Dressing for a cocktail party – or really, any dress code – is not always the most intuitive of rituals. For many of us, feeling comfortable and confident in what we’re wearing and how we look is top priority. Even if you’ve got the rest of your outfit sorted, sometimes choosing – and then executing – a hairstyle can be utterly daunting. Luckily, low-maintenance hairdos are on the rise, with effortless styles the go-to on runways and red carpets alike. With this in mind, we can approach the humble hairdo as a simple way to elevate your outfit and tie your whole look together. We had a look at the runways and put together six hairstyles that we love for a cocktail evening. All of these styles can be recreated from the comfort of your own home with minimal effort. Best of all, these hairstyles are all adaptable to your hair length, texture and personal preference – mainly, these ‘dos are here to showcase your hair in all its natural beauty.
The Messy Fringe
We love that the classic fringe is getting a revamp – by being left as-is. Whilst understandably fringes can seem dauntingly high-maintenance, consider this permission to leave well enough alone. For those of us with straight hair, follow Alexa Chung’s lead for messy bangs that make any outfit – no matter how glamorous – seem totally effortless and on-trend. Or, make a simple colour-blocked mini high-fashion with curly bangs in the style of the gorgeous Roberta Pecoraro, or the ever-stylish Solange Knowles. We love that an un-done fringe adds a high fashion element to the most casual of outfits.
The Sleek Updo
A neat updo is the easiest way to make any cocktail outfit infinitely sleeker. We are taking our cues from the Valentino Haute Couture runway of 2017 with a glossy, high bun. Leave your baby hairs loose for a fresh faced and natural look – perfect for a pastel mini and a summer cocktail party. For something sleek and chic, take cues from the beautiful Liu Wen at this year’s Met Gala, and style your updo with a deep red lip and sophisticated statement jewellery. Alternatively, if you prefer things a little more relaxed, do as Hailey Baldwin does and add some glamour with a simple beaded headpiece. We love this accessory as an easy way to amp up an understated black mini.
The Ponytail
The humble ponytail is not only ridiculously easy to master, but it also looks great with pretty much any hair colour, texture or length. We are obsessed with Sienna Miller’s classic ponytail at the Golden Globes. The velvet ribbon is a unique and feminine touch that brings to mind a 1960s Brigitte Bardot. If ribbons aren’t your vibe, keep things textured and loose like Victoria’s Secret Model Elsa Hosk at the CFDA awards. To emulate Elsa’s look, try a high-necked, embellished dress. Gisele Bundchen’s Met Gala look of a high ponytail and long wavy locks is another great source of inspiration. This look is sophisticated, yet simple; a great foundation for the cocktail dress of your choosing!
The Lob
One of our favourite no-fuss looks making the rounds is the Lob – the long bob; grown out just enough to look effortless. Around the GlamCorner office, Selena Gomez’s hair is much-discussed – we particularly love her enviable shoulder length locks. Selena’s fashion-forward hairdo is proof that chic does not have to mean stressful. We love her soft 90s-inspired bob – a lovely way to offset even the most structured of dresses. To amp up the glamour, take a cue from Kim Kardashian at the 2017 Met Gala with a sharp middle part and dead-straight hair – ideal with a bodycon midi or mini dress. Or, combine a few of these hairstyles like Bella Hadid’s lob-and-fringe. Follow in Bella’s footsteps at the 2017 CFDA awards and opt for a bright, 80s-inspired look.
The Big Hair
At GlamCorner, we love a pared-back, sleek hairstyle as much as the next person. At the same time, we are major proponents of the notion that more is more. Gone are the days where pin straight hair is the only way to go – sometimes, the bigger the better! We cannot get enough of Zendaya’s stunning curls at the 2017 Met Gala – the perfect complement to her bright Dolce & Gabbana Gown. We’d do big hair with a vibrant red dress, so that you can be the human embodiment of the Cha Cha Lady emoji. For something a little more classic, follow in Grace Coddington’s footsteps. She’s a fashion legend for a reason, and this loose, silky suit looks as comfortable as it does chic. If that’s not your style, we are also fans of Lorde’s wild curls – we love this sophisticated look from the Vanity Fair Oscar’s Party. Lorde’s voluminous waves are perfect with a metallic midi or embellished shift.
Read Also Autumn Fashion Trends 2019
The Buzz Cut
We’re not asking you to shave your head – but for those of us with cropped hair, we love that there is a growing range of celebrities showing that a shaved head can be as glamorous and fashion-forward as long hair. First and foremost, we love the unexpected pairing of Zoe Kravtiz’s modern, bleached buzz cut with her classic Hollywood Glamour makeup. Pairing this ‘do with some statement earrings pulls the whole look together – meaning you can go as simple or as outrageous as you want with your dress. Or, take a different track entirely, and follow in model Alek Wek’s footsteps with a black dress and a glossy plum lip. Finally, we love that Cara Delevigne lets the simplicity of her buzzcut speak for itself. She amplifies the look with minimal makeup and a dramatic dark lip.
Hairstyle sorted but after the perfect cocktail dress? For more style inspiration, take a look at our cocktail party style guide.
SHOP OUR LBD COCKTAIL COLLECTION
