21 Fashion Items That'll Look Especially Cool If You Wear Your Hair in Braids Like I Do

I’ve been experimenting with my hair for years now. Since I moved to NYC, I have had many more options for where to get my hair done than in the South. My big move gave me the chance to reinvent myself, and what better way to do that than to change my hair? At the time, “editorial” or freestyle cornrow braids were all the rage, and I couldn’t wait to try them. After getting a star on the side of my head and a spiral on the other, my affinity for braids grew even more.

Many Black women with textured and type 4 hair have a difficult relationship with their natural hair, which is why braids have always been a go-to for me. In college, I would get my hair braided in classic cornrows because the thought of having to do my hair each day on top of my schoolwork and activities was paralyzing. Braids are such a huge part of my life and culture as a Black woman, and it’s also a stunning way to adorn yourself. My hair is my greatest accessory, and braids are a tool for expressing myself.

If you’re thinking about your next set of braids and what styles you’re getting, keep scrolling because I have a few fashion items that would look amazing alongside them. I even categorized them by style.

Freestyle Cornrows

These are the types of braids I would get the most often. I love the thought of art being right on your head. If you’re in NYC, I go to a few braiders who can accomplish these types of braids, but Rose and Trenae are my favorites. Anyway, I usually wear simpler items with freestyle cornrows, as my hair becomes the center of my look.

Boho Braids

I love these braids that became a huge trend via Zoe Kravitz. I can’t get enough of them. They make me feel like a mermaid who just got out of the water, and they look so effortless. These braids look great with other statement pieces and elegant accessories to accentuate the look.

Classic Cornrows

I love how my face looks after getting classic cornrows. You can see all the details, and it always looks like I got a slight facelift because of how tight the braids tend to be. I wear statement accessories, like large earrings, to bring more attention to my face. I also love wearing brighter colors with classic cornrows.

Classic Boxbraids

I love box braids. They are so reliable and a great protective style for natural hair. I got this style the most while in college. I would wear a lot of sleeker items with my box braids, and now that it’s getting cold, I wear a lot of hats and hair accessories to add to the look.