Fashion Headbands

"Fashion Advice on How to Buy & Wear a Fashion Headband"

Gossip Girl Leighton Meester wearing a silk ribbon fashion headband on the set

"Gossip Girl"'s Leighton Meester via Startraks
Fashion headbands are great for looking chic and drawing attention to a pretty face, and also for keeping your hair under control. Select from a variety of headband styles - from braided faux hair to rhinestones, silk to scarf headbands. Experiment with various colors, textures and embellishments for a cute and stylish look!

Here you'll find fashion advice & tips on:

What headband styles to invest in
Selecting the right style for your face shape
How to wear a headband

This page is all about how to get the most out of your fashion headbands:

What Headbands to Invest In?

Plus size nipped dress from Bloomingdales

Courtesy of Rag & Bone

If you want to get the most out of your money you first need to secure headbands in timeless styles, such as silk headband, without any fussy details, in your best neutrals (for example beige, white, black, brown, dark navy blue, etc.) depending on your coloring.

So begin by securing them in versatile colors and styles before adding any of the latest fashion trends or buying them in colors (eg. red, pink, etc.) other than the neutrals. Silver and gold are also quite versatile.

In this way, you'll be able to wear them with the rest of your wardrobe without worrying about if they match, and then just switch the style when you whenever you're bored :-)

Be Comfortable Wearing a Headband

Nicole Richie wearing a polkadot headband
Courtesy of Getty

Like any hat or hair accessory, most headbands are often worn as a fashion statement and can easily draw attention to your face and your outfit.

Make sure that you select a headband style that complements with your personal fashion style so that you'll feel and look comfortable.

For example, wearing a silk headband with a huge ribbon might be something out of your comfort zone. Start with something subtle and simple. Like a simple ruched headband without any details.

Look for comfort

Look for wide plastic headbands that are lined on the inside with fabric. The fabric lining will make them more comfortable to wear and reduce the chance of headache.

Tip:

Does it Flatter Your Face Shape?

One of the most important things to think about when buying fashion headbands, is the scale of the headband. Does it harmonize with the size of your face shape?

For example, if you have a wide/full face, a single skinny headband will emphasize that by making it look bigger in comparison. And if you have a narrow/small face, vice versa.

Small Face

Lauren Conrad wearing a wide statement headband versus a headband scaled to her face size

Courtesy of Bauer-Griffin, Celebutopia
This is an example of Lauren Conrad wearing a wide fashion statement headband (left) versus a narrow sequin headband (right). She has a narrow face and the big headband overpowers her small face. The headband to the right is scaled correctly to her face shape. Love it, by the way.

Wide Face

Vanessa Hudgens wearing a too narrow headband versus a multiple string headband scaled to her face size

Courtesy of JustJared, Celebutopia
Vanessa Hudgens has a wider facial bone structure and the thin headstring (left) makes her face/head look bigger. The double string headband looks so much better for her face size.

Tip:

How to Flatter a Round Face

If you have a round and wide face shape, then headbands will show off the shape.

Taylor Swift and Maggie Gyllenhaal have both round face shapes

Courtesy of Getty, Celebutopia
That's why it's important to look for fashion headbands that are perfectly scaled to your face size to really bring out the cuteness of your face shape.

Examples are:

Wide headbands
Textured headbands (braid, applique, clustered beads, etc.)
Headbands that blend with the color of your hair

One tip is to create height on top of the head by wearing it across your forehead and slightly "pull" the crown hair up for volume (it might not be your cup of tea if you don't like the casual boho look) or add height with details such as ribbon or feather to elongate your facial shape. Click here to learn more on how to determine and flatter your face shape

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How to Wear Fashion Headbands

via Steven Lovekin/Getty Images, Sara De Boer/Retna Ltd, CelebrityBeautyBuzz
There are several ways to look chic with a headband. The way you style it can instantly take your look from casual to sleek.

Examples are:

For a sleek look, style it with either a high or low ponytail
For a casual look, wear it as the bohonistas with the string wrapped around the top your forehead
Or if you want to sport a super-chic style at the beach or when you're wearing a flowy sun dress, wrap a scarf and create a small bun on the side, on top of your ear.

Tip:

Match It!

Paris Hilton with Matching Headband and Accessories
Paris Hilton via Axel/Bauer-Griffin

For maximum style impact, wear a headband in a color that matches your belt and/or shoes!

However, make sure to tone everything else down. So if you're wearing an eye catching headband, keep the rest of your outfit simple with solid colors and minimal accessories. Like for example pick simple studs rather than chandelier earrings.

Tip:

I know that Paris has done an overload by matching her red headband with her belt, shoes and handbag, but she's Paris Hilton ;-)

More Shopping & Chic Inspiration at the TCF Blog: