Just when you thought you'd seen every trend from the late '90s and early '00s return, the fashion crowd reaches into the depths of the archives to dust off yet another nostalgic gem. Since we're once again living in the era of low-rise jeans, platform heels, and shield sunglasses, it should come as no surprise that we're seeing another accessory from the same era bubble up again. Before you freak out, I think you'll find this next comeback to be much more wearable and, dare I say, chic. The trend I'm talking about is those wide stretchy headbands many of us haven't touched since elementary school. Sure enough, this random drugstore hair accessory is back.
Suddenly, I'm spotting stretchy headbands everywhere. From the Schiaparelli F/W 23 runway, where they were paired with large sculptural earrings, to celebrities like Bella Hadid, Laura Harrier, and Nicola Peltz Beckham, it's truly the accessory everyone is wearing right now. But unlike most things this set has in their wardrobe, this trend couldn't be any cheaper or easier to copy. Walk into your closest drugstore, and you're sure to find a selection of similar styles. Or better yet, order this $5 pack from Amazon. The risk is low, but the potential style payoff is extremely high.
Ahead, see where this random '90s trend is popping up now. Once you've gleaned enough inspiration, stock up with our picks.
On the runway:
From large sculptural earrings to stacks of gold bangles, accessories played a big part in Schiaparelli's F/W 23 ready-to-wear collection. Along with these more talked-about outfit additions was a range of simple fabric headbands. The pulled-back hairstyles they helped create made a clean canvas for the massive earrings models wore. What's more, I think the combo of fabric headbands and big earrings is one we'll see all over this season.
On celebrities:
At the Cannes Film Festival last year, model Elsa Hosk channeled Parisian style icon Brigitte Bardot when she swept her platinum-blonde hair back with a wide black headband and completed her beauty look with a bold cat eye.
No stranger to a good throwback moment, Hadid is another fan of wide fabric headbands, which she likes to style with all her off-duty model outfits.
Harrier's style is minimal and '90s-inspired, so it's no surprise to see her wearing a fabric headband alongside other '90s staples like oval sunglasses, gold hoops, and a cardigan.
Peltz Beckham, the Queen of Y2K style, wore her headband in a more trend-forward way. She paired it with a sporty pair of wraparound shades, big hoops, and an endless stack of gold bangles.
On the fashion set:
Wearing a simple black headband with classic accessories like a great bag and sunglasses will have you looking like pure luxury.
Chasing the old-money aesthetic? Wear a tennis-inspired outfit and top it off with a wide headband to nail the look.
Wearing a fabric headband with something tough, like a distressed leather jacket, creates a cool contrast between soft and hard.
Wide fabric headbands are also my favorite way to mask the fact that wash day is coming soon. A wide headband hides any greasy strands and looks like you put so much effort in—it's a win-win.
Keep one on hand during beach days, and throw it on when the salt and sun get too harsh for your hair.
Touch on the balletcore trend when you wear a headband with soft, delicate pieces like a slip dress or something adorned with rosettes.
Add one to a basic outfit to take your look up a notch.
Since these headbands have an underlying preppy feel, pearl jewelry pairs flawlessly.
As seen on the Schiaparelli runway, the combination of big earrings and a wide headband is simply elite.
While it's great to stock up on headbands in neutral hues like black and white, don't overlook colorful prints that are fun to throw on in the summer.
Matching your headband to your outfit? Now that's expert-level stuff.
More proof that this headband creates the perfect canvas to show off great earrings.
Speaking of accessories that make your outfit, shop the best big '80s earrings to amp up jeans and a tee.
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