Most Popular Hair Accessories of 2011

Headbands, rhinestones, feathers and florals paraded down the runways this year, becoming the most popular hair accessories of 2011.  They graced the tops of masculine and romantic ensembles alike, helping to complete the overall feel of the outfit.  During the spring and summer, the relaxed, laid-back accessories lent a bohemian feel, while the fall and winter accessories turned towards refined glamour.

Headbands

This accessory made its mark during the spring and summer with wide, vibrantly colored headscarves matching equally bright outfits.  Whether tied around the top of the head or under the hair, the head scarf lent an elegant aura to a relaxed style.  The thin, mesh headbands wrapped around the top of the head also made an appearance, usually embellished with rosettes on the side or hanging fringe.  Paired with a bohemian skirt and large wooden earrings, it creates a stunning 70’s style.  For the hip, city-chic girl, go with a thin headband adorned with a large or flat rosette/rhinestone design/feathers on one side.  A double or triple headband paired with a messy updo also makes a statement.

Florals

Whether alone or on a headband, the flower creates a romantic, whimsical style.  Go for a dramatic look with one or two oversized rosettes in metallics and bright colors, or keep it simple with a small pink rose tucked into a bun.  Many headbands have floral decorations, and a great way to show off your love of feminine style is to wear a headband covered in small flowers.  For a subtle look, pick up a floral bobby pin or hair clip and use it to pull back one side of the hair or tuck it into an updo.

Vintage Sparkles

This fall and winter, sequins and metallics fill the shelves, and so hair accessories must match.  Rhinestone and crystal hair clips, pins, and headbands fit the bill.  Because of the trend towards 30’s and 40’s old Hollywood glamour, vintage style hair accessories add more to the outfit than plain rhinestone accessories.  Make it a scrollwork, floral, or antique silver pin tucked behind the ear or on the side of a bun.  A thin, crystal headband lends sophistication to a casual outfit.  Style your hair short with a few symmetrical, horizontal waves for the best in vintage fashion.

Feathers

During the warmer months, feathers fell long and loose, while in the fall and winter they took on a vintage style with pinned clusters on the side of the head.  For a bohemian look, pick up long clip-on feather extensions in bright colors and patterns and weave one or two into the hair.  If you want something elegant, pick up a vintage accessory with a cluster of black and white, nude or jewel-toned feathers and pin to the side of the head.  When wearing a manicured, masculine outfit, go for the angular, sharp clusters. The more feminine outfits with flowing skirts look best with loose, wavy feather pins.  Combining a small rosette with a feather also ties in with the fall trends.  Deep reds, emerald greens and royal blues are the go-to colors for the fall and winter, so try to work them into your feather accessories.