Friendship bracelets, frilly socks, padded headbands. It’s official: Everything you wore as a 4-year-old entering preschool is officially cool again. And while it may seem impossible to make trends like these work as an adult, the cutest headbands, according to fashion girls, are just as grown-up as they are chic.
Headbands offer a “sleek, chic way to get your hair out of your face — or when your roots are a little too greasy,” says Jordan Santos, a social media strategist and LA-based content creator. (She’s partial to this silk style from hair accessories brand Emi Jay.) Similar to a claw clip or headscarf, a headband can also make any look feel a bit more prim.
The key to making a headband feel significantly less juvenile than it did in 1996 is to ease up on other childlike trends elsewhere in your outfit. In fact, Santos loves to wear one with a more traditionally minimalist look, like with flowy trousers and a white button-down. Or you can make it work for a nighttime look with a minidress and platform heels.
Ahead, 21 headbands that fashion girls love, including everything from a runway style that’ll be huge this fall — and an affordable under-$10 plaid option that’s perfect for anyone curious enough to give the trend a try.
Fashion consultant and Infinite Studios founder Alyssa Coscarelli (aka @alyssainthecity) loves these plaid styles for fall.?
“For my makeup-washing purposes I use this plush headband,” says Sydney Schiff, founder and CEO of PR agency Sydney on the Scene. “It makes me feel cute.”
“This is forever a favorite of mine,” says influencer Megan Adelaide Vega. “You just can’t go wrong with a classic style!”
“My go-to headpiece has been my brand’s kerchiefs,” says Girl of the Earth designer Ruby Sinclair, who upcycles ’70s-era dead stock fabrics. “They’re the perfect little accessories to keep hair protected and out of your eyes, and look cute while doing it! They’re convertible-chic. Each one is one-of-a-kind made in NYC from upcycled vintage fabrics.”
This simple fabric sweatband doubles as a headband — just ask influencer Bettina Looney, who pairs hers with elevated outfits like a tweed skirt suit.??
Beauty editor Hallie Gould joked that headbands are making a comeback — and she’s welcoming it in full force. This easy-to-wear jersey headband makes any outfit feel a little more casual.
“I feel like I wouldn’t be my vintage self without mentioning a ’60s headband inspo photo,” jokes Sinclair. “This was a huge trend in the ’60s/’70s and still looks stylish today. For that subtly retro look, I love a wide jersey or crochet headband.”
This headband offers a “super classic and a sleek-chic way to get your hair out of your face — or when your roots are a little too greasy,” says Santos.?
“I love wearing a simple black puffy headband if I need a little extra something for my hair — especially if my bangs aren’t cooperating,” says influencer Stephanie Arant, who loves this affordable pick from Free People.
“This diamanté headband is the one I get complimented on all the time,” says Jewlie Williams, a micro-influencer based out of Austin, Texas, and general manager at Understated Leather. “It’s such an easy way to elevate or dress up an outfit that’s a little more casual.”
Influencer Pauline Leclercq (aka @honeypopi) says this headband from fellow influencer Matilda Djerf is her go-to. “I love the fabric, the fit and the composition — it’s perfect, like all of Djerf’s pieces,” she says.
“Lele Sadoughi is known for her knotted style, but I'm a fan of the darling Bardot headband with its subtle ’60s vibe,” says fashion consultant Tyler McCall, who’s also a huge proponent of headbands.
Sinclair also gave this crocheted headband, which would look great in place of a claw clip for a weekend-ready look, a shout.?
“I use this headband from Anna Sui when washing my face every morning and night to push my hair out of my face,” says Nia Thomas, CEO and designer at Nia Thomas Co. “It’s giving 1960s Bridgette Bardot energy.”
“Also, I use this Binya headband for the colder months when I’m leaving my house early to go to the gym and it’s chilly out,” says Thomas. “It looks so cute paired with my [Nia Thomas] chunky sweaters!”
“This is on my headband wish list,” says Williams. “As a near lifelong short-hair girl, I don’t get to play with as many hair accessories, and I love how long the ribbons on this Sandy Liang one are.”
“As far as I’m concerned, Jennifer Behr is the Rolls-Royce of headbands: gorgeous, well-made pieces that never, ever hurt,” says McCall. “I'm eyeing this style recently sported by Jennifer Lawrence.”
“Nothing says, ‘I’ve moved to Paris’ more than this headband,” says Juliana Goldman, founder of Potion PR and recent Parisian transplant.
Creative director, stylist, and all-around chic person Dione Davis loves this simple Prada style.
“Lelet NY is where I go for more statement-making or fashion-forward pieces, especially the jeweled styles,” says McCall.
