Hair Accessories Are Big News for Autumn—These Are the Best Looks I'm Trying

In my opinion, hair accessories can elevate an outfit. There's nothing I love more than throwing on a headband to make my leggings-and-hoodie combo immediately appear sporty-chic rather than plain lazy, and it seems that I'm not the only one. Lately, I've been seeing a range of hair accessories all over my Instagram feed, and they're definitely going to be big news this autumn. Not only do they amp up an outfit, but they're perfect if you don't have time to style your hair every morning. When I'm in a rush, I throw my hair back and secure it in place with a claw clip to look put together in seconds, and I know so many friends that do the same. 

Hair accessories can work for all hair types and textures, and I especially love using them on second and third-day hair, as I find that they stay in place a little easier. However, if you do have freshly washed hair, you can still work accessories into your look. "I like to use a texturising spray to add grip to the hair," says Zoë Irwin, GHD global ambassador and creative director at John Frieda. See? Some tactical hairstyling products are all you need to make accessories work on silky, slippery hair.

If you're keen to incorporate hair accessories into your autumn wardrobe, keep on scrolling for some of my favourite hair-accessory looks that I'm definitely going to be trying this season.

The Best Hair-Accessory Looks for Autumn

1. Claw Clips

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Not only are claw clips practical, they're stylish too. I love using mine to fasten my hair up or do a half-up, half-down look, and I think they give off a totally relaxed, "I just threw my hair up like this" kind of vibe. Although floral claw clips were all the rage this summer, I suspect we will be seeing tortoiseshell designs everywhere come autumn.

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(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

If you want to make your hairstyle look effortlessly chic, leave some shorter bits of hair out of the claw clip at the front and allow them to frame your face.

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2. Y2K Headbands

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

It's no secret that lots of Y2K trends are having a revival, and these thick, jersey headbands might just be my favourite. Add them to any hairstyle from a ponytail to a bob to instantly elevate your look.

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

For a French-girl twist, pair your headband with ballet flats and wide-leg trousers. So chic.

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3. Hair Bows

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

For a seriously cute touch, you can't go wrong with a hair bow. These hair accessories give me all of the Scandi vibes, and I love adding them to the simplest of outfits to pull everything together.

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(Image credit: @mariejedig)

There are lots of different ways to wear this trend—you can either add in a bow clip or take some ribbons, tie them into bows and add to a ponytail or bun. The main thing is to have fun with it!

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4. Caps

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(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl)

For the ultimate cool-girl look, you can't go wrong with a cap. I love how this accessory adds a casual, sporty feel to any outfit, and it's perfect for when you're having a bad hair day.

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Caps work best when your hair is down or in a low ponytail, and letting your natural texture shine through will definitely add to that laid-back vibe.

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5. Alice Bands

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(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

For something a little more timeless, try a classic headband. These used to remind me of something I would wear to school, but they've seriously grown on me over the last couple of years, thanks to the fact that they can make any outfit look chic.

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(Image credit: @anaasmood)

Although the style is a staple, you don't have to opt for classic colours. Instead, add a fun pop of your favourite bright shade. 

Shop the Accessory:

Next Up: These Trending Autumn Haircuts Will Be the Most Requested in Salons This Season

Grace Lindsay
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.