20 Beautiful Formal Hairstyles For Your Next Special Occasion

Easy and elegant, these styles can save you at home or the salon.

When you've got a formal occasion to attend on your calendar, after finding an outfit for the event with shoes to match, the next thing to decide on is how you'll wear your hair for the event. Lucky for you, we’re here to help by delivering plenty of formal hairstyle inspiration. Bookmark these looks for your next special occasion, or plan a girls' night so you’ll have an excuse to try them out.

Whether you need an inspiration photo to show your stylist or are styling your own hair for a formal occasion, read on for 20 easy and elegant hair looks.

Messy Low Bun

This low pun is pieced together loosely to allow hair to create a unique shape. It's finished with a pearl clip, which adds an extra flair of elegance.

Wrapped Curly Ponytail

This formal version of a ponytail features beautiful curls. It is finished with a piece of hair wrapped around the ponytail for a more elegant look.

Sleek and Fluffy Ponytail

This formal look by hairstylist @ashleyantoinebeauty offers contrast of the sleek upper with the fluffy bottom of the ponytail.

Half-Up Twist Knot with Curls

Showcase beautiful curls while still keeping hair back with this half-up style by @patricknavarro. It features a twist knot and plenty of tousled curls.

Pinned To One Side

To achieve this look, use a pretty pin to pull one side of your curls back while allowing the rest of the curls to fall naturally to the other side.

Braid into Bun

If you can't decide between a braid and a bun, this hairstyle allows you to have both in one look .

Voluminous Curls

Voluminous hair has definitely made a comeback over the last few years, and these curls from stylist @kayleymelissa are perfect for any special occasion. You can see her tips on how to help hair look more full here.

Elegant Twisted Bun

Stylist Patrick Navarro twisted hair into a clean bun to create this formal hairstyle.

Add a Velvet Bow

Elevate any hairstyle in just seconds by adding a velvet bow as seen here from stylist @clairebalest.

Flowers Throughout

Pick in-season flowers that match the occasion and place them through an updo for a whimsical look that's sure to wow.

Half Curls

Instead of curling from root to tip, this hairstyle from @hairbylindal features curls from root to mid-shaft while the ends remain straight.

Low Crossover Bun

Crossed over pieces add an extra layer of style to this low bun hairstyle.

Side-Swept Curls

A far-sided part allows curls to fall over the other side, which creates plenty of volume and bounce.

Top Knot with Face Framing Pieces

This style from @ashleyantoinebeauty features beautiful face-framing pieces with the rest of hair secured in a topknot so it'll stay secure throughout your event.

Braided Ponytail

Adding something as simple as a braid to a ponytail can make it dressy enough for an occasion. Wrap a piece of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the hair tie.

Pinned Side Part

Get vintage Hollywood vibes without much effort by pinning back hair on one side and adding a deep side part. All you need is some bobby pins to pull the look together.

Twisted Messy Bun

Perfection isn't necessary to make a low bun appropriate for a special occasion. Clasp hair into a relaxed low bun, keeping out a few pieces to pin messily around the base of the bun. Twist back face-framing pieces for a finishing touch.

Swept Back Bun

To achieve a swept-back low bun, keep out the front sections of hair, tease them, and then pin them around a low bun. In this case, hairspray is your friend. Leave out a few face-framing pieces for easy style.

Simple Chignon

Nothing beats a classic chignon, which is a low bun with a larger section of hair wrapped and pinned around the base. You can invest in some affordable hair pins with fun designs, such as pearls, for added elegance.

High Ponytail

A high-placed ponytail will always offer a dose of chic style to any look. Accentuate it with a bow if you're desiring something beyond the basics.

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