From barrettes to fascinators—fashion's newest trend is a head above the rest

By the looks of it, 2021 is embracing maximalism. After a year spent in sweatpants, fashion is all about dressing up, quite literally, from head-to-toe. At the most recent shows, we saw designers from Donatella Versace to Simone Rocha, send their models down the runways with a focus on hair accessories—dainty embellished barrettes, sparkling head-pieces, statement headbands—that promise to become an important detail in any look. These ornate accessories were paired with everything from flirty pastel skirts and bright, bold prints to monochromatic structured styles, showing their versatility. These are some of our favourite highlights and are easy additions to make to your wardrobe.

At: Simone Rocha spring/summer 2021, Dior Haute Couture spring/summer 2021

Lowdown: Blame it on Bridgerton. Chignons with iridescent pearl-studded hair nets were paired with Simone Rocha’s collection featuring pieces in tulle, broderie anglaise, and her signature monogram—the collection offered an escape into the world of royalty and luxury with a fresh, modern twist. For Rocha, this was a continuation of the subverted girlish allure that she’s become so recognised for. While at Dior Haute Couture S/S 2021, crowns tufted with long natural pearls brought exuberance to the ethereal hand-stitched gowns combining timeless elegance and powerful femininity. 

Off the runway, Italian designer, entrepreneur and influencer Chiara Ferragni brings this trend to the everyday, pulling off a twin pearl headband with a low ponytail, while Rita Ora carries off a braided updo with a pearl crown.

The trend: Sparkling barrettes, hair combs and hair clips

At: Versace spring 2021, Fendi spring 2021

Lowdown: It's what little girls' dreams are made of. Embellished hair clips, from crystal barrettes to statement clips, are continuing to gain momentum, with celebrities (everyone from Ariana Grande to Bella Hadid), fashion insiders and influencers alike having been spotted wearing them.

At the highly-anticipated Kim Jones debut at Fendi autumn/winter 2021-22, models were seen sporting a grown-up version of the hair clip. For the occasion, Jones sent out a graduation of monotone looks that shifted from camel to sand and from grey to white, finally culminating in fashion’s favourite—black. Side-parted hair was pulled back with the Fendi hair clip, an elegant thin strand in gold tones that were worn just above the ears, finishing the graphic accents that made up the collection. 

To shake things up a bit, at Fendi Spring 2021, Jones’s romantic offering of dramatic capes, elegant bell-sleeves and embellishments were paired with rain-soaked hair dressed with Venetian glass ornate hair-comb clasps.

The bejewelled barrette—the staple accessory of the ’90s—was spotted at Versace. Paired with high-octane sporty cocktail-wear—think micro-pleated, ruffled dresses cascading skirts—high-gloss hair was pinned back with a neon barrette in the iconic Medusa design.

Sliding a sassy accessory into un-styled hair is an easy way to create a look that’s understated yet chic. 

The trend: Floral crowns

At: Chanel spring/summer 2021, Rodarte spring 2021

Lowdown: Whether it's taking a nod from the Renaissance period, or more recently with Woodstock, the floral crown never seems to lose its lustre. At Chanel’s spring/summer 2021 show at the Grand Palais, models in flirty tulle pastel skirts and a sun-kissed glow swooshed down the runway with a sprinkling of flower crowns. Over at Rodarte, the use of fresh florals and blooms with sunflowers and daisies tucked behind ears and silk floral wreaths enhanced their trademark whimsy. It was clear that romance is not dead.

I’m with the (hair) band

The trend: Statement headbands

At: Erdem spring 2021, Halpern spring 2021 

Lowdown: From such classic, minimalist headbands to crown-like metal ones, headbands have leapt from classroom to catwalk with aplomb. You could call the hairband the modern tiara, taking women through their busy day—versions in rich velvet, encrusted with crystals, or just sleek satin, these promise a good hair day.

When poet Amanda Gorman took the stage at Joe Biden’s inauguration ceremony in January this year, her scarlet headband designed by Prada, paired with her brightly coloured ensemble, a canary yellow coat, created quite a stir. In fact, global fashion platform Lyst reported that searches for headbands shot up a staggering 560 per cent following the ceremony. Katherine Ryan spearheaded a hairband renaissance through her chunky, head-turning headbands looks on Netflix show, The Duchess.

At Erdem spring 2021, double headbands, two thin versions, complemented modest silhouettes with elegant details like high collars, bow accents and puff-sleeved empire silhouettes. 

At Halpern spring 2021, shiny black headbands gave a nice stylistic touch along with tightly-pulled hair when paired with a metallic gold leopard print brocade dress.

It's a wrap

The trend: Head wraps, headscarves, turbans and bandanas 

At: Dolce & Gabbana’s spring/summer 2021, Max Mara resort 2021, Carolina Herrera resort 2022 Denim Collection 

Lowdown: Whether classic, minimalist headgear or exuberant embellished turbans, if styled well, they add an unmatched allure. Wear your headgear with insouciance as you channel Rachel Zoe’s memorable words and the nonchalance behind them: “I would wear a turban to Whole Foods.” 

At Dolce & Gabbana spring/summer 2021, floral turbans in bold and bright prints and twisted headscarves were paired with a mix of polka dots and floral brocades, while at Max Mara’s resort 2021 collection, embellished headscarves were paired with drop-waisted dresses. Giving headscarves a modern spin, Carolina Herrera’s resort 2022 denim collection served denim headscarves that played up the retro allure of the rest of the line.

After the hybrid virtual Grammy Awards 2021 and her spectacular win at the ceremony, Beyoncé dazzled in a silver sequinned long-sleeved Burberry gown, bejewelled corset and a matching turban that included a sheer veil.

Also read:

Scrunchies are 2020’s quarantine hero hair accessories—here’s how you should wear them

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Dua Lipa, Kaia Gerber are here to revive the bandana scarf as the accessory of the summer