The "Basic" Hairstyle Celebs and Fashion Girls Always Wear
It takes mere minutes to re-create.

As someone who quite honestly just can't be bothered to spend hours styling their hair daily, I am always on the lookout for chic hairstyles that look good but require minimal effort. And while a simple red carpet-worthy ponytail might be one of the first styles that spring to mind if you're looking for something quick, it isn't the most favored look amongst celebrities and fashion girls. As it turns out, their "basic" hairstyle of choice is the bun. Why? Well, it takes no skill (just twist up your hair at the nape of your neck or on top of your head and secure with a hairband), yet it can add major cool-girl points to your look in moments. Trust me.
Keep scrolling to see 32 of the best bun hairstyles as demoed by some of my favorite celebrities and fashion friends. Oh, and check out this step-by-step guide on how to get the ultimate bun if you're a total newbie to the style.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
When her hair isn't down, Rosie HW's strands can often be spotted in a scraped-back bun like this one. Huntington-Whiteley describes it as "a polished, easy updo that I end up wearing most days" on her beauty website, Rose Inc.
Sofia Richie Grainge
Sofia Richie Grainge wore her iconic slicked-back bun for her wedding day, but we're also into this claw-clip bun for off-duty days.
Charithra Chandran
I love how Charithra Chandran's bun has a '90s-inspired spiky twist.
Monikh Dale
The fashion-girl way to wear a bun? Slicked back like Monikh.
Symphani Soto
I love this messy bun piled high onto the crown with face-framing pieces. So pretty!
Meghan Markle
Backcomb your hair at the crown to give your bun a little more oomph like Meghan's.
Zendaya
I adore Zendaya's top knot bun worn high on the head and completed with some effortless tendrils.
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez proves that a classic swept-back bun with a center part works well for any occasion.
Nnenna Echem
Usually, the hair accessory queen Nnenna Echem keeps things simple for this elegant low-bun hairstyle.
Jodie Comer
Jodie Comer has some of the best beauty looks, and this bun proves it. Not too perfect and not too messy, I love how there are a few flyaways left at the roots to add movement.
Laura Harrier
Laura Harrier's "faux" bun is created by wrapping one braid atop her head for an unexpected twist on this classic style.
Yara Shahidi
What's better than one bun? Two, of course! Yara's cute double-bun is a total '90s hairstyle throwback—and it's so damn cute.
Stephanie Broek
To re-create Stephanie's chic Scandi bun, braid your hair first and then twist it up at the nape of your neck.
Margot Robbie
I love the way that Margot's award-season bun still feels relaxed and carefree. Keep the ends of the bun untucked and allow strands to fall loose around the nape of your neck for a similarly carefree finish.
ASOS Lotte
Try transforming the top half of this classic half-up, half-down hairstyle into a bun, just like ASOS Lotte.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé's updo is seriously glamorous and packing a punch in the volume department. It takes the bun to the next level.
Katherine Langford
While I normally reserve a topknot for when I'm washing my hair, Katherine Langford's piled-high strands prove that a high bun can work just as well for a night out. Pull some tendrils loose around your face to stop it from looking too formal.
Alyssa Coscarelli
There's something decidedly retro about the way that Alyssa has paired her elegant Audrey Hepburn esque bun with a cool wavy fringe. Love.
Priyanka Chopra
French-girl fringe + gravity-defying topknot = an anything-but-basic bun. Priyanka, I'll definitely be copying this.
Ada Oguntodu
Live by Ada's motto: The more buns, the merrier.
Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid's simple micro-bun screams off-duty model and proves that the style isn't just for long-haired girls.
Victoria Beckham
VB has three trademark hairstyles: tousled waves, ponytail, and a basic bun. And when she can make a topknot look this chic, who can blame her?
Zoë Foster Brown
Braids wrapped up in a bun with a few loose strands can be perfect for literally any occasion. Just ask Zoë!
Jessi Regina
I can't pin it down, but Jessi's bun paired with a side swoop at the front gives major It-girl energy. Secure this look with your favorite hair clips, and you're good to go.
Johanna Piispa
Johanna Piispa created the perfect balance of casual and business-ready by leaving some of her hair ends out from the base of her bun.
Ireland Hudson
Keep your bun slightly messy while taming the roots for a whimsical vibe like Ireland's.
Raïssa T.
Raïssa knows how to turn a big hair tie into a statement. Basic buns never fail—especially when you can keep it sleek with some hair accessories.
Blessing Afolayan
Blessing Afolayan's space bun braids are the epitome of fun and flirty.
Lee
Lee's wavy side pieces gently frame the face, while the high bun gives her hairstyle a sleek finish.
MV Tiangue
Take traditional cornrows and tie the rest of your braids it into a low bun to recreate MV's on-the-go look.
Herrrana Addisu
If you have thick hair like Herrrana, divide your strands into two to three sections for smaller elevated buns that run along your center part.
Ali Whittle
Keep your bun casual like Ali with the help of a chic claw clip.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Mica Ricketts is a freelance beauty editor, copywriter and regular contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK. She also writes for titles including Marie Claire Refinery 29 and Cosmopolitan, and previously worked atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK as Beauty Editor. With experience in both editorial and content management, she also works with beauty brands and small businesses on brand messaging and content strategy. As a busy mum of two, she is passionate about finding efficacious beauty products that can disguise all signs of tiredness with minimal effort.
-
These Chic Claw-Clip Hairstyles Instantly Elevate Any Look—You're Welcome
You've got options, from sophisticated to relaxed.
-
Leighton Meester Just Wore the Trending Hairstyle Every Chic 2025 Bride Has Been Eyeing
It's giving Blair Waldorf meets Jane Birkin
-
From Cowboy Crops to Rebel Bobs, These Short Haircuts Will Dominate Your Social Feeds This Summer
The hairstylists have spoken.
-
Bella Hadid Has a Genius Tip for Styling Slicked-Back Buns Sans Gel, so I Tried It
You're going to want to see this.
-
The Draped Bob Is the Summer Haircut Trend Every Cool Girl Is Suddenly Getting
Experts adore the lived-in look.
-
"Your Hair Smells Unreal": Thanks, It's Actually This Dreamy, Shine-Inducing Hair Spray
No lie, it doubles as perfume.
-
Spotted at Cannes: The Low-Effort Summer Bob Trend Every Stylish Person Is Fixated On
Perfect for heat waves.
-
TBH, I Forgot About My Flat Iron Until I Discovered These 11 Sleek, Straight Styles
Warning: Envy-inducing hairspo inside.