Party Season Is Here—32 Chic Hairstyles That Guarantee Compliments

As if by magic, the festive season is almost upon us. I don't know about you. but I've already started bookmarking party outfits and planning my party-season manicure. My hairstyle, however, is often an afterthought, which leads to an influx of stress as I try and work out what to do with my hair, which is usually worn down and left to its own devices most days.

This year, though, I'm ready to switch things up. I want to go all out hair accessories but I'm rejecting the notion that you need to spend hours at the hairdresser's to create a look deemed party-ready.

So to mark this more laidback approach to special occasion hairstyles, I've rounded up some of my favourite party hairstyles that I've spotted on celebs and fashion types. Trust me—these are looks that you can genuinely re-create at home and will only take minutes to do—no skills required. Keep scrolling to see the best party hairstyles I've found.

32 of the Best Party Hairstyles to Try

I still can't stop think about Gigi's Met Gala look this year which took the trending Italian bob up a level for party season.

High-shine, ultra-sleek, wet-look styles have been a big trend for 2024, but Zoe Kravitz's slicked-back bun proves that it can look beautifully timeless too.

If there's one celebrity's hair that we've been collectively obsessed with this year it's Sabrina Carpenter's. And while this look is more beachy and textured than her signature blowout bangs, the soft and romantic finish would make the perfect special occasion hairstyle.

'90s hairstyles have been a huge trend for 2024 and Sophie Wilde proves that tiny tendrils are the perfect look for party season with this glam and glossy look.

I am truly obsessed with Cara Delevingne's retro updo. From the soft micro fringe to the most petite bun, it's undeniably beautiful.

From Hoyeon Jung's cherry coke-coloured hair to the sleek and smooth low ponytail, everything about this party hairstyle is utter perfection.

Forget all the hair accessories and styling tools, sometimes a basic centre-parted style is the best way to go—especially if your outfit is doing a lot of the talking. Saoirse Ronan's wavy lob looks so pretty worn tucked behind her ears.

Halle Bailey's half-up, half-down hairstyle not only looks incredible but is the perfect style for keeping hair out of your face while you dance the night away.

Sometimes the most simple hairstyles are the most effective as Maude Apatow's sleek, undone bun proves. Bonus points to the cute cranberry-coloured hair accessories.

Oozing old school glamour, Rachel Weisz's side parting and voluminous waves are timeless and chic.

A slicked back bun is always a winning party hairstyle (and works even better if you've skipped hair wash day).

Simone Ashley demonstrates how a side-parted slick bun looks so stylish for the party season.

If you want to go all out with your party hairstyle, then why not update the humble ponytail with a glittering diamanté ponytail?

If your outfit has a strapless neckline, then a half-up, half-down hairstyle with tendrils really showcases this as well as giving a does of nineties vibes.

If you have braids in your hair, then some hair crystals dotted along the partings looks so chic.

Party season is all about excess, so follow Linn Eklund's approach to party hair. Why wear one hair clip when you can wear four?

There's a time and a place for a messy bun, but Scarlett Johansson proves that for a special occasion, sleek and glossy is the way to turn heads. Wear your bun mid-height—not too high, not too low—for a twist on this classic hairstyle.

No words, just J.Lo giving us all the '90s supermodel blowout inspiration that we need for our next party.

Slicked-back hair looks good on any hair length and is perfect for showing off party earrings.

Sometimes, it's the classic hairstyles that work best for parties and a bouncy blow-dry always looks good. Use a large barrel brush to create glamorous volume like Lizzo's style.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's party hairstyle might look avant-garde, but it's surprisingly simple to get a similar look. Just tie your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, loop the ends up towards your crown and secure it with bobby pins.

A low ponytail or bun always looks elegant when the roots of your hair are slicked-back. I love how ASOS Lesley has finished her look with one of the ultimate party accessories: a pearl hair clip.

When in doubt, some loose curls à la Beyonce is a timeless party hairstyle.

This low ponytail is a staple time and time again at backstage at fashion week, but it just so happens to make a great party hairstyle too. Simply leave a piece of hair free from your ponytail, wrap it around the base and secure it with clips.

Whether it's one clip or several placed through the hair, it makes a great statement on short hair.

The ultimate French-girl party hairstyle as demonstrated here with a ponytail and a velvet ribbon. Perfection.

Unless you have naturally straight hair, you're likely going to need a pair of GHD stylers to re-create Emily Ratajkowski's sleek lob. It's worth it, though, because that hair is shinier than a disco ball.

I'm head over heels for Laura Harrier's party ponytail: low, tousled and with a few tendrils left loose at the front.

I love how Nina Sandbech's party hairstyle is so simple yet so effective. Just brush your hair back into a low ponytail and add a few extra hairbands at varying points. Pull the hair out slightly in each section to create a bubble ponytail.

If your hair is curly like ASOS Syana's, then pull a few coils free from a high ponytail to create a majorly glam party look.

J.Lo is the queen of high ponytails, but I love how the flicked-up ends lend this simple style a bit of oomph.

Bouncy, shiny and with so much volume, Zendaya's "old money bob" is such a glamorous party look and can be recreated at home with a blow-dry brush.