Autumn is well and truly here, and although we might not be totally prepared for the chillier, greyer months (physically or mentally . . . ), when it comes to our Autumn beauty game, we're very ready. Ever since seeing all the beautiful hair accessories last Fashion Month (Autumn/Winter 2019), we've been adding headbands, barrettes, and bows to our online shopping lists.
Many of the trends currently filling our Instagram feed have been influenced by Fashion Weeks [1] that happened six months ago, which were brimming with extravagant beauty looks. Obviously, some of these elaborate looks were so "out there" (not to mention out of our price range) that it's hard to envision wearing them in real life. That's why we've not only found the prettiest and most wearable hair trends but also rounded up our favourite accessories to shop, so you'll have new, fresh ideas for the entire season ahead.
This Autumn, it's all about statement bows, barrettes, and bands. Case in point: Shrimps combined headbands [2] and pearls [3] for a simple yet incredibly elegant accessory that took centre stage during the show; Oscar de la Renta topped off a wavy ponytail with a charming velvet bow (which we're definitely saving to try this festive period); and you'd think Ashish and Versace took preshow notes from each other, both incorporating beautiful barrettes into the hair in various ways.
If you're looking to switch up your signature low bun for work, read on to see which hair moments caught our attention and exactly how we'll be wearing them for Autumn.
Autumn Hair Accessory Trend: Statement Headbands
Headbands are perhaps the easiest accessory to incorporate into any hairstyle; they're a versatile and affordable way to spice up any look (with so many different styles available).
Instead of trying a simple band this season, take notes from the catwalk and try something a little more extravagant and statement-making than your simple black band. The hair at Balmain had an edgy feel thanks to a chain-link headband slipped over a simple low ponytail. We also love the Rosantica by Michela Panero Liberta Crystal-Embellished Chain Headband [4] (£240) for the ultimate statement-making Alice band.
Autumn Hair Accessory Trend: Statement Headbands
If you're not feeling daring enough to wear heavy metal (literally), take inspiration from Drome's Autumn 2019 show and try something shiny and colourful in either patent or faux leather. We also like the ASOS Headband in Faux Leather With Plait Detail [5] (£6).
Autumn Hair Accessory Trend: Statement Headband
Ermanno Scervino tapped into our childhood nostalgia with its daisy, jewel-patterned headband. You can style it similarly with a slicked-back bun, or try a slightly thinner headband, like the Accessorize Flower Gem Alice Hair Band [6] (£16), and wear it with your hair down for a more casual vibe.
Autumn Hair Accessory Trend: Statement Headband
Shrimps displayed an overload of pearl Alice bands that helped spark a huge trend. A pearl headband adds an ultrafeminine feel to any style. Luckily for us, they are everywhere, at every price point, and in every variation [7].
Autumn Hair Accessory Trend: Statement Headband
Simone Rocha was all about the tiara-inspired headbands. The show displayed a variety of hybrid headpiece/headbands, which gave off a gothic feel with the black jewel embellishments. This is a great option if you want to make a statement with your hair without too much styling necessary. Bonus points if you match it to your lipstick.
Autumn Hair Accessory Trend: Statement Headband
Stella Jean also incorporated pretty pearls into the headbands, with tiny extra jewels to give it a slightly softer feel. With this as our inspiration, the DesignB London Double Pearl Headband [8] (£6) and ASOS Velvet Headband With Pearl Design [9] (£8) are the top of our shopping list.
Autumn Hair Accessory Trend: Sparkly Barrettes and Clips
Other easy accessories to incorporate into almost any hairstyle are barrettes and clips, even if you have short hair [10].
The hair at Ashish was incredible and most definitely exaggerated. Minus the massive amount of backcombing (unless that's your thing, then go forth and backcomb), there were plenty of sparkling clips dotted throughout the top of the hair, giving it some added sparkle.
Autumn Hair Accessory Trend: Sparkly Barrettes and Clips
In addition to Alice bands, Simone Rocha also showed us a fun way to style our hair with twinkly barrettes. Whether you're wearing your hair down (like here) or in a low bun, you can scatter them randomly across your hairline. That way, they're both functional (keeping your hair out of your face, that is) and decorative.
Autumn Hair Accessory Trend: Sparkly Barrettes and Clips
At Versace, barrettes almost felt like an extension of the jewellery, with the models wearing multicoloured, embellished jewelled slides. We love the Pretty Little Thing Multicolour Jewel Hair Slide [11] (£4) and the Boohoo Embellished Diamante Hair Slide in Multicolour [12] (£6).
Autumn Hair Accessory Trend: Hair Bows
"Sparkly hair slides, ribbons, brooches, and camellias adorned simple, clean, healthy hair," hairstylist Sam McKnight said of the look at Chanel's Autumn 2019 show, which you can see here in the photo. The bow pictured is the perfect accessory for more formal occasions, but if you're looking for something simpler, try the DesignB London Faux Pearl Bow Hair Clip [13] (£6), which includes pearls — a Chanel signature.
Autumn Hair Accessory Trend: Hair Bows
Velvet bows, as seen at Oscar de la Renta, are an accessory you may have already tried, and if not, you'll almost definitely have seen them all over Instagram. We love the ASOS Barrette Hair Clip-In Bow [14] (£8), but if you're feeling crafty, save bows and ribbons from the festive season to repurpose as hair accessories.
Autumn Hair Accessory Trend: Hair Bows
Bright, colourful, and beautiful should have been the motto for Emilia Wickstead's red bow accessories [15] (£120). Placed in the centre of the hair to complement an ultrahigh ponytail, this look is a sure winner for Autumn and is the perfect style for day-three (or beyond, no judgement here) hair.
Autumn Hair Accessory Trend: Hair Chains
Hair chains are one of the most striking accessories from the season but perhaps the hardest to re-create, particularly if you're trying to reach the back of your head without help.
If you're looking to jazz up an already signature hairstyle of yours, hair chains are a great way to add something extra. Area incorporated these crystal jewels into Bantu knots, while you can also twist them through a single chignon.
Autumn Hair Accessory Trend: Hair Chains
Go all out with hair chains like hairstylist Justine Marjan [16] (otherwise known as the queen of accessories) did at Christian Siriano's Autumn 2019 show. Marjan added long chains at the crown of the head, gathering them with the rest of the hair into a low ponytail. If re-creating this style feels like too much of a challenge at home, try wrapping one chain around the ponytail or braiding it through. Or try using the Accessorize Braid Multi Strand Comb Slide [17] (£15).
Autumn Hair Accessory Trend: Ponytail Jewellery
If you're digging out your trusty leather jacket heading into the cooler weather, take a note from Alexander McQueen and grab some extra leather (or faux feather) to wrap around your hair as well. This edgy look is certainly a style that will not only complement the outfit but also probably make the outfit. It would probably take a hot minute to wrap material around a ponytail this long, so try wrapping it only a few times or using a leather hairband like the Kitsch Ponytail Ties [18].
Autumn Hair Accessory Trend: Ponytail Jewellery
Here's another striking way to dress up your ponytail, but minus all the hassle and sore arms. Re-create this look from Byblos by simply doing a ponytail as normal, then either wrapping an accessory or hair tie around it to add something extra. We love the ASOS Hair Ties With Pearl Embellishment [19] (£6) if you're looking for ease or the Accessorize Cuff Hair Pony [20] (£2, originally £4.50) if you want to be a little more daring.