We’ve all had the importance of accessorizing drilled into our heads ever since we could read the magazine headlines in the grocery store checkout line. Handbags, scarves, belts, jewelry…they’re important, we get it. But, even the most elaborate Hermes scarf can’t hide a bad hair day. Unless a baseball cap is your hair accessory of choice, here’s are some pretty (and inexpensive) accessories to put in your hair and spice up any outfit:
1. The jewel clip
You could be wearing jeans and a sweater or a little black dress. Either way, take three seconds to clip this into your hair, and you’ll increase your sophistication factor by 10 points at least.
$18 at anthropologie.
2. The headband
Want to make your hair more interesting when it’s down? Here’s your answer. Throwing your hair up in a bun on the way to class? Pop a headband like this one as a finishing touch and you’ll suddenly look put-together.
$19 at Urban Outfitters.
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3. The colored hair ties.
Colegiette dilemma: It’s raining/snowing/humid/[insert weather condition] and you want to bring a hair tie with you as a security measure, but wearing one around your wrist won’t match your jewelry and you’ll lose it if you put it in your purse. Fret no more. These snazzy hair ties are pretty enough for you to wear on your wrist, and functional enough to put in your hair.
$6.50 for a 3-pack at Nordstrom.
4. The ponytail holder.
An elastic with a simple jewel turns you and your ponytail from looking like you’re ready for the gym into a sophisticated up-do.
$8 at Nordstrom.
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5. The classic bow.
UVa fourth year, Rob Liszkiewicz, a self-proclaimed fan of the hair bow, comments “It’s hard to figure out how something that serves no purpose can look so cute.” A staple for ages, clip in a bow like this one when you’re feeling especially girly.
$14 at American Apparel.
6. The hippie headband.
Show your rebellious side through your hair… without your hair actually rebelling. Student Michael Rinaldi sums it up best when he says, “I have no idea why the hippie headband ever went away – it looks awesome.”
$12 at Urban Outfitters.
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7. The jeweled comb.
Normally, I don’t give the advice of imitating reality T.V. stars. Lauren Conrad’s hair comb look is the exception. Insert your hair comb into a ponytail or bun, or use it to gather one side of your hair while it’s down. You’re now ready to walk down the red carpet.
$15 on sale at Kohls.
8. The hair claw.
Yeah, it sounds weird to say you’re putting a claw in your hair, but it looks good, I swear! Want to spice up a simple half-up half-down look? Find a shimmery claw that will draw attention to your hair, without overpowering its natural beauty.
$4.50 at Claire’s.
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9. The salon clip.
Bored of hair ties and claw clips? Try the salon clip – the often-overlooked hidden gem of hair accessories. Nothing is easier. Fasten your hair in place with a clip like this one, and you’ll be ready before you can say “French twist.”
$6.99 from Revlon.
10. Dress-up accessories.
If it’s this close to Halloween and you still don’t have a set of animal ears, you’d better start shopping. Even Tacky Christmas date functions are coming on faster than you know it. Use a headband like this to avoid looking like another clone in an ugly sweater.
Christmas headband: $8.99 on sale at Kohls.
Cat ears: $6.99 at Party City.