Fashion Accessories 24 Outfits That Look Even Better With a Headband By Samantha Sutton Samantha Sutton Instagram Samantha is InStyle's senior fashion editor. She joined the brand in 2019 and oversees the site's fashion coverage, including trend reporting, fashion exclusives, celebrity style interviews, and Fashion Week coverage. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on May 19, 2022 @ 09:30AM Pin Share Tweet Email Trending Videos Photo: Elena Mudd Every so often, we'll spend our time putting together the perfect outfit, only to realize the end result is still missing a little something. A scarf or a blazer has solved these fashion dilemmas plenty of times, but after so much time spent on Zoom, video chatting from the waist up, we've come to realize that a headband has the power to transform a look, too. There are a variety of ways to wear a headband — with sweatsuits, jeans, dresses, and even formalwear — and thanks to street style photos, we aren't lacking inspiration. Plus, whether your go-to style is knotted, padded, embellished, or made out of a shirt or bandana, this accessory looks great on everyone and works for all hair types. There's no denying that this tiny addition packs a powerful punch — which is probably why women such as Kate Middleton, Chrissy Teigen, and Keke Palmer all keep them in their rotation. 01 of 24 Don't Overthink It Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Headbands works for every type of outfit and occasion, and they especially pair well with simple looks. 02 of 24 Invest in an Everyday Option Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Something in a neutral shade like black or beige will come in handy, and prove to be extremely versatile no matter what you have on. 03 of 24 Use a Scarf or Bandana Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Don't have an actual headband on hand? A knotted bandana or scarf looks just as great. 04 of 24 You Can't Go Wrong With Classic Edward Berthelot/Getty Images If your goal is to make your jeans and blazer combo a little less...boring, a headband will surely spice things up. 05 of 24 Channel Style Icons Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images Sometimes, an all-black outfit with white sneakers seems too simple. This accessory will give your look a fun, Blair Waldorf vibe. 06 of 24 Try a Subtle Surprise Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Reach for something that almost blends in with your hair color, or allow it to peek out ever-so-slightly, making things much more interesting. 07 of 24 Make It 'Work' Christian Vierig/Getty Images Suddenly, your office-appropriate three-piece suit goes from structured and safe to street style ready. 08 of 24 Experiment With Prints Christian Vierig/Getty Images If you're the type who can't stop reaching for the same old solids and darker shades, something leopard or polka-dotted is an easy way to test out prints and patterns and give old clothes a boost. 09 of 24 Add a Little Spice to an Easy Outfit Edward Berthelot/Getty Images A one-and-done jumpsuit is the easiest outfit option out there, but a bold headband will turn it into a full, statement-making look. 10 of 24 Headbands Look Great Year-Round Juan Naharro Gimenez/Getty Images Unlike a beret, a headband can be worn through any season, and is the perfect way to amp up summer outfits when layering isn't an option. 11 of 24 Level Up Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images Slide a vibrant headband on in order to add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral look. 12 of 24 Style One With Your Favorite Dress Christian Vierig/Getty Images Just like a beaded necklace or drop earrings, a headband turns a breezy dress into a full, eye-catching outfit. 13 of 24 Give Comfy Clothes an Elevated Twist Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images Even a sweater and joggers seem less casual when styled with a sleek, black option. 14 of 24 Headbands Can Be Elegant Christian Vierig/Getty Images A puff-sleeve dress feels worthy of a formal event when styled with a pearl-embellished headband. 15 of 24 Make Use of One With Pearls or Beads Edward Berthelot/Getty Images They'll give your look that additional "wow" factor, since they're pretty regal and crown-like. 16 of 24 Look For Fun Details Nataliya Petrova/NurPhoto via Getty Images If beads and sparkle aren't your style, go the super sweet and feminine route with a big (or small) bow. 17 of 24 Headbands Work For All Kinds of Hair Days Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Just like a hat, a padded option is an outfit-saver on days when all you can manage is a low bun. 18 of 24 Find a Perfect Match Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Color coordinate with similar shades, or invest in a pre-paired set, like the dress and headband combos sold at Hill House Home. You can even match your mask to your look if you want. 19 of 24 Use a Headband to Nail Other Trends Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Neons and other bright colors will be useful if you plan to color block your outfit. 20 of 24 This Accessory Can Provide Balance David Dee Delgado/Getty Images When wearing multiple prints, a headband in a common color scheme can help to pull those pieces together. 21 of 24 Or, You Can Mix Things Up Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images You can also go the opposite route and throw on another fun pattern that feature similar colors. 22 of 24 Embrace Preppy Style Edward Berthelot/Getty Images If you're looking for a timeless outfit that still shows off your impeccable taste, pair a basic black option with structured, beige and other neutral pieces. 23 of 24 Throw It Back Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images A thick, material option will give your maxi dresses a '90s spin. 24 of 24 Don't Be Afraid to Go All Out Christian Vierig/Getty Images Don't feel like you have to settle for one big accessory. A bold headband can be worn with a western belt or statement earrings, too.