From Celine to Chanel, These 25 Designer Hair Accessories Are Destined for Fame
POV: It's September 2007, and the premiere of a teen-led television drama chronicling the lives of Manhattan's elite, Gossip Girl, has just sparked a renewed interest in hair accessories. While it would be fair to argue that fictional Park Avenue princess Blair Waldorf may not have been the sole reason headbands spiked in popularity, her signature hair accessory is by far one of the most recognizable symbols of the series.
By wearing her headbands (of which, she had many), our beloved Queen B might as well have been unofficially sporting a crown while ruling the Upper East Side with an iron fist. Despite my not having experienced the series at its peak (I wasn't even in middle school when the show first aired), my introduction to the show came with an adoration for its fashion. Suddenly, my closet was flooded with headbands, scarves, clips, and more as my own personal ode to classic prep style.
I'm heading into this New Year with this same energy, but this time fully embracing quality over quantity as I shop for my designer hair accessories going forward. I may always be smart in my shopping habits, but I 100% have an eye for luxury. My advice? Don't wait until the holidays roll around to break out your designer details. Whether you're tapped into the more minimalist, quiet luxury trends or will forever and always subscribe to statement pieces, adding an eye-catching hair accessory is the smartest way to take any outfit to the next level.
In this vein, I've pulled together an edit of my favorite elevated hair accessories from the newcomer and heritage brands that have been on my mind recently. Scroll on to see the 25 best to shop right now.
Headbands
Where headbands are considered, Balmain Hair Couture will always turn heads. Since receiving the brand's Riviera Logo Leather Headband, I've worn it for every special occasion that called for a touch of class. Inspired by the cognac wood color of the luxury yachts commonly spotted along the French Riviera, this leather headband is features Balmain's signature 18K-gold-plated logo.
If you've yet to add a Jennifer Behr hair accessory to your wardrobe, take this as your sign to finally pull the trigger. Why not go big while you're at it with the Katya Headband? With its triple-layered ribbon bow and timeless black velvet finish, this headband is exactly what I would imagine an adult Eloise wearing (paired with something pink, of course).
I haven't been seeing enough monogramed looks for hair accessories lately. This one, by Tory Burch, places the brand's recognizable Moroccan-inspired double-T logo against a canvas background. It's available in two colors, hazel and navy, but I can't decide which one I'm more obsessed with. They're both too good!
Minimalism lovers, this one's for you. Offered in two gorgeous color selections, this ultra-modern headband is made of innovative Re-Nylon with Prada's beloved enameled metal triangle logo detailing right where you (and literally anyone else) can see it. What's more, it's crafted using entirely hypoallergenic and nickel-free materials for all-day comfort.
You don't know how excited I was to find out my favorite designer shoe brand also creates equally beautiful hair accessories. Its Crystal-Embellished Oversized Headband blends gold-tone accents with crystal embellishments. It's altogether bold and timeless—everything I could possibly want from glamorous hair accessories.
The bow trend has been big all year, and I definitely see it hanging on for a little while longer. If you're in the mood to lean into more coquettish tendencies, try this charming Simone Rocha headband. Adorned by sweeping ribbons and light-catching crystals, it adds the perfect amount of whimsy while drawing inspiration from daisy chains.
Hair Bows
Here's another Jennifer Behr find I can't stop thinking about. It's a large silk-ribbon bow barrette that, when added to any hairstyle, exudes instant elegance. Offered in two chic shades (black and cream), it's a must-have for anyone with a love for big bows.
In case you missed it, hair bows have been everywhere. Try the trend with Sandy Liang's Recital Bows in a gorgeous iris taffeta. Sold as a pair, they measure in at 19 inches and feature long, flowing tails that will trail behind you with every step. Believe me, it truly can't get more whimsical than this.
I'm already imaging an evening out at the ballet while wearing this imitation-pearl-encrusted bow barrette by Jennifer Behr paired with my favorite little black dress by House of CB. Of all the hair bows I've included so far, this is my top pick for one that pairs well with any and all occasion-wear.
If you're looking for a hair accessory that combines two of the seasons trendiest details (rosebuds and bows), Sandy Liang's Corsage Hair Bow offers the best of both worlds. Its two-inch blush-colored rose bud sits pretty on a six-inch triple-layered satin bow, making this one of my absolute favorites to wear year-round.
Claw Clips
Sophisticated, versatile, and modern, Prada's Metal Hair Clip is made of enameled metal and decorated with the brand's recognizable triangle logo on one end. It offers a fuss-free way to add some structure and style to your tresses while also being ridiculously comfortable to wear (which is, unfortunately, not a feature all claw clips possess).
I can't get over how pretty this minimalistic Jacquemus hair clip is. Crafted from a gorgeous gold-tone metal, it features a logo embellishment and claw clip fastening that's ideal for all hair types. I'm always drawn to delicate details, and this hair clip definitely hits the mark.
Large claw clips are lifesavers for anyone with naturally thick, curly hair like mine. This oversize Balmain Hair Couture claw clip is made from durable cellulose acetate and designed with Balmain's signature 18K-gold-plated "B" logo. It's gentle on the hair and scalp, and I can honestly wear this one for hours without having to adjust or remove it for comfort.
Looking for a way to add an elegant finishing touch to any outfit? Any of Celine's Triomphe Claw Clips will achieve it. Crafted from zamak and steel, each claw clip features durable holding spikes for your strands and Celine Paris's signature logo at the top. It also happens to be nickel free, lending comfort to even the most sensitive of scalps.
Animal print is a neutral—full stop. Loeffler Randall's Koda Curved Hair Claw Clips feature a striking pearlescent animal pattern and come in a set of two. Made from 100% acetate, they're durable, flexible, and super chic. You'll catch me wearing at least one of these on any day of the week.
Barrettes + Combs
Great for ponytails or to create effortless updos, this handcrafted hair barrette is made of the finest high-quality genuine napa leather and fastens with a hand-polished, 18K-gold-plated hairpin featuring Balmain's engraved logo. The barrette is literally designed to hug your hairstyles thanks to its slightly curved shape.
This ultra-chic Brass Hair Clip combines the brand's iconic enameled triangle logo with a cascade of fringe embellished with zircons and sliding metal closure makes for easy instillation and removal. If you're looking to add some sleek, punk influences to your style, this hair clip set is a fashion-forward way to do it.
Can you tell I have a thing for pearls? Lelet NY's Pearl Drop Barrette is a dream come true for me. It's a gold-tone barrette that features a sophisticated chain design and is finished with drop glass pearls of various sizes. This one would look gorgeous added to a half-up hairstyle or used to simply clip pesky getaway strands away from the face.
Designed by hand in New York City and crafted from stainless steel and Swarovski crystal, Lelet NY's Serpent Spine Comb resembles a serpent's body formed from sparking Swarvorski crystals. I'll be reaching for these whenever I need to dress up one of my many braided hairstyles.
This Alexandre de Paris Perle à La Ligne black acetate hair pick from the brand's Positive Attitude collection is accented with an iridescent imitation pearl at the top and embellished with the brand's iconic white-gold logo. Just imagine how gorgeous this would look in an elegant chignon or slicked-back bun.
Headwear + Hair Ties
If there's one thing to know for sure about my fall and winter style, it's that I'll find a way to incorporate a gorgeous pair of earmuffs into 99% of my outfits once the temperature drops below a brisk 50°F. Sure, these are on the pricier side, but they're also beyond perfect for leaning into my cold-girl era.
Carrie Bradshaw once said that no fashion loving-woman on the island of Manhattan would be caught dead at a "hip Downtown restaurant" wearing a scrunchie, but I'd have to disagree. This fashion lover can't wait to get her hands on Prada's crystal-embellished satin scrunchie (featuring the enamel triangle logo).
I've loved hair combs since coming across one belonging to my incredibly style-savvy grandmother from the mid-1960s. Celine's Triomphe Hair Comb evokes a similar timeless style and elegance through an acetate tortoiseshell-print frame featuring with the brand's classic logo.
Clearly, I'm not over scrunchies. This one, by Versace, is crafted of 100% fine silk decorated in a bold logo print and adorned with a signature Medusa head charm. If I'm wearing a ponytail on any given day while out and about, there's a good chance this will also be making an appearance.
Here's another pair of shearling earmuffs that has stayed in my mind rent free for I don't know how long. Made in Italy, Burberry's Shearling Earmuffs are crafted from 100% real farmed dyed lamb shearling effortlessly combining function with fashion.
Maya Thomas is Who What Wear's assistant beauty editor based in New York City. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.
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