This "Boring" Hairstyle Is Ideal for 2020's Alternative Party Season

I'm rubbish at doing my hair. There, I said it. As the girls in my class at school nimbly crafted French plaits in one another's hair, there I was struggling to get my pigtails to sit symmetrically. Fast forward a few—okay, 20—years, and I'm still just as inept at doing anything remotely interesting with my hair. That said, there is one style I've come to master, particularly over the last few months: the ponytail.

I always wear my hair down or, at a push, in a low messy bun, reserving ponytails for my infrequent trips to the gym. However, I've realised that the ponytail, while undoubtedly practical, can also be wholly chic and is, in fact, the perfect party hairstyle for 2020 that anyone can do—myself included.

Everywhere I look, the Instagram set is sporting souped-up party ponytails decorated with the likes of bows, pearls, jewels, and tortoiseshell. There's so much inspiration to be had that I've assembled my favourite party ponytail looks for you below, followed by the prettiest accessories to personalise your own.

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Kudos to Amaka for matching her scrunchie to her jumper to her eyeliner. 

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(Image credit: @brycescarlett)

Margot Robbie's loose, low ponytail is perfect for offsetting her fancy frock. 

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Aimee leaves the front tendrils of her hair loose and wavy for a romantic take on a ponytail. 

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Emili cooly accessorises her sleek ponytail with pearl earrings and a sequin blouse. 

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(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

Julianne Moore's high, volumised ponytail is the stuff of legend. We love the addition of the cute hair bow, too. 

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(Image credit: @jastookes)

Jasmine Tookes's wet-look lengths give the simple ponytail extra edge. 

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(Image credit: @maxineeggenberger)

Can't decide between a satin bow or jewelled hair slides? Wear them both! 

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Nnenna's bubble ponytail looks so fashion thanks to her polka-dot scrunchies and padded hairband. 

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(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

Glossy and sleek, mimic Bella Hadid's retro ponytail with a sweeping side-parting and curled-under ends. 

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(Image credit: @leletny)

Bows will always look gorgeous wrapped around a ponytail, but this organza option is next-level beautiful. 

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(Image credit: @heartzeena)

Lock your ponytail in place with a hair clasp instead of a basic bobble. 

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(Image credit: @laurennicolefk)

Expert tip: Wrap a strand of hair around the base of your ponytail to disguise the hairband holding it in place, just like Lauren-Nicole. 

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(Image credit: @linneklund)

If in doubt, add more accessories. 

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(Image credit: @missenocha)

This bubble ponytail is a work of art and looks incredible against Miss Enocha's dress. 

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(Image credit: @cwoodhair)

Sophie's volumised ponytail and textured top are low-key but so stylish. 

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(Image credit: @ninasandbech)

Shiny hair and a large velvet bow make for the perfect party hair default. 

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(Image credit: @aysha.sow)

Aysha's preppy high ponytail looks incredible with her glossy lengths, flicked ends, and fluffy eyelashes. 

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(Image credit: @stephaniebroek)

Make like Stephanie and sweep your hair back in a low ponytail for easy elegance. 

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(Image credit: @ninasandbech)

Assemble your favourite clips at the base of your ponytail for a lightening-quick update. 

SHOP THESE ACCESSORIES TO ELEVATE YOUR PARTY PONYTAIL

Next Up: These Low-Key Hair Trends Are Going to Dominate 2021

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.