Would You Wear… Statement Headbands?
Last week we talked about an accessories trend that’s been making a recent resurgence, so this week I thought it would be fun to get you guys’ take on an accessories trend that has been getting stronger with time: the statement headband.
Most people trace the return of the headband to Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl, but I remember a certain fashionista before Blair that helped to make headbands a staple in every girl’s wardrobe (it’s hard to remember a time before Gossip Girl, but history claims it did exist).
Remember Lauren Conrad on Laguna Beach and the first season of The Hills? Headbands were a crucial element of her style, and it wasn’t long before girls everywhere were including headbands in their wardrobe as an easy way to polish up a casual ensemble and pull their hair back.
LC has since moved on to a new signature hairstyle in various forms of braiding, but Leighton Meester was thankfully present to pick up her torch and continue where Lauren left off.
For those who don’t know, Leighton’s character on Gossip Girl, Blair Waldorf, wears headbands of all colors, shapes and sizes as the trademark element of her style. The difference between Blair’s headbands and Lauren’s is that Blair made headbands glamorous. Blair restarted the headband trend. These days, headbands are outrageous, and come in every color and style, from the classic, cool and preppy to the girly, flirtatious and glamorous.
Personally, I think statement headbands are great. You can find them in almost any color, shape or variety from $5 versions at Forever 21 to $300 versions at Barney’s. It’s truly a trend that anyone can partake in. The variety also makes it easy to own several different options and match them with any outfit, tailoring them to your personal style.
I don’t know if I could pull off all the headbands out there because some are so over-the-top, but that’s what makes this trend great–there is a perfect headband out there for everyone. For example, I think both Blair and Lauren would wear a few of the styles out right now. How about you? 
Product Information: Center Band-Urban Outfitters, Top right and Bottom left-Forever21, Top left and Bottom Right-Charlotte Russe
So what do you think of statement headbands? Would you wear them? If so, would you go all out or keep it classic? Leave a comment with your thoughts!
Posted on on November 9, 2009 / Filed Under: Would You Wear? / Tags: Accessories, Would You Wear?
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Bethany
They’re super cute, but I don’t know that I could pull it off.
xHuggles
I would :D.. I love headbands. I collect them when ever I find one that impresses me. I’m known for being a headband freak :D..
Chelsey
I love headbands but hardly wear them. The hardest part is finding one that sits properly on your head with causing headaches
Alycia
I’m already knee-deep in this one! I’ve got a whole drawer (not kidding!!) full of headbands – my poor boyfriend always looks so confused when he sees it!
I adore headbands, I find them irresistably easy to just throw on to hide greasy “I didn’t have time to shower” hair, or just to pull an outfit together. Definitely my go-to accessory!
Julie
chelsey, i totally agree, its not easy to find a cute one that won’t give you a headache after a couple hours.
jlynn
of course! i’m a headband aficionado and am always looking for more…basic, statement, anything. it’s the best accessory and if you keep wearing them your head doesn’t hurt whatsoever
Linda
Haha, cute article..
I only really have one, ’statement’ headband… it’s black with a reallyy big bow.
It was a gift, & I haven’t worn it yet, but I think I might wear it tomorrow now :)
Natalie
I am a headband afficiando for sure. When you work a job with a basic uniform- black polo and jeans at my coffee shop- it’s nice to have a quirky accessory to show off your style.
Aiko
I have one statement headband – red with a big bow! I got so many compliments on it! I also have three thin, bright headbands that are a little bit more subtle.
nikki
I’m guilty I love this trend thanks to Blair Waldorf I went headband crazy now all my friends call me handband girl I think they are super cute I even bought one that was 15 dollar it was the same exact one that she wore in one of the eposide
Liz
Come on guys. Before Blair, before Lauren, there was Hillary.
Hazy
I wear them a lot and I love them. Claires has a great selection; I picked up a couple there that have a great 40s pin-up girl vibe.
Kailey
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE the statement headband. It as well as bows are my favorite hair pieces.
Anna
I LOVE HEADBANDS. *phew* Thought I’d get that off my chest hehe. I own like 6 pairs, and I love them to death, and if anything happens to them, more like people borrowing them and breaking them :( I get VERY mad and emotional. I adore my headbands to pieces. I have a fabulous black statement flowered one and I get compliments everywhere I wear it. I just slip a headband on and it puts together my look. Headbands are lovely, lovely things.
Coco
I love wearing headbands, although sometimes I think they can appear childish and not in a good way. I definitely consider statement headbands still “in” but i think they were more in their prime a year ago, now people are wearing more simple ones.
Kammy
I wear these all the time. I love this trend!
emily
I love them. I just wish my friends would have more dressy parties so I don’t feel out of place wearing my dressy ones. you know the ones with feathers, flowers, jewels. those.
i wear plain ones all the time though. I just think the dressier ones are too much for class.
Suzi
They’re not really my thing. Not that I wouldn’t ever wear them; the urban outfitters feather one is brilliant and would be the perfect accent to a more formal outfit. I just kind of feel like they’re too girly for my everyday style. I think the examples of Blair’s headbands are gorgeously executed though, especially the first two examples.
Isabelle
I adore headbands, I can’t wear such outrageous ones but I still adore them
Jackie
I don’t know. I think headbands are a little inappropriate for a 20-something. However, 10 years ago I would have loved to.
Lalalina
I somewhat agree with Coco and Jackie, certain statement headbands, especially ones with giant bows, can make you look a tad childish. I do where headband and love them! I just think it is really important to find age appropriate ones. Then again Dan did say to Blair, “No headbands in college!”
Lalalina
And of course I meant wear not where:)
Hannah
Absolutely! My favorite is a hot pink satin headband with a big bow on one side. I’m hoping I can pull it off for awhile longer, at least until I graduate. :)
Sarah
Yes.
Elle
For the girls who complain of the headaches, make sure you buy headbands that are made of stretchier material and not constrictive like plastic or metal (some metal ones are fine but the majority are pretty uncomfortable)! Constrictive ones are the ones that are more likely to pinch into your head and cause the headaches. I find forever21’s headbands are pretty nice and comfortable and definitely very reasonable in price :)
Char
I just adore headband but i do agree with Chelsey, they can be a pain. One way I have found to avoid this is to buy ribbon instead and just tie it in a knot underneath my hair. It looks just as good if not better than some headbands, it wont give you a headache if you tie it loosely enough and best of all you can get ribbons in heaps of craft stores for 10-60 cents a meter in tones of nice prints, colors and you can add on some artificial flowers from a craft store which cost $0.50 each if you want it to look a bit more fancy. I have got a massive collection and wear them all the time, i have even done glued on little bows, buttons or other such things on some to change things up a bit. I normally just ask for 70 centimeters off a roll and that is more than enough for a headband.
thisizkim
I looove headbands! I have so many. I am obsessed!
Samantha
I adore head bands. Ever since my friend told me that it wasn’t that hard to put it off, I’ve had one in my hair all the time. It glams up the most boring outfit ever.
Kristen
I also have trouble finding headbands that fit (and sunglasses, as well), but I think it’s just my head! Haha! I recently got a few that are kind of rubbery on top and have elastic underneath. They’re awesome!
I think this trend is really cute. There are lots of different possibilities, so you don’t have to wear a HUGE sunflower if that’s not your style. I should see if I can glue some flowers or jewels onto one of those rubbery headbands I have. Hmm…thanks for the inspiration!
Evelina
I love headbands! I like pale colored ones, so that they can have a contrast with my dark hair color. Alot of these headbands only come in black, which makes me sad – since it doesn’t show at all when I wear a black headband. :(
Classic is definitely the way to go – I’ve seen some on the F21 website where it looks like something exploded on their head or something…
Milana
Headbands ar great! Feather headbands are the new trend withing this trend! Take a look at my blog for information about feather headbands!
FashionStyleAdvice.com
Helen
I would look ridiculous in a headband! They remind me of when I tried to grow my fringe out as a child – it took years and it wasn’t exactly fashionable back then :(
Maria
Yes yes yes. I just don’t like the hugeee band with the huuuge bow. What I like is tiny band with huuugee bow and it’s so hard to find. I like the ribbon or anything big and flashy on the head, but I want the headband to not be seen. I know I should try tying a ribbon or something to my hair but my hair is sleek so it always falls away. The reason I really want to try this trend is that it’s so easy to put on. Just plop the headband and you’re good to go. And yes, headband is the only accessories that will stay on my hair all day. I think the most important tip of wearing this kind of headband is: let it be the center of your outfit. Keep the other things tone down and the headband will not look ‘too much’. :)
Alina
Absolutely luv ur website!!
As for headbands, I would luv to wear them. They look super cute. But am pretty sure I won’t be able to carry off the more glam ones. But luv the one on the bottom right. It’s are so very wearable!!
Hannah
i love these headbands. however, sometimes when the flower is positioned too high, it seems like i develop a garden type appeal on my head. which i don’t really care for too much. but other than that, they’re amazing. i definately love forever 21’s selection.
hannah
statement headbands are definitely cute and look good at the college age when you wear the right ones. Colorful plain plastic ones are very childish but ones with fabric and bows or a feather are cute. I agree that if you just wear headbands more often, you won’t get headaches. I wouldn’t wear them to an interview or professional job when you’re out of college but for class, going out,etc. it’s cute and fun
Jasmine
Headbands are my favorite accessory! I do tend to avoid the ones that are too cutesy though. I love making my own too!
ashley
I love headbands…I wore them all the time when I was little and never actually stopped. I’ve even paid $60 for one :)
chocolatedropslollipops
i love headbands with big bows on them. especially the colorful ones.
i norway leopard prints are in. is there any way you can make a segment on that?
i have a couple og black and red clothes from my “emo”-years. do you have any ideas og how I could use them again, without looking like an emo?
<3
Reneé
I love headbands! The^y’re great accesories for the ones who has short hair like me :)
I love the flower headbands and also very thin ones I once made a leopard patterned one it looks really cute especially on blondes and I think it’s a good way to use leopard prints :)
Great article though!
Grace
I love headbands, but some are a bit to polished and preppy for my style…but I think i could definitely incorporate some into my wardrobe.
ivory
I absolutly lovee statement headbands!!I wear them all the time and they are so easy to put on.
And I have a suggestion- could u do an artical on would you wear…nerd style glasses?
avory
I absolutely lovee headbands! They come in soo many different styles and are soo easyy to put on.
and I wanted to know if u could do a would you wear… Nerd style glasses?
Alice
Yes! They’re one of my trade marks! They work wonders with my short curly hair :)
Jess
I have many statement headbands, every time I go shopping I try to find one I really like.
I think it helps make your outfit more interesting.
Breanna
It is a cute trend, but it actually may go very bad. I’ve seen many women (which I wouldn’t cosider girls anymore) wearing those and looking really stupid. Personally, I have a pretty mature looking face and in a headband I look like some crazy weirdo. Highschool girls can sport this trend and look cute and girly, so if you look young and like headbands, go for it.
I noticed even Leighton Meester have stopped looking good in them since she started to look her real age in the show (she looks much older in the 3rd than in the previous seasons).
Madeleine Fahlbusch
I think statement headbands are really cool probably in part to the fact that I’m a huge fan of Blair Waldorf’s style. I do wear them, I have a black headband with a huge bow on it (my favorite) and a plastic pink one with heart cut outs. I say keep headbands classic, in my opinion they’re there to polish up an outfit and if a headband is too bold it will make the outfit looks immature and ridiculous.
roni
i love them. i love them soo much i started making em !!
Emily
absolutely! i get mine from target.
Cara
Au contraire, but I think a well-worn headband such as Blair’s glamorous options can work at any age, particularly if you have a sweet or fun personality infusing an overall classic or preppy style. The headband forever for me, even if they do give me headaches. I am now craving a feathered band – talk about inspiration from Marie Antoinette! I am so glad to see feathers in fashion again; they are just so lovely and whimsical and underutilized.
Carol
I think they´re stylish and very cute, but… the headaches are sooo bad. I was a sad child cause all my friend had those super cute kid headbands and I couldn´t stand using it :( I´ll try again cause they look so fun! Too bad I´ve never saw them here in my town :(