when you want to feel fancy that a headband comes into play. A headband can help you avoid bad hair days, or easily disguise a skipped hair wash. From your best skinny jeans to your best joggers and trainer combo, adding a fun and printed headband will make you look and feel more put together too. The only drawback of wearing a headband? An issue our fashion team refers to as the “3pm headband headache”, where the pressure of wearing something quite so firm-fitting around your head gets the better of you. To reduce the likelihood of this happening, give yourself a good stretch before wearing one.
How to wear headbands: Key styles to look out for
1. Embellished headbands
If you love adding a little sparkle from the best jewelry brands then an embellished headband, similarly, offers an easy way to make your work or weekend outfits feel a little more glamorous. How heavy or intricate the detailing on your headband is up to you, but, take note of one of the best Coco Chanel quotes and remove the last accessory you added before leaving the house to avoid overdoing it.
RRP: $38 / £26 | This stunning floral sequinned headband will elevate any outfit this summer. Pair with blue tones, such as the latest denim trends 2022 to style up your daytime look, or team with neutrals for an elegant evening outfit.
RRP: $49 / £35 | If you're wondering what to wear to a wedding this season, when it comes to headpieces, try a beaded hairband. Pretty and comfortable, this silver beaded style will team with a host of colors and patterns.
RRP: $242 / £193 | Lean into the nostalgic '90s aesthetic that dominated the runways with this slightly more edgy, embellished headband. Featuring hand-sewn gold and crystal charms, this design really packs a style punch.
Wear with...
RRP: $278 / £285 | Opt for clean lines and shoulder-baring necklines to allow for your headband to really stand out. Pastels are a big fashion color trend for 2022 and this sweet dress can be reworked with new jackets and jewelry summer after summer.
RRP: $662 / £385 | A tailored trench is one of the best slimming coat styles that will never go out of style. This white iteration offers instant polish to an occasionwear look, so even if the sun isn't shining on a wedding or race day, your outfit certainly will.
RRP: $248 / £248 | With a return of the gladiator sandal to the shoe trends 2022 has on offer, we're seeing plenty of design spins on the classic strappy style. This block-heeled iteration offers an elegant twist on the trend, team with a holiday glow.
2. Knot headbands
The beauty of a knotted headband is that it looks like just a scarf but negates the need for any fiddly adjustments. And if you're looking to elongate your figure, then a knotted headband also adds a little extra height. The bolder and brighter you go, the more statement a look you can create. Often slightly more casual, this is an ideal design for everyday wear.
RRP: $15.90 / £11.99 | This summer is all about bright color clothes and you can certainly carry this aesthetic through to your accessories. Honoring summer tones, this headband is giving us Missoni vibes with its pretty knitted pattern.
RRP: £28 (International delivery available) | Fully commit to mood-boosting brights in summer 2022 and pair this cute knitted headband with one of the best pink dresses for a top to toe, 'dopamine dressing' look.
RRP: $35 / £30 | Ideal for teaming with your best beach cover-up, this soft headband will be comfortable for lazing by the pool or at the beach. The neutral base will ensure it can team with any of your best bathing suits.
RRP: $98 / £95 | Give your best jeans a new season spin with a knotted hairband. We love a classic Levi's 501, but even the greatest denim sometimes needs a refresh. Keep your t-shirt simple and let your accessories take the lead on this one.
RRP: $49 / £35 | Opt for one of the best white t-shirts as the base for a bold headband look. By keeping the rest of your outfit simple and muted, you can go for the loudest of accessories, giving your outfit a relaxed but directional feel.
RRP: $255 / £175 | The best white trainers go with pretty much everything, but if you're looking to create a simple denim outfit as the vehicle for a new season headband, then a discreet sneaker is the ideal shoe choice. We love this timeless Ganni pair.
3. Padded headbands
The most regal of headbands, a padded headband is ideal for more formal occasions. Keep to neutral tones for a sophisticated look for work, or opt for jewel tones for summer garden parties and weddings.
RRP: $25 / £17 | When in doubt, choose fashion's favorite color, black. This black headband will go with everything. Team with tailoring for what to wear for an interview, or use it to ground a brightly colored outfit.
RRP: $100 / £88 | Free People have a delightfully boho aesthetic and this blue and white design conjures up feelings of deep blue oceans and white sandy beaches. Pair with any of the best summer dresses for an instant holiday look.
RRP: $550 / £380 | Black and white is always a statement combination and we love this runway-ready, padded headband, topped with intricate metal hardware in the form of the Prada logo will certainly stand out from the crowd.
RRP: $99.99 / £59.99 | Padded headbands are ideal office attire as they feel smart and regal, perhaps in part due to the coverage surrounding, Princess Eugenie’s padded velvet headband. Add a new season, bold, tweed jacket for an updated feel.
RRP: $159 / £119 | Investing in great black trousers will always ensure that you have something to wear. We love the updated wide-leg on this tailored pair. If you find it hard to get great trousers, make sure to get off the peg styles altered to fit.
RRP: $205 / £179 | In summer a white blouse will help to reflect the sun, keeping you as cool as possible as temperatures soar. This top offers a relaxed fit across the body and midriff, ideal for apple body shapes looking to skim a tummy.
4. Jeweled headbands
Worried about having to wear a hat for a formal occasion this summer? Trade-in and up and opt for a jeweled headband for a much fresher and more youthful feel. Wear with your hair tied back to let your new accessory take center stage, or use to crown a head of curls.
RRP: £28 (international shipping available) | You don't have to opt for super thick headbands to make this trend stand out. A slender metal headband with jeweled detailing is a pretty and stylish way of uplifting a christening or wedding guest look.
RRP: $178 / £148 | Black and white pearls are combined to construct an intricate floral design. Pair with Broderie Anglaise dresses for chic day look, or team with monochromatic evening wear for a party-ready aesthetic.
RRP: $475 / £335 | With a regal aesthetic, we saw numerous tiaras on the Met Gala 2022 Best dressed guests and fully expect this look to filter through to occasionwear through jeweled headbands this summer.
RRP: £95 (international shipping available) | Coords make getting dressed that much easier. Give tailored two pieces an instantly glow-up with jeweled headbands, taking workwear to party-ready in an instant.
RRP: £59 (international shipping available) | Tailored shorts are making a comeback. The sharpest way to do summer in the city, give this slightly more androgynous look a feminine finish with a jeweled headband.
RRP: £17.99 / $29.99 | The sunglasses trends 2022 are very much in favor of oversized frames and these tortoiseshell sunnies offer great style at an even better price point. Team with a slim headband to avoid the look being overwhelming.
5. Flat headbands
While some headbands might blend into the background, this flat style is quite the opposite. Often less structured with adjustable fabric ties, this is ideal if you struggle with tighter-fitting leather or plastic bar designs. Wear pushed back for a look to rival Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf or further forward to distract from day-three hair.
RRP: $32 / £28 | Borrowing from cottage-core with its intricate embroidery, this headband can be adjusted to different head sizes. Pair with denim and neutral hues for a chic, summer, casual look.
RRP: $32 / £28 | A knitted headband might feel slightly more unusual, but this easy to adapt piece can be customized to fit your head and your look. We love the punchy yellow hue and sweet cherry detailing.
RRP: $400 / £240 | With a beach-ready aesthetic, this Missoni headband features the Italian clothing brand's classic zig-zag pattern. In a rainbow of hues, it will pair with any outfit, smart or casual.
RRP: $310 / £219 | Flat headbands offer a slightly more casual aesthetic, so you can reflect this in your look with sportier designs and relaxed fits. Collared knits are big news in fashion right now and this cream design will pair with any color.
RRP: $159 / £119 | Linen trousers are a must come the summer months. While they need a little extra care, as you'll need to iron them, they are cool and airy on scorching summer days. Ideal for work or play.
RRP: £435 / $748 | Camel coats never date and this waist-defining trench coat is a design you can reach for to smarten up any look. With a flirty A-line skirt, we love the feminine finish on this tailored look, ideal for work attire.
6. Fancy headbands
When it comes to what to wear to the races, a headband can be a fantastic alternative to a more formal hat. Offering formality with greater practicality and style. When it comes to how to wear headbands for race days, it's important to check the event's dress code as some will have a minimum coverage requirement for headpieces.
RRP: $15 / £10 | A simple bow fascinator is ideal if you're not into big hats. When it comes to race day style, check the style rules for your race enclosure, as some venues have strict guidance governing hats and hairbands.
RRP: £35 (UK only) | A beautiful statement headpiece, this bold scarlet, sculptural design will elongate your face shape and add height to your overall silhouette. Pair with neutral or muted tones to allow your headgear to do the talking.
RRP: £50 (UK only) | Looking for a chic race day headpiece? The curved structure and birdcage veil offer a really evocative and ethereal quality. Team with cream and pastel hues for a pretty finish. This is also great for a summer wedding
RRP: $342 / £199 | Be the best-dressed guest this season in this flattering party dress. Whether you're looking for what to wear to a christening or have wedding invites stacking up, this stylish ruffle-fronted gown will certainly turn heads.
RRP: £435 / $748 | Brown accessories are surprisingly versatile. A lighter switch out for black in the summer months, the neutral hue is ideal for teaming with pinky hues.
RRP: $390 / £329 | Add instant elegance to your look by coordinating your shoes and bags. While they don't have to be bought together, keep the look tonal for a sharp finish.
7. Patterned headbands
If you tend to favor a minimalist, monochrome look, a patterned headband is a nice way to tip-toe out of your comfort zone. They work just as well if you're a print lover, too, letting you clash colors for a unique look.
RRP: $28.50 / £19.50 | Headbands are a great way of making your hair look done, even if you've skipped a hair wash. This sweet blue sheer headband with floral detailing adds a feminine finish to denim outfits.
RRP: $188 / £168 | This summer is all about artisanal finishes and this 3D crochet headband fits the brief perfectly. Not one for the faint-hearted, this quirky design certainly brings the fun.
RRP: $430 / £335 | Wear a hairband, but make it fashion. This Hermés design reflects some of the brand's best-selling silk scarves and will add an instant nod to the runway.
RRP: $135 / £89 | A flattering jumpsuit design, the gathered waistline highlights curves, while the bodice adds fullness to smaller busts. The slightly ankle-skimming finish makes this ideal for pairing with your best sandals.
RRP: $120 / £100 | For maximum comfort, dress down a jumpsuit with a pair of sneakers. These Veja sneakers promise offer a gorgeously muted color palette that will ensure they team up with just about everything in your closet.
RRP: $167 / £90 | The relaxed fit of this trench coat will sit perfectly over the top of puff sleeves, maxi dresses or jumpsuits. A neutral overcoat will also ensure your patterned headband remains a statement piece in your outfit.
8. Front-and-center headbands
With an '80s aesthetic, this headband has a much sportier feel than many of the other styles in this list. Team with your best hoodies and leggings to lean into the look, or use it to at a sports-luxe feel to a summer midi dress.
RRP: $8 / £6 | The '70s have made a welcome return to the runway, both through punchy paisley patterns and through sepia tones and tactile fabrications. We love the swirly print on this front and center headband.
RRP: $24 / £22 | Offering immediately sunny hues, this bold yellow headband is ideal for long days at the beach, keeping long wavey hair in check in maximum style. Team simply with a white tank and denim cut-offs.
RRP: $165 / £140 | Take your headband look through to cooler months with this wool and cashmere-blend hairpiece, up-styled with mesh detailing, Dressier than the average headband, we love this new twist.
RRP: $59 / £39 | Front and center headbands have a sportier aesthetic, so reflect this in your outfit and team with athleisure wear. We love this simply striped tee for timeless style.
RRP: $59.99 / £35.99 | A tailored culotte adds instant style and really ups the comfort factor. Wearable both in the office and for more casual occasions, opt for an ankle cropped design for the summer months.
RRP: $125 / £90 | The loafer was one of the biggest shoe trends for comfortable flats this summer. This buckled pair will carry you through this season and well into the winter, making them a great investment piece.
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