Trends
Nov 14, 2018

From Prada to Kate Middleton, the Alice Headband Is Officially Back in Business

by Bonnie Langedijk

Ever since I saw Scandi-cool Totême’s S/S 18 lookbook, I’ve been smitten with headbands, and I’m not even a cutesy hair-accessorising kind of girl. My hair is too short and smooth for anything to stay in its place, so I can’t describe how thrilled I am to now have a hair trend I can take part in. To me, it’s the ultimate chic update to any simple outfit, and with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy as my ultimate winter wardrobe icon, I just want to wear one every day.

Headbands have had so many key moments over the years—from Grace Kelly and Brigitte Bardot to headband queen Blair Waldorf—and as such they aren’t always the most of-the-moment item to wear. After the revivals of scrunchies, hair clips and barrettes, it’s no surprise designers have moved onto the headband as the next nostalgic accessory to reinvent. On the S/S 19 runways, the hair accessory showed its true versatility.

Prada went for a ’60s style, Dior kept it minimal and Simone Rocha showed headbands fit for a queen. Since then, countless influencers have adopted the look way ahead of these pieces becoming available, and we noticed it overtaking the fascinator as the posh wedding accoutrement du jour at Princess Eugenie’s wedding last month. Heck, even Kate Middleton’s onto it, as she chose an exaggerated velvet Alice band just a few days ago for her second Remembrance Sunday look.

Lucky for us, this trend has now also hit the high street, with a wide array of everyday styles hitting shelves at stores like Accessorize to Forever 21. And for those looking for something special, there are great options from Free People and Anthropologie. Scroll down for a guide on how to wear this trend and to shop our picks.

Headband fashion trend: Brigitte Bardot wearing a classic black headband

Photo:

Sunset Boulevard/Getty Images

Style Notes: To make sure your headband choice doesn’t look too costumey, make sure there’s always an undone element as per Brigitte Bardot.

Headband fashion trend: Emma Louise Connolly wearing a red Alessandra Rich dress and headband

Photo:

Getty Images

Style Notes: Emma Louise Connolly chose a look from Alessandra Rich for Eugenie’s wedding—a designer who is really at the forefront of this trend.

Headband fashion trend: Prada S/S 19 printed headband

Photo:

Imaxtree

Style Notes: Opt for a ’60s look by choosing a slightly wider headband. Pair with vintage-inspired pieces such as a faux-fur coat and embellished accessories.

Headband fashion trend: Caro Daur wearing a black knotted headband

Photo:

The Style Stalker

Style Notes: Making Bardot’s classic black headband a little more modern, Caroline Daur’s version is slimmer and worn with gold jewellery.

Headband fashion trend: Marine Serre S/S 19 collection

Photo:

Imaxtree

Style Notes: The new way of wearing the headband trend is by playing with textures and adding on other accessories. Add a statement earring and keep the rest of your look simple like this Marine Serre catwalk outfit.

Headband fashion trend: Carolyn Bessette wearing a tortoiseshell headband

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Lawrence Schartzwald/Getty Images

Style Notes: Commit to the ’90s look by adding oval sunglasses and channelling Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.

Headband fashion trend: Dior S/S 19 collection

Photo:

Imaxtree

Style Notes: For a chicer look, refer back to minimalism. Style a simple headband back to wardrobe essentials such as a simple turtleneck or blazer.

Headband fashion trend: Grace Kelly wearing a gold Alice band

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Archive Photos/Stringer/Getty Images

Style Notes: Grace Kelly matched her gold headband to her jewellery. We’re inspired.

Headband fashion trend: Fila S/S 19 collection

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Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty Images

Style Notes: We’ve seen many off-duty models going for this sportier finish (as seen at Fila) and wearing a stretch headband over the hair rather than tucked under it.

Photo:

@stella_vonsenger

Style Notes: German fashion editor Stella Vonsenger is known for her quirky accessorising choices that complement her fabulous red hair.

Headband fashion trend: Anna Vitiello wearing a knotted turban headband

Photo:

@annarvitiello

Style Notes: It would seem that the combination to go by is headband and earrings for 2018 and beyond. Anna Vitiello knows where it’s at.

Headband fashion trend: Simone Rocha S/S 19 collection

Photo:

Imaxtree

Style Notes: A dramatic Alice band is a perfect go-to for weddings and other special events. Pair back with a floral or lace dress to make it feel extra special like this Simone Rocha look from spring 2019.

Headband fashion trend: Bella Hadid wearing a black sweatband

Photo:

Kristin Callahan/ACE Pictures/Shutterstock

Style Notes: With the return of cycling shorts, is it any wonder celebs like Bella Hadid are also opting for headbands?

headband fashion trend: Kate Middleton wearing a velvet Kate Jane Taylor headband

Photo:

Getty Images

Style Notes: Kate Middleton’s Jane Taylor velvet headband really wowed us with its dramatic height and volume. We’re into how bold this was for the Duchess of Cambridge.