Whenever my hair decides it’s not in the mood to cooperate (which is pretty much always), a strategically placed hair accessory is my number one antidote. Bangs not laying right? Headband! Greasy roots? Hat! Ho-hum ponytail? Scrunchie! My collection of hair thingamabobs is vast, and honestly, I don’t know why I would do without it. That said, every season when new trends and micro-trends abound, I like to add a few new takes to my wardrobe. And with winter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get ahead of the curb where the best winter hair accessories are concerned.
Ahead, we’re showcasing nine of the most relevant accessories to elevate your strands and style this winter. Some are fresher takes on the trends that have been around for a while and some are so on the cusp you just might be the first person in your circle to try them. Keep scrolling—nine of our favorite winter-centric hair accessory trends are below.
Take it from someone who grew up in Minnesota with below-freezing temperatures and even scarier windchill: It’s not always easy to look cute whilst staying warm. That said, this season’s cozy textures like faux-fur and fuzzy fleece are a chic and easy way to upgrade your seasonal hair accessories. And simultaneously protect yourself against the elements.
Knitted and/or beaded skull caps are an emerging micro-trend Who What Wear’s Editor in Chief Kat Collings (ahem, the chicest person I know) recommends trying before everyone else this winter. If you’re the type of person who wants to know (and wear) what’s cool before the masses, add it to your next winter shopping haul.
Claw clips aren’t a new trend for this winter, but they’re continuing to gain momentum. We’ve found graphic or embellished clips (think cool geometric patterns or your name encrusted in rhinestones) to be the freshest take on the going-strong hair accessory.
Silky headscarves are another hair accessory staple that seems to be taking over our Instagram feeds this season. Not only will they instantly elevate an outfit (or amazing makeup vibe), but they can also pull double duty to disguise greasy roots or those inevitable bad hair days. It’s a glamorous vintage look that is ultra-versatile when it comes to styling. Just wrap it over the top of the hair and tie it underneath or twirl it around your ponytail. The sky’s the limit.
You can pretty much count on hats of all shapes, sizes, and varieties being a major thing this winter, but baseball caps (yes, really!) will reign supreme. Pair them with leather, your fave trousers, cool sneakers, or your go-to pair of jeans, and your outerwear aesthetic will look so much cooler this season.
Designer logos, in general, are a huge trend among all categories of hair accessories—hats, scrunchies, clips, you name it. That said, we’re partial to how sleek a plaque (ahem, like Prada’s) looks atop a sophisticated hair clip.
In case you missed it, “hair slide” is the British term for a longer hair clip or bar-shaped barrette. We’ve been seeing them everywhere and are convinced they’re the way to add a punch of sparkle or polish to strands this winter. Plus, they’ll help keep errant wisps off of your face.
Nope, headbands aren’t going anywhere, folks! In fact, the trend ramps up even more for the winter when we crave all things luxurious, soft, and sparkly. Try doubling up your bands for a trendier take, and of course, faux fur, pearls, jewels, and anything else that catches the light is fair game, too.
We love a nod to the first half of the 20th century and have been going gaga over all of the mesh-embellished hair accessories we’ve noticed recently. Be it a hat or headband, there is no better way to completely level up your look this winter.
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