If we need more evidence that everything will come around again, we only need to check out the red carpets of late, the runways and the Fall 2019 street style. Proof: Barrettes are hotter now than they were in sixth grade. Even those who thought they left hair clips behind along with math homework and cute character lunch bags can no longer ignore that barrettes are everywhere.
The hair accessories trend has been building momentum on and off the runways for a few seasons. It culminated with outsize headbands, striking barrettes and other flashy hair accessories serving as the must-have finishing touch to any look at the latest round of shows. In terms of hair clips, the new styles are not the cat-shaped barrettes of yesteryear. These are bold, supersized, highly embellished barrettes that make as much of a statement as rainbow hair.
In some cases, classic snap clips are getting reworked in shamelessly throwback (and sometimes ironic) ways. But, the more common and adult ways to wear barrettes are with one bold accessory in a prominent spot or a cluster of randomly placed barrettes in a low-maintenance hairstyle like a braid or low ponytail. The hair accessories are often accompanied by major earrings and cool sunglasses as opposed to the plaid jumper and pigtails from decades gone by. (Perhaps in part because now we don’t have a dress code to follow.)
Click through the gallery to see easy ways to rock barrettes without looking like you’re heading back to class.
[ Next: The 7 Freshest Hair Trends From the Fall 2019 Runways ]
23 Easy and Grown-up Ways on How to Wear Barrettes
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Pearly Touch
Hair clips are about placement as much as fancy designs. Place a pearly barrette right above the ear and push it back so it’s not right at the hairline.
Image: Imaxtree
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Short and Sweet
Anyone who has enough length to hold a hair clip can wear a barrette. The beauty of wearing hair accessories in super-short hair is it refreshes the style and shows off the clip because it isn’t hidden behind a sea of strands. Place an embellished barrette right at the “corner” of the hairline.
Image: Imaxtree
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To the Back
A braided back is chic, but it will have considerably more impact when the head is decked out with pearly hair clips. It's fine if the barrettes cover part of the plaiting.
Image: Imaxtree
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Large and in Charge
Upgrade the beloved snap barrettes of schoolgirl days with an oversized version in a chic finish. Slide the clip randomly near the part line of a straight hairstyle.
Image: Imaxtree
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Swept to the Side
Fake side-swept bangs by parting hair into a deep side part and brushing lengths across the forehead. The key is to keep the "bangs" loose so they almost cover the eyes. Keep strands in place with an oversized rhinestone barrette.
Image: Imaxtree
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Securely Fastened
We are forever thankful for snap clips for keeping strands that aren’t quite long enough to go in a ponytail in place. Make the look functional and dazzling with outsize decorative clips.
Image: Imaxtree
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Two of a Kind
Temper the twee of ornate barrettes by placing them at different lengths from a side part. It’s especially effective on shorter hair.
Image: Imaxtree
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Grown-up Schoolgirl
Throw it back to the days of growing out bangs with two snap barrettes and a center part, like Elsa Hosk. The hairstyle works for difficult fringes and for capturing a nostalgic vibe.
Image: @hoskelsa
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Memorable Exit
Wearers might not be able to see the gorgeous assortment of clips at the back of their head, but they will know they look cool. Those who want the exact clips can get the Ashley Williams Girls Hair Pins ($79.09). The pastel pink hair color is optional.
Image: Imaxtree
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My Supersized Pony
Get in on the statement hair accessories and show pony trends from the Fall 2019 shows in one look with this full-as-can-be ponytail. Select an extra-large hair clip that will still be visible amidst all the (hot pink) hair.
Image: Imaxtree
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Fancy Frame
Headbands are as popular as barrettes. Combine the two together by creating the look of a hairband with multiple clips placed along the hairline from ear to ear. Coordinating earrings — and square sunglasses — finish things in high style.
Image: Imaxtree
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Clip and Repeat
Two rhinestone hair clips are better than one. And the charm only increases from there. So, place a few barrettes on one side of the head by the ear. Don't worry about them all being parallel.
Image: Imaxtree
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Stuck In
Glam up a low ponytail simply by sliding a barrette on top of it. If it's Dior, that is brilliant, but there are other safety pin-style clips. See the Metal Safety Pin Hairpin ($4.59).
Image: Imaxtree
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Double Up
A rhinestone and/or pearl-decorated barrette will dazzle no matter what. For more visual interest, contrast two different styles. Place clips next to each other in a low ponytail. Then add a dangling earring.
Image: Imaxtree
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Punky Pony
Switch up a classic ponytail with a few slogan hair clips. Twist the tail on the top of the head and pin the barrettes randomly. Et voilà, a style that slays.
Image: Imaxtree
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Here and There
Grab every embellished hair clip in the bathroom and fasten them to a low ponytail at the back of the head. It's not even necessary to use a mirror. The more random, the better.
Image: Imaxtree
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Barrette and Braids
Every hairstyle gets an upgrade with barrettes, especially with head-turning embellished hair clips. Fix a decorative clip diagonally from the ear to slay from all angles.
Image: Imaxtree
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Stacking Up
Fasten bobby pins and coordinating barrettes on only half of the head. (Choose your best side.) For an extra finish, add statement ear candy.
Image: Imaxtree
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Random Acts
Want to avoid prim schoolgirl vibes? Experiment with random and unexpected placements. These two barrettes sit together on the often overlooked back side of the head. The look works very well with bangs.
Image: Imaxtree
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Short Stack
Delicate barrettes can still deliver plenty of oomph. Of course, having rhinestones helps. Use a cluster of clips as a frame to earrings.
Image: Imaxtree
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On the Side
Slick your hair back, then add a barrette just above your ear. For a fancy look, select a sparkly one. It will catch the light no matter which way you turn your head.
Image: Imaxtree
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A Good Pair
Who says you need to stop at one hair barrette? Experiment with a couple clips down the side of your head. Note that you don't have to match them. Mixing and matching is the way to go as evidenced by the look at Ashley Williams. If you're feeling bold, also try this crimped texture.
Image: Imaxtree
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Fauxhawk
This is your proof that hair barrettes can be edgy. The semicircle clip scoops the hair up to form a curly fauxhawk.
Image: Imaxtree
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Prized Pony
You may not be able to whip your ponytail around with this hairstyle, but you won't mind when you see how pretty it is. To get the look, simply bring your high ponytail forward and secure it with a barrette by your ear.
Image: Imaxtree
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Seeing Double
Instead of placing your two coordinating clips on each side of your head, pin them on one side. Pair the style with a center part for a unique finish.
Image: Imaxtree
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Supersize Me
Don't limit yourself to one size of barrette. Go for a big and bold clip instead of your usual elastic.
Image: @alexxjaeandmilk
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A Little Bit Retro
A deep side part and barrette are the perfect match. Just see Kirsten Dunst's look for proof. The barrette will help stop that dreaded bang separation. Plus, it has an elegant vintage vibe.
Image: Getty
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No Jewelry Necessary
You can skip the statement earrings. Place an embellished hair barrette behind your ear and you will have all the sparkle you need. Bonus: The style also helps to get your locks off of your face.
Image: Imaxtree
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Undone Elegance
Sometimes your hair barrettes are the focus, while other times they are part of the entire look. The sparkly hair accessories have been placed in the tousled updo so you can just see them peeking out.
Image: Imaxtree
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Top of the Bands
No, that isn't a headband. That is one big barrette. It adds some shine to the top of your head and you don't have to worry about the pain behind your ears you can sometimes get from hairbands.
Image: Imaxtree
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Frame Your Fringe
Got a gorgeous set of bangs? Instead of using your hair barrettes to pull your bangs back, use clips to enhance your fringe by placing them on either side of your head. Even if you don't have cotton candy pink hair, the accessories will still make your tresses pop.
Image: Imaxtree
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Half and Half
The half updo just may overthrow the top knot as the go-to hairstyle. Give your hun a break and try this version complete with a minimalist barrette.
Image: @vickiarkoff
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Pin It
This is how to pull off different hair textures in one look. You've got sleek in the front, then a soft, teased updo in the back. The barrette on the side of the head helps tame the front layers.
Image: Imaxtree
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Top It Off
Dress up your top knot with a bold barrette placed on the side of your head. The clip adds sparkle and helps to keep your shorter layers in place.
Image: Imaxtree
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More Is More
Leave it to Rihanna to come up with her own twist on hair barrettes. After you straighten your locks, decorate them with a grouping of different gold barrettes. You'll shine bright like a diamond.
Image: Getty
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Braided Bunch
Make your barrette the finishing touch on a braided updo. This multicolored clip pops against the plaited red hair.
Image: @ao_seto
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Oh, Boy Barrette
The "boys" barrette would make any look, but it is also the placement of this clip that is brilliant. It's a couple inches higher than usual, so it works whether you're growing out your bangs or if you have micro fringe.
Image: Imaxtree
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Round It Up
Remember that it isn't just about the size of your barrettes, it is also about the shape. This circular barrette creates a cool effect at the back of the head thanks to the open design.
Image: Imaxtree
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Put a Barrette on It
Barrettes work with all different hair textures, but barrettes and curls create such a dreamy finish. The way this clip is placed on the side of the bun increases the whimsical vibe.
Image: @k_______ta
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Bring It Back
Are you looking to take schoolgirl hair from the classroom to a coffee date? Ditch the pigtails and use a barrette to add some volume to one side on the back of your head. A deep side part with bangs keeps it cool instead of cutesy.
Image: Imaxtree
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Golden Touch
The chevron undercut is amazing, but we have to talk about that barrette. Ditch your elastic and use an oversized clip for your updo. It's as simple as twisting and pinning.
Image: @claudia.thehairstylist
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Surprise From Behind
Don't just focus your barrettes where you can see them. Barrettes on the back of your head ensure that your 'do dazzles from all angles. The placement of the circular clips down the pony is a fun way to upgrade your basic ponytail.
Image: Getty
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Double Duty
Placing those hair barrettes just a couple inches lower has a totally different effect. Put them just above your ears and style the rest of your hair in loose curls for a romantic look.
Image: Imaxtree
