Dare to Accessorize

The perfect hair accessories are as paramount to your style as pairing the right shoe with your little black dress

“The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.” Timeless words of wisdom from Clairee (aka Olympia Dukakis) in Steel Magnolias (if you haven’t seen it, Dolly Parton owns a hair salon in the South—go, now, watch it).

Accessories are the best way to switch up your style without investing in a whole new wardrobe. From bags to boots, stilettos to scarves, a few simple accessories can elevate a T-shirt and jeans to a date-worthy ensemble.

Don’t forget that your hair is another canvas on which to implement a little accessory magic. Try these out for size:

Get Swept Away
Pull a front section of your hair back, up and above the ear and affix with a barrette or comb, such as the Karina French Couture Victoria Elegant Slide with Rhinestones. This look is also useful if you’re in the midst of growing out your bangs (or just want to get them out of your eyes for a while).

You can also do a side-swept bun, holding it in place with a couple of sparkled up bobby pins, like Karina French Couture Wave Silver Bobby Pins.

Join the Band
Headbands are instant chic-magnets. Even bed head can be saved with just a quick headband placement. Kirsten Bell is a fan of the skinny headband in her sleek, straight do. I recommend Pink & Silver 5 Count Headbands. They’re skinny enough to add subtle style, but you can also double- or triple-up if you’re feeling funky.

However, celebs like Paris Hilton and Rihanna love the big, bold statement headbands that come adorned with anything from flowers to feathers. I love the ULTA Silver Leather Flower Headband. Wear it with your hair down or accentuate a sleek, pulled back style by adding this shiny statement piece.

Bohemian Rhapsody
Of course, if you want to channel your inner flower child, you can wear a headwrap—a combo of a headband and an elastic wrap that can be worn low across the forehead. Nicole Richie is a fan of this casual, summery style. Try the Elle Metal Mesh Flower Headwrap (rest assured, only the flower is metal; the wrap itself is soft satin).