Winter formal season is upon us, and that means it’s time to find the perfect hairstyle to complement your stunning gown. Braids are a timeless and versatile choice, offering endless possibilities for creativity and elegance. This year, we’re seeing a resurgence of classic braid styles with modern twists, incorporating intricate details, bold accessories, and unexpected color combinations. From romantic and ethereal to sleek and sophisticated, there’s a braided hairstyle for every winter formal theme and personal style. Let’s explore some breathtaking braid inspirations that will make you the belle of the ball.
Classic French Braid with Pearl Accents
The French braid is a timeless classic for a reason. Its simple elegance can be elevated for a winter formal by incorporating delicate pearl accents. Start with a traditional French braid, ensuring it’s neat and tightly woven. Then, weave a string of small pearls throughout the braid, securing them with bobby pins. You can opt for a single strand of pearls down the center or create a more intricate pattern by weaving multiple strands. This style works beautifully with both light and dark hair colors. For a softer romantic look, consider leaving a few face-framing tendrils loose and curled. This style is trending in both the US and EU, appearing on red carpets and formal events. The pearls add a touch of vintage glamour, perfectly aligning with the current nostalgia trend in fashion.
Dutch Braid Crown with Glitter
For a regal and eye-catching look, consider a Dutch braid crown adorned with glitter. This style involves creating two Dutch braids (braids that appear to sit on top of the hair) that encircle the head. A touch of sparkle elevates this style to formal-worthy. After braiding, apply hairspray and gently dust fine glitter along the braids. Opt for silver or gold for a classic look, or choose a color that complements your dress. This hairstyle is perfect for showcasing statement earrings. In the EU, this style is often paired with minimalist gowns, allowing the hair to be the focal point. In the US, it’s becoming popular to pair this style with bolder makeup and accessories for a more dramatic effect.
Fishtail Braid with Ribbon Weave
Add a touch of whimsy and romance to your winter formal look with a fishtail braid adorned with a ribbon weave. The intricate texture of the fishtail braid provides a beautiful base for a colorful ribbon. Choose a velvet or satin ribbon in a rich jewel tone like emerald green, ruby red, or sapphire blue. Weave the ribbon throughout the braid, allowing it to peek through the strands. This style works best with long hair and can be worn to the side or down the back. This romantic style is very popular in both the US and EU, especially for those seeking a more bohemian or fairytale-inspired look. Adding flowers or jeweled hairpins can further enhance the romantic vibe.
Side Swept Waterfall Braid with Crystal Embellishments
The waterfall braid is known for its ethereal and romantic quality. This style involves braiding a section of hair along the side of the head, allowing strands to cascade down like a waterfall. For a winter formal, elevate this style with crystal embellishments. After creating the waterfall braid, strategically place small crystals along the braid and throughout the loose curls. This adds a touch of sparkle and glamour without being overwhelming. The side-swept element adds a soft and feminine touch. This style is particularly popular in the EU, where understated elegance is highly valued. In the US, we see this style often paired with bolder eye makeup for a balanced look.
Double Dutch Braid Bun with Metallic Thread
This hairstyle combines the edginess of double Dutch braids with the sophistication of a low bun. Begin by creating two Dutch braids, starting at the temples and braiding towards the nape of the neck. Gather the braids and remaining hair into a low, textured bun. Weave metallic thread (gold, silver, or copper) throughout the braids and around the bun for a subtle yet striking detail. This style is particularly trendy in the US, often seen on celebrities and influencers. The metallic thread adds a modern and edgy touch, while the low bun maintains a classic and elegant silhouette. It’s a versatile style that complements a wide range of dress styles.
Pull-Through Braid with Velvet Bow
The pull-through braid creates a voluminous and intricate look that’s perfect for a formal occasion. This braiding technique involves pulling sections of hair through loops, creating a textured and almost woven appearance. Add a large velvet bow at the base of the braid for a touch of classic elegance. Choose a bow in a deep jewel tone or a color that complements your dress. This style is gaining popularity in both the US and EU, appreciated for its textural complexity and romantic appeal. The velvet bow adds a touch of luxury and sophistication, making it a perfect choice for a winter formal.
Halo Braid with Floral Accents
This hairstyle creates a romantic and ethereal look perfect for a winter formal. The halo braid involves braiding the hair around the head, creating a crown-like effect. Incorporate small flowers, like baby’s breath or small roses, into the braid for a touch of whimsy. Choose flowers that complement your dress color or opt for classic white or ivory for a timeless look. This style is popular in both the US and EU, often seen at weddings and formal events. The floral accents add a touch of femininity and romance, while the halo braid itself creates a regal and elegant silhouette. This hairstyle works best with medium to long hair.
Braided Updo with Jeweled Hairpins
For a sophisticated and glamorous look, consider a braided updo adorned with jeweled hairpins. Start with a French or Dutch braid and incorporate it into a low chignon or a high bun. Secure the updo with bobby pins and then strategically place jeweled hairpins throughout the style. Choose hairpins with crystals, pearls, or other precious stones that complement your dress and jewelry. This classic style transcends trends and is popular in both the US and EU. The jeweled hairpins add a touch of sparkle and luxury, making it perfect for a formal event.
Five-Strand Braid with Metallic Cuffs
The five-strand braid is a more complex braid that creates a beautiful and intricate pattern. This style requires some practice but is well worth the effort for its unique look. After braiding, add small metallic cuffs throughout the braid for a modern and edgy touch. Gold, silver, or rose gold cuffs work well with this style. This braided style is gaining traction in the US, especially amongst younger attendees of formal events. The metallic cuffs provide a modern and edgy contrast to the romantic braid, creating a unique and stylish look. This hairstyle pairs well with sleek and modern gowns.
Rope Braid with Beaded Ends
A rope braid is a simple yet elegant braid that resembles a twisted rope. This style is created by twisting two strands of hair together. For a winter formal, add a touch of bohemian glamour by attaching beaded ends to the braid. Choose beads that match your dress or opt for contrasting colors for a bolder statement. This effortlessly chic style is gaining popularity in both the US and EU. The beaded ends add a playful and bohemian touch, while the rope braid itself maintains a sleek and sophisticated look. This hairstyle is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance yet stylish option.
Ladder Braid with Rhinestone Headband
The ladder braid is a unique and eye-catching braid that creates a visual effect of a ladder running down the back of the head. This braid involves pulling strands of hair through loops, creating a distinctive pattern. Pair this braid with a sparkling rhinestone headband for a glamorous and formal look. Choose a headband that complements your dress and other accessories. This style is particularly popular in the EU, often seen at fashion events and red carpets. The rhinestone headband adds a touch of old Hollywood glamour, while the ladder braid provides a unique and modern twist.
Milkmaid Braid with Greenery
Embrace a whimsical and bohemian vibe with a milkmaid braid adorned with greenery. This hairstyle involves creating two braids that frame the face and are pinned together at the back of the head. Weave small sprigs of greenery, such as eucalyptus or ivy, into the braids for a natural and romantic touch. This style is perfect for those who prefer a softer and more natural look. The greenery adds a touch of freshness and bohemian charm, perfectly aligning with current trends in both the US and EU. This hairstyle pairs beautifully with flowy gowns and natural makeup.
French Braid Ponytail with Gold Barrette
This hairstyle combines the classic elegance of a French braid with the practicality of a ponytail. Start with a French braid that extends from the crown to the nape of the neck. Gather the remaining hair into a high or low ponytail. Secure the ponytail with a gold barrette for a touch of sophistication. This versatile style is popular in both the US and EU, appreciated for its simplicity and elegance. The gold barrette adds a touch of luxury and refinement, making it suitable for a formal occasion. This style works well with a variety of hair textures and lengths.
Inverted Fishtail Braid with Feather Accessories
An inverted fishtail braid is a unique take on the classic fishtail, created by braiding underhand instead of overhand. This technique makes the braid appear to pop out from the hair. Enhance this braid with feather accessories for a bohemian and whimsical touch. Choose feathers in natural colors or opt for bolder hues that complement your dress. This style is becoming increasingly popular in the US, especially for formal events with a bohemian or festival theme. The feather accessories add a touch of free-spiritedness and individuality, while the inverted fishtail provides a unique and eye-catching texture.
Chunky Side Braid with Embroidered Hair Scarf
A chunky side braid is a bold and stylish choice for a winter formal. This style involves creating a large and loosely woven braid on one side of the head. Wrap an embroidered hair scarf around the base of the braid for a touch of bohemian elegance. Choose a scarf with intricate embroidery and colors that complement your dress. This style is currently trending in both the US and EU, offering a blend of casual coolness and formal elegance. The embroidered scarf adds a touch of personality and cultural flair, while the chunky braid provides a statement-making silhouette.
Braided Half-Updo with Pearl Hair Vine
This romantic hairstyle combines the elegance of a braid with the softness of loose curls. Create a French or Dutch braid at the crown of the head and secure it at the back. Leave the remaining hair loose and curled. Adorn the hairstyle with a delicate pearl hair vine, weaving it through the braid and around the curls. This style is popular in both the US and EU, offering a timeless and elegant look that complements a variety of dress styles. The pearl hair vine adds a touch of vintage glamour and sophistication, making it perfect for a winter formal.
Asymmetrical Braided Bun with Statement Earrings
This modern and chic hairstyle involves creating an asymmetrical braided bun. Start with a French or Dutch braid on one side of the head and incorporate it into a low bun at the nape of the neck. Leave a few face-framing tendrils loose and curled. Pair this hairstyle with statement earrings to complete the look. This style is gaining popularity in the US, favoured for its edginess and sophistication. The asymmetrical design adds a modern twist to the classic bun, while the statement earrings provide a focal point and enhance the overall glamour.
Twisted Rope Braid Crown with Sparkly Hairspray
This hairstyle creates a regal and shimmering look. Create two twisted rope braids that encircle the head, forming a crown. Secure the braids with bobby pins and then apply a generous amount of sparkly hairspray for a dazzling effect. Choose a hairspray with fine glitter or shimmer particles that complement your dress and overall look. This style is trending in the EU, often seen at glamorous parties and formal events. The sparkly hairspray adds a touch of magic and festivity, while the rope braid crown provides a classic and elegant silhouette.
