25 Outfits That Look Even Better with a Headband

It's a universal accessory.

A person wearing a ruched velvet turquoise headband
Photo: 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.

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