How to Wear a Headband: 24 Ways to Style All Hair Types

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A woman wearing a ruched velvet turquoise headband — 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.

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Don't Overthink It

A woman wearing a creme colored headband with a houndstooth jacket — Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Headbands works for every type of outfit and occasion, and they especially pair well with simple looks.

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Invest in an Everyday Option

A woman wearing a neutral beige headband and a beige coat — 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.

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Use a Scarf or Bandana

A woman wearing a red bandana as a headband with a tan trench coat — Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Don't have an actual headband on hand? A knotted bandana or scarf looks just as great.

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You Can't Go Wrong With Classic

A woman wearing a knotted headband with a blue jeans and a blue blazer — 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.

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Channel Style Icons

A woman in an all black outfit with a black headband and white sneakers — 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.

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Try a Subtle Surprise

A woman in a black beaded headband with a Louis Vuitton top and black skirt — 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.

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Make It 'Work'

A woman wearing a baby blue suit with a beaded headband — Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Suddenly, your office-appropriate three-piece suit goes from structured and safe to street style ready.

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Experiment With Prints

A woman in a monochromatic burgundy outfit with a leopard print headband — 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.

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Add a Little Spice to an Easy Outfit

A woman wearing a denim jumpsuit with a white beaded headband and white sneakers — 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.

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Headbands Look Great Year-Round

A woman wearing a tan top and skirt with a lacy white headband — 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.

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Level Up

A women wearing a floral dress and a pink headband — Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images

Slide a vibrant headband on in order to add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral look.

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Style One With Your Favorite Dress

A woman wearing a mint colored dress and a white headband — Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Just like a beaded necklace or drop earrings, a headband turns a breezy dress into a full, eye-catching outfit.

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Give Comfy Clothes an Elevated Twist

A woman wearing leather black pants, sneakers, a tan sweater, and a black headband — Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

Even a sweater and joggers seem less casual when styled with a sleek, black option.

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Headbands Can Be Elegant

A woman wearing a white dress, cowboy boots, a Louis Vuitton bag, and a pearl headband — Christian Vierig/Getty Images

A puff-sleeve dress feels worthy of a formal event when styled with a pearl-embellished headband.

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Make Use of One With Pearls or Beads

A woman wearing a leopard print fur jacket, blue heels, and a pearl headband — Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

They'll give your look that additional "wow" factor, since they're pretty regal and crown-like.

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Look For Fun Details

A woman wearing a creme colored dress and a matching headband with a bow — 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.

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Headbands Work For All Kinds of Hair Days

A woman wearing a black shirt, a blue striped skirt, and a black velvet headband — 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.

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Find a Perfect Match

A woman wearing a floral dress, a red bag, black boots, and a blue headband — 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.

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Use a Headband to Nail Other Trends

A woman wearing a bright yellow fur jacket, a green shirt, and an orange headband — Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Neons and other bright colors will be useful if you plan to color block your outfit.

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This Accessory Can Provide Balance

A woman wearing a patterned outfit, a blue sweater, and a blue headband — David Dee Delgado/Getty Images

When wearing multiple prints, a headband in a common color scheme can help to pull those pieces together.

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Or, You Can Mix Things Up

A woman wearing a blue skirt and a multicolor top with a multicolor headband — Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images

You can also go the opposite route and throw on another fun pattern that feature similar colors.

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Embrace Preppy Style

A woman wearing a trench coat with black pinstripe pants and a black headband — 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.

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