What to Wear: Headbands

Marissa emailed earlier this week with a fun accessory question. Here’s what she said:

I have recently discovered the joy of fabric headbands/wraps! They are so much fun. I think that you love them too.

Do you have any guidance on how to wear them? Are they appropriate for the office (where one has to wear a dress everyday)? Are they any good websites/stores where one could find some cute ones to add to their collection?

a) Your office makes you wear a dress everyday? That’s kind of awesome. b) I definitely love headbands and really anything in the the hat/tiara/hair accessory category. c) Yes, you can wear headbands to work.

I like headbands best when combined with hair pulled up or back in some way. A loose bun, french twist or ponytail is a great match with a headband or scarf for the office. Most headbands fit into three categories, each with distinct rules:

Traditional – Usually about two inches wide, this includes fabric bands you can find at a drugstore or basic plastic bands. Forever 21 has 10 colors of plastic headbands for $3 a pop. Because these bands are wider, it’s often a good idea to balance them out with bangs or side swept hair. Here’s a perfect example on Nicole Richie.

Scarves – A great alternative to traditional headbands, scarves work with hair up or down. I have a couple vintage scarves that are headband favorites. Any scarf at least 12″ wide can be folded in a triangle and then into a band for your hair. Urban Outfitters makes it even easier with their collection of tieback scarf headbands. Or you can cheat with a fabric covered headband.

Skinny – Two skinny bands worn close to the hairline is my latest favorite. Scuni sells elastic versions for cheap, Urban Outfitters has the metal variety and you can find fancier versions at department stores. This gold band from Anthropologie would be perfect with a jewel-toned cocktail dress. Wear skinny bands with loose hair pulled straight back. Channel your inner Grecian goddess.

Whew! This turned into a mini dissertation on hair accessories. There are just so many fun headbands for sale right now. I want them all!