How to Wear a Headband: 25 Ways to Style All Hair Types

A person wearing a ruched velvet turquoise headband — Credit: Elena Mudd

You've done it. You put together the perfect outfit, but suddenly realize that the end result is still missing a little something. A scarf, a blazer, a hat, or a statement piece of jewelry has solved these fashion dilemmas plenty of times, but this time it calls for something different. Enter the headband, and its transformative powers.

There are a variety of ways to wear a headband — with sweatsuits, jeans, dresses, and even formalwear — and thanks to street style photos, we aren't lacking inspiration. Whether your go-to style is knotted, padded, embellished, or made out of a shirt or bandana, this universal accessory looks great on everyone and works for all hair types. Keep reading to see how to wear a headband with your next stylish outfit.

01 of 25

Don't Overthink It

A woman wearing a creme colored headband with a houndstooth jacket — Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Headbands work for every type of outfit and occasion, and they especially pair well with simple looks, like a black dress and houndstooth blazer.

02 of 25

Invest in an Everyday Option

A woman wearing a neutral beige headband and a beige coat — Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Something in a neutral shade like black, camel, or beige will come in handy, and prove to be extremely versatile no matter what you have on.

03 of 25

Use a Scarf or Bandana

Bandana Hairstyles Headband Kaia Gerber — Getty Images

Don't have an actual headband on hand? A knotted bandana or scarf looks just as great and even dresses up a plain white tee.

04 of 25

You Can't Go Wrong with Classic

A woman wearing a knotted headband with a blue jeans and a blue blazer — Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

If your goal is to make your jeans and blazer combo a little less boring, a headband will surely fancy things up.

05 of 25

Channel Style Icons

A woman in an all black outfit with a black headband and white sneakers — Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images

Sometimes, an all-black outfit with white sneakers seems too simple. This accessory will give your look a fun, Blair Waldorf vibe.

06 of 25

Try a Subtle Surprise

A woman in a black beaded headband with a Louis Vuitton top and black skirt — Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Reach for something that almost blends in with your hair color, or allow it to peek out ever-so-slightly, making things much more interesting.

07 of 25

Make It 'Work'

A woman wearing a baby blue suit with a beaded headband — Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Suddenly, your office-appropriate three-piece suit goes from structured and safe to street-style-ready.

08 of 25

Experiment With Prints

A woman in a monochromatic burgundy outfit with a leopard print headband — Christian Vierig/Getty Images

If you're the type who can't stop reaching for the same old solids and darker shades, something leopard or polka-dotted is an easy way to test out prints and patterns and give old clothes a boost.

09 of 25

Add a Little Spice to an Easy Outfit

A woman wearing a denim jumpsuit with a white beaded headband and white sneakers — Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

A one-and-done jumpsuit is the easiest outfit option out there, but a bold headband will turn it into a full, statement-making look.

10 of 25

Headbands Look Great Year-Round

A woman wearing a tan top and skirt with a lacy white headband — Juan Naharro Gimenez/Getty Images

Unlike a beret, a headband can be worn through any season and is the perfect way to amp up summer outfits when layering isn't an option.

11 of 25

Level Up

A women wearing a floral dress and a pink headband — Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images

Slide a vibrant headband on in order to add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral look.

12 of 25

Style One with Your Favorite Dress

A woman wearing a mint colored dress and a white headband — Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Just like a beaded necklace or drop earrings, a headband turns a breezy dress into a full, eye-catching outfit.

13 of 25

Give Comfy Clothes an Elevated Twist

A woman wearing leather black pants, sneakers, a tan sweater, and a black headband — Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

Even a sweater and joggers seem less casual when styled with a sleek, black option.

14 of 25

Headbands Can Be Elegant

A woman wearing a white dress, cowboy boots, a Louis Vuitton bag, and a pearl headband — Christian Vierig/Getty Images

A puff-sleeve dress feels worthy of a formal event when styled with an embellished headband.

15 of 25

Make Use of One With Pearls or Beads

A woman wearing a leopard print fur jacket, blue heels, and a pearl headband — Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Accessorized headbands give your look that additional "wow" factor since they're pretty regal and crown-like.

16 of 25

Look For Fun Details

A woman wearing a creme colored dress and a matching headband with a bow — Nataliya Petrova/NurPhoto via Getty Images

If beads and sparkle aren't your style, go the super sweet and feminine route with a big (or small) bow.

17 of 25

Headbands Work for All Kinds of Hair Days

A woman wearing a black shirt, a blue striped skirt, and a black velvet headband — Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Just like a hat, a padded option is an outfit-saver on days when all you can manage is a low bun.

18 of 25

Find a Perfect Match

A woman wearing a floral dress, a red bag, black boots, and a blue headband — Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Color coordinate with similar shades, or invest in a pre-paired set.

19 of 25

Use a Headband to Nail Other Trends

A woman wearing a bright yellow fuzzy jacket, a green shirt, and an orange headband — Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Neons and other bright colors will be useful if you plan to color-block your outfit.

20 of 25

Don't Be Afraid to Go All Out

A women wearing a lavender headband with a baby blue top and statement skirt — Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Don't feel like you have to settle for one big accessory. A bold headband can be worn with a Western belt or statement earrings, too.

21 of 25

This Accessory Can Provide Balance

A woman wearing a patterned outfit, a blue sweater, and a blue headband — David Dee Delgado/Getty Images

When wearing multiple prints, a headband in a common color scheme can help to pull those pieces together.

22 of 25

Brand Dedication

woman in olive pants and white and black sweater with designer headband and bag — Donell Woodson/Getty Images

Use your headband to showcase your favorite brand or designer by choosing an option that features a logo, like this Fendi padded headband.

23 of 25

Embrace Preppy Style

A woman wearing a trench coat with black pinstripe pants and a black headband — Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

If you're looking for a timeless outfit that still shows off your impeccable taste, pair a basic black option with structured, beige, and other neutral pieces.

24 of 25

Throw It Back

A woman wearing an all black outfit with a thick black headband — Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images

A thick, material option will give your maxi dresses a '90s spin.

25 of 25

Make a Statement

A woman shows how to style a maxidress with a statement headband and heels. — Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales, single-handedly made the case for padded statement headbands. Go big or go home and pair one with a printed maxi dress for the ultimate chic look.