12 Low-Effort and Classy Hairstyles to Try If You Want to Look Put-Together

I don't know about you, but my diary is starting to fill up. Not only are three of my best friends getting married this summer, but I've also got various family birthday parties and work events to attend. I've tried to be as organised as possible and have already purchased a couple of dresses that should see me through the next few months, but I've not even started to think about what makeup or hairstyles to go for. Even though I work in beauty, I hate spending hours getting ready for special occasions, and I always make the mistake of trying to do a complicated eye shadow look or hairstyle, only for it to look even worse than when I started and make me late.

So, in a bid to save myself some time (and patience), I've spent the entire day scrolling through Instagram to find some easy, elegant hairstyles that I know I can re-create easily at home. Luckily for me, I've managed to find lots of chic, stylish looks that don't require a visit to the hairdresser. I've included my favourite elegant hairstyles below, whether you like to wear your hair up, down, long, short, straight or curly.

If your spring is also starting to look booked and busy, then I highly recommend that you keep scrolling and get ahead to avoid any hair disasters on the day.

THE BEST ELEGANT HAIRSTYLES TO TRY

1. Half-Up, Half-Down

Hailey Bieber with a half up, half down hairstyle

(Image credit: @haileybieber)

First up is the half-up, half-down hairstyle. This is a timeless look that will elevate any outfit. Simply separate your hair into two sections before grabbing a scrunchie or clip of your choice to pin the top section back. If you want a really sleek finish, try applying some gel to help smooth everything back and give that glossy shine.

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2. The Flicky Ponytail

Laura Harrier with a flicky ponytail

(Image credit: @lauraharrier)

There's something so chic about a flicky ponytail, especially when paired with statement earrings. Simply style your usual ponytail and then grab your straightener to give the ends that outwards curve and bounce.

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3. Plaits

Olivia Jade with a plait hairstyle

(Image credit: @oliviajade)

Plaits always look elegant, and I love how Olivia Jade has secured the bottom of her plait with a bow for a fun touch.

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4. Low Ponytail

a woman posing with a low bun hairstyle

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Another timeless hairstyle is a low ponytail paired with a middle parting. This will take you no time at all but give the impression that you've spent hours on your hair. Simply divide your hair in the middle, tie it into a neat ponytail and secure in place with some hairspray.

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5. Bow Accessories

a woman with a long ponytail and bow hair accessory

(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl)

Adding a bow instantly makes any hairstyle look chic.

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6. Side Parting

a woman taking a selfie with a side part hairstyle

(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Side partings are back, and I love how chic they look. In order to get that sharp line, separate your hair with a thin comb and use some gel or pomade to keep the style in place.

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7. Vintage Up-Do

a woman sat on a bench with an updo hairstyle

(Image credit: @juliesfi)

There's nothing I love more than a vintage-style up-do. This can be achieved in so many different ways, but for me, the easiest way is to gather your hair into a loose bun before pulling out a few pieces and curling them away from your face. Don't forget to pull out any face-framing layers too.

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8. Face-Framing Curls

a woman taking a selfie with an elegant hairstyle

(Image credit: @monamali_)

Speaking of face-framing layers, how beautiful is this curly hairstyle? This look is all about embracing your natural texture, so grab your curl cream and style away.

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9. Loose Waves

Sofia Richie Grainge with loose waves

(Image credit: @sofiarichiegrainge)

As much as I love voluminous curls, I feel like loose waves are really taking over this year, and in my opinion, they look so elegant. If you don't have naturally wavy hair, then try using a hair-waving tool or plait your hair before bed to get that relaxed finish.

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10. Side-Swept Fringe

a woman with a pixie haircut and a side-swept fringe

(Image credit: @thevisuelofgrace)

A side-swept fringe looks so chic, especially when paired with a pixie haircut. Rollers will be your best friend for this kind of style.

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11. Slicked-Back Bun

a woman waiting at a station with a slicked-back bun

(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

Don't feel like washing your hair? I recommend a slicked-back bun. Apply some pomade or gel to the hair and then use a brush to slick everything back before securing in place.

Get the Look:

12. '90s Tendrils

a woman taking a selfie with an elegant hairstyle

(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Last but by no means least, this year is all about those '90s tendrils. Whether you prefer a bun or a ponytail, having these strands frame your face instantly gives an elegant finish. They can be styled straight or curly depending on what you prefer, but there's no denying how sophisticated they look.

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Junior Beauty Editor

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow. 

As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.