Photography by Imaxtree

The Latest 90s-Inspired Accessory Trend Will Hide Your Unwashed Hair

Cher Horowitz’s favourite accessory gets a chic redux

Date January 28, 2019

If the recent resurgence of barrettes had you excited to pay homage to Margot Tenenbaum, then you’ll be glad to know the latest 90s-inspired hair accessory that’s come back on the scene is headbands. But unlike the elaborate Blair Waldorf-inspired ones we wore in ’08, today’s version is reminiscent of the goody-two-shoes variety we donned for school pictures back in the mid 90s.

Padded solid-colour headbands haloed looks at the Prada Spring 2019 show and have made their way into the wardrobes of the leading ladies who reap in our double-taps. Kate Middleton has worn a number of padded headbands with her signature loose curls and polished updos since Prince Louis’ christening last July, and Lauren Santo Domingo recently wore a black velvet one with undone tresses at the Chanel Couture Spring 2019 show. Both chose to team their headbands with a fuss-free double-breasted jacket and glitzy earrings.

Because of the uptown-girl feel the accessory notoriously offers, it’s best worn to polish off a look and lend a regal air—or to rescue hair that looks lacklustre (or like its recently been in contact with the old Conair steam straightener). And for the latter reason, we’re calling headbands the hair essential of winter 2019. When slipped on, it instantly tames and styles hat hair, snowflake-soaked strands or static-y manes, making it a total hair (and time) saviour.

As for what to wear with this prim and proper accessory, think not the graphic sweatshirts, floral Laura Ashley frocks or sweater sets and pearls of elementary school but this season’s staples—edgy 90s classics, tailored separates and high-glam jewellery.

Here are our favourite picks.