I actually had a post on styling on adult headband on the blog in April. A lot of headbands out there are geared towards small children and tweens, so a thoughtful approach is needed if you don’t want to look 8. However, since then, headbands have continued to grow in popularity. Most of us want our hair out of our faces at some point in the day, but you don’t always want to throw it into a ponytail. And that goes doubly for events (and holiday parties that might be starting)! Statement headbands are the perfect hair accessory to keep your hair styled and elegant without worrying about styling time.
I have a feeling that many of you are sitting here saying, “Historian, why do we need another post on headbands? And why do we care?” Fair questions, dear reader. However, I’ve had several readers asking for more of my classic Style File Friday posts with recommendations and favourites, AND I’ve been waiting to share this for a while. With nearly every weekend scheduled for a dance/theatre performance or a holiday event, I’ve got holiday dressing on my mind. My goal this year is really to limit buying any extra clothing, and to use what I already have. Accessories can be quite useful when it comes to elevating and re-purposing outfits, so I’m focusing on those! Jewellery is hit and miss for me as I’m quite particular and quite petite. And thus enters the statement headband!
What is are Statement Headbands?
I feel like the first question that everyone asks when I say “get a statement headband” is “what is a statement headband?” I would argue that a statement headband is a large or highly decorated headband that is meant to be seen for it itself. Regular zig-zag headbands and plain cloth headbands that are clearly practical don’t tend to stand out at all (for a reason). Statement headbands might be larger than an average headband, brightly coloured, highly beaded, or embellished in another way. Note: you have to play around with them. What works me might not work for you, and vice versa!
They came into fashion in 2018 for a few reasons. The Duchess of Cambridge wore a padded headband/hatband to Prince Louis’ christening in July of 2018, and followed it up with another at a Remembrance Day event in the fall, and a third at Sandringham at Christmas. Prada included several embellished padded headbands in their spring 2019 collection, and they’ve exploded. While I’ve not had $500+ CAD to buy a Prada padded headband, I’ve found some affordable statement headbands to fit into my wardrobe.
Velvet Padded Headbands
I wanted to go with versatility for my headbands, so velvet padded headbands work well. They are elegant enough that they work for semi-formal events, and casual enough that I can wear them daily. I have linked the 4 pack that I purchased from Amazon above, as I’ve had many questions about where I bought them. The only note is that the “red” is truly purple/maroon, not red. However, they are incredibly comfortable, I receive many compliments on them, and they were quite affordable at $25 CAD with taxes. The black and tan headbands are excellent neutrals, and the pink and purple are quite striking. I will be buying a true red one to round out my collection before the holidays!
Note: You can certainly buy these padded headbands with pearls, flowers, and other embellishments! That might suit your style better; I went for versatility but embellishments would make it more formal if that is what you need from your headband. In any case, this particular style is probably the most comfortable headband I’ve ever owned (and I’ve owned many!).
Pearl Headband
I spotted this headband on Instagram. I’m not normally swayed by seeing something on Instagram, but the actress who plays Jane Seymour in Six the Musical on the West End, Natalie May Paris, shared it! The owner of the shop ClosesttoCrowns sent her the headband, which is meant to mimic a crown. As a royal historian and someone who adores Six, I immediately loved these! I messaged the shop owner on Instagram to ask if I could get one of the pearl headbands made with a purple ribbon to wear to the Canadian premier of Six, as well as a red ribbon version to wear to Anastasia in December.
Alexandra made a custom listing for me immediately, and shipped them within a few days! The headbands are incredibly affordable at only £5 apiece, for a custom-made headband. Total with shipping and everything, it came out to less than $25! I didn’t remember to take a picture, but I shared the packaging on my Instagram stories- it was wrapped in beautiful tissue paper, and came with a lovely note card from Alexandra, as well as her business card. She is one of the loveliest shop owners I’ve worked with on Etsy, and I will absolutely be ordering more from her in the future. She offers headbands for children, thicker/padded headbands with all kinds of embellishments. (And if you have something in mind that you don’t see in her shop, do reach out to her!
Do you own any statement headbands? Do you think they would be useful in your holiday wardrobe?
Cheers,
The Historian
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