Let the headband do the talkin’

Whether it’s a beaded Great Gatsby-esque one or a flowery hippie-esque one, it’s undeniable that headbands are all the rage this season. I admit that I have hopelessly fallen under the spell of these trendy accessories, despite my usual attempts to avoid so-called “trends.”

InStyle.com made a good point when they claimed that Gossip Girl brought headbands and head wraps back into the mainstream. Side note: I’d kill to have even ¼ of Blair Waldorf’s headband collection! Since the show’s popularity expanded, headbands certainly haven’t left the spotlight, though they have evolved and diversified.

With the recent growth of the EDM (Electronic Dance Music) culture, “flower crowns” have come into prominence and are typically worn at music festivals like Coachella, Ultra and Lollapalooza. These 70s-inspired accessories can easily be worn on an everyday basis, not strictly when you’re head-bobbing to David Guetta (or fist pumping or however else you dance…). If styled correctly, you can easily ensure that you won’t look as if you’re headed to a hippie-themed party when you’re walking around campus. In need of a little inspiration? Check out my creation from Polyvore below to see how I styled this look.

Flower power
American Vintage long sleeve sweater / Edwin jean shorts, $51 / Minnetonka moccasin / Forever 21 pendant necklace / Topshop ring / Flower headband

It’s interesting to note how fashion in general has evolved to become more gutsy and colorful over the years; this evolution is also mirrored in the world of headbands, as they have transformed from basic to bold over time. I am quite fond of bold tribal print headbands and head wraps. Some may call my fascination with tribal prints an obsession, and I can honestly agree with that claim. If given the choice between a plain solid-colored headband and a bright patterned one, it’s a no-brainer. I’d choose the bold option, which could be worn with simple items in one of the colors from the headband. Not sure how to style this option? Here’s how I did using Polyore:

Going tribal
H&M purple cardigan, $64 / Topshop shorts / Converse shoes / Charm necklace / Forever 21 hair band headband

Personally, I see headbands as a standout item, though others may see them as a simple accessory that shouldn’t distract from the rest of the outfit. I choose bold head wraps so that I can pair them with my more subdued articles of clothing that I otherwise wouldn’t normally wear. The key is to make the headband the focus of your outfit without having other similarly printed items of clothing distracting from it.

Don’t be afraid to step into uncharted waters with this trend. Be bold and try something new! When you’re thinking about styling an outfit centered on a head wrap, just don’t forget to let the headband do the talkin’.

Have any comments or suggestions? Feel free to leave them below. As always, thanks for reading!