Hair Accessory Trends You Can Wear at Any Age
As a 30-something fashion editor, I thought my days of scrunchies, butterfly clips, and thick headbands were well and truly behind me—banished to a dark corner of my closet alongside my illegally short high school skirt and blazer. That was until about a month ago when the resurgence of the '80s scrunchie seen all over the runways and in the strands of my favorite fashion influencers impelled me to purchase a pretty pastel pink one. Fellow fashion editor and friend Ally Payer also twisted my arm after she took the trend for a spin. And while it's certainly not a regular attendee at work, it does happen to look super cute when thrown up in a high bun on the weekend.
But it's not just scrunchies stealing the limelight. In fact, chic (and old-school) hair accessories have been making a major comeback. And the trend shows no sign of slowing down for the fall season either. The A/W 18 runways were replete with striking hair candy. From leather headbands at Tom Ford to diamante hair slides at Zadig & Voltaire, it's safe to say there's now a chic fix for every bad hair day we'll encounter this season and beyond.
The Insta set has inevitably been putting trendy hair accessories on the fashion map too—tying silk scarves as headbands, fastening their ponytails with ribbons and french barrettes, and sweeping bangs back with metallic slides. Hair accessories that unquestionably look chic at every age. Ready to be inspired? Scroll below for the biggest hair accessory trends and how to wear them.
Hairbands
From silk scarves tied as headbands to stretchy leather pieces and the return of the stretch comb, it's time to slick back your strands in one of this season's must-have accessories.
Claw Clips
Whether you call them claw clips or crocodile clips, the '90s mom hair accessory is back. On the bonus side, what was once a post-shower solution for damp hair can now be worn from work to cocktail bar.
Hair Slides
The perfect way to wear this season's hair slides and barrettes are as multiples. Opt for something sparkly, embellished, and showstopping.
Silk Scarves
Silk scarves offer a chic and unique way to tie back a low ponytail in style. Opt for something understated for work or go bold and bright when you're off-duty.
Hair Clips
Max Mara sashayed models down the runway in statement metallic monogrammed hair clips, while Chanel tucked floral pearl motifs under high topknots. Trust us—it's the best remedy for a bad hair day.
Scrunchies
Three decades later and scrunchies are well and truly taking center stage again. Time to welcome your favorite childhood accessory back into your life.
Up next, allow us to reintroduce you to these hair accessories.
Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.
-
20 Stylish and Effective Accessories That Offer Sweet Relief for Sound-Sensitive Fashion People
Calming, efficient, and oh so chic? Yes, please.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The Affordable Trend New Yorkers Will Wear Instead of Suede This Winter
Chic and cheerful.
By Natalie Cantell
-
J.Lo Wore the Elegant Trend That Makes Every Outfit Look Like It Came From an Audrey Hepburn Movie
From Charade to Breakfast at Tiffany's.
By Eliza Huber
-
Meet This Holiday Season's Most Covetable Accessories
Yes, this is a gifting hint.
By Eliza Huber
-
From Miu Miu Model to Gabbriette Coded: 20 Eyeglasses That Are *Actually* Chic
These picks are 20/20.
By Ana Escalante
-
I Have $300 and a Goal of Looking Rich—42 Fall Accessories That Fit All My Needs
Add instant polish.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
I'm Manifesting Rich Vibes for Fall—31 Expensive-Looking Nordstrom Sale Finds That Fit the Bill
Don't sleep on these under-$150 gems.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Brooches, Scarves, and Suede Flats: 23 Under-$75 Fall Items That Will Amp Up Your Jeans
They'll instantly elevate your outfit.
By Ana Escalante