Headband Hairstyles and the Headbands to Wear Them With

In 1915, dancer Irene Castle kept her ear-length hair in place with a headband across her forehead. Vogue says the distinctive look became known as the Castle band.

For headband hairstyles, the band gives fall clothes a small point of focus without asking for a full new hair plan. I like a simple band with a wool coat and low bun, then a brighter check or floral with a knit and half-up hair. The same band can feel quite different with a ponytail or a French twist.

My practical test is to put the band on with the coat or knit you reach for most, then try it once with hair down and once pulled back. If it still feels like you in both versions, it has earned the spot by the mirror.

Jennifer Behr's Tori silk-velvet headband in Emerald gives this set a rich color note, while Lele Sadoughi's Jackie Vintage Check Handkerchief Headband in bubblegum brings in a check and a handkerchief shape. Astoria's Headband in harbor blue pinstripe keeps the palette cooler. For headband hairstyles, I would start with the outfit rather than the mirror: emerald beside a dark wool coat, or the blue stripe beside a plain knit. A half-up style leaves the band easy to see, while a low bun makes the color the only busy detail near your face. If the coat already has a strong pattern, let the solid velvet do the talking.

Jennifer Behr's Karissa headband in Ivory is the quiet option here. petit moments' X Scott King Hair Gigi Thick Headband in dark denim has a wider shape in its name, and Lele Sadoughi's Holly Seersucker Headband in red adds a fabric cue and a brighter color. Headband hairstyles do not need a special occasion; a ponytail with the ivory band can sit neatly with a wool coat, while the denim or red works with a softer knit. I would keep earrings simple if the band is already the one color interruption. Try the red with charcoal or navy fall clothes, and let the rest stay calm.

Jennifer Behr's Sabrina ruched satin headband in Red has the most texture in this trio, while Goldbergh's Warmth Headband in french blue and petit moments' X Scott King Hair Stas Headband in medium denim stays in the blue family. For headband hairstyles, a French twist is a nice counterpoint to the ruched satin, and a low ponytail keeps the denim shades casual. With a leather jacket, I would choose the red when the rest of the outfit is quiet; with a wool coat, either blue can settle into the outfit without competing. What I would skip is adding another loud pattern right beside the headband. Let one piece have the busy job.

petit moments' X Scott King Hair Heidi Headband in blue starts with a simple color, then Rowen Rose's Headband in grey polka dots changes the mood with a pattern. Astoria's Headband in rose lattice makes a third, more graphic option by name. I like the grey dots with a plain knit and a low bun, especially when the coat is already doing enough. The blue can go with a ponytail and a leather jacket, while the lattice is better with uncomplicated fall clothes so its pattern has space. For headband hairstyles, this is a good reminder that the hair can stay uncomplicated; change the band when you want a different note.

WellBeing + BeingWell's Sable Headband in blue floral brings a print, Emi Jay's Infinity Headband in grey smoke keeps to a quiet color, and Lele Sadoughi's Jessie Americana Liberty Headband in sunset blooms brings another floral name into the mix. I would pair one printed band with a plain sweater or coat, not another print competing at the collar. The grey smoke can go with a ponytail on a busy morning, and the blue floral can make a half-up style feel considered without adding more pieces. These headband hairstyles work best when the band and the neckline are not both asking for attention. Pick the one you want people to notice first.

My rule of thumb is to choose the band after the fall layer. A plain wool coat gives checks, pinstripes, and florals room; a patterned coat usually wants the velvet or the quiet grey. Then decide on the hair: a low bun or French twist makes the band feel composed, while a ponytail or half-up style leaves it a little more relaxed. If I cannot choose, I start with the least patterned option and let the hair do the rest.