The headband is officially back in style in 2019. And while we've seen the style everywhere — on the streets, down the runways, all over our Instagram feeds — the most surprising place we've spotted the trend is down the aisle.
Blame it on the return of Gossip Girl or on the loads of Alice bands we saw during both the Spring and Autumn fashion weeks, but there's no denying that the hair accessory is in fashion again. The trend is so popular, even the royal family is jumping on board, with Princess Beatrice and the Duchess of Cambridge being the biggest headband fans. They've worn them in all shapes and sizes; in fact, the Duchess is such a headband pro, she's even found a genius trick for keeping them in place with her own hair — something we noticed when looking back at all her best hairstyles through the years.
With all this in mind, it should be no surprise that we're seeing people wearing headbands for their wedding. Especially since the headbands we're seeing in 2019 lend themselves well so well to a wedding-day beauty look: knotted bands covered in pearls, tiara-like designs complete with jewelled flowers and leaves, plush velvet bands that sit up high like a minicrown, to name a few. These styles are a far cry from the stretchy elastic bands of the '80s, or the frilly satin bows beloved by the queen of Alice bands, Blair Waldorf.
But on your wedding day, it's not just about the headpiece (which is important), it's also about the hairstyle that goes with it (which is even more important). Sure, you could simply slip one on and call it a day — a headband worn with a simple low bun seems to be the easiest solution. But if you want something extra special for your big day, or you're concerned with the band staying supersecure all night long, there's more to it than just placing the band on your head.
That's why we called Justine Marjan, hairstylist and expert on hair accessories (if you're unfamiliar, look no further than this incredible Met Gala look on Ashley Graham that included barrettes she designed herself). Marjan graciously shared what she considers to be the best wedding headband hairstyles, how to pull off the accessory without feeling OTT, and the most practical question of all: what on earth is the best way to keep them in place all day? Read on to see Marjan's tips, then shop some of our favourite wedding headbands.