Retro Hair Accessories Are Taking Over 2023. Here's How To Wear Them Without The Cringe

Lately, so many fashion and beauty trends are blasts from the past, and that also applies to how we're styling our hair. Spring 2023 is all about short hair, but that doesn't mean a boring, uniform bob is your only option, and regardless of what haircut you're sporting for the warmer months, there are plenty of ways to spice things up. From runways and red carpets to our favorite celebs' Instagrams, we've been seeing plenty of hair accessories as the cherries on top of the perfect springtime ensembles. 

While we may love the look of Emma Chamberlain's big Met Gala headband or Olivia Rodrigo's classic piled-on-barrettes-look, many of us may not feel like sporting a bold hair accessory is accessible for all of us in our day-to-day lives. So, how can we adapt these trends to make them work for us? Well, luckily, some of our favorite hair accessories of yore are making quite the comeback and are as easy to wear as they are chic. We've got all our favorite options that we think you'll want to incorporate into your favorite looks this season.

Balletcore is the aesthetic du jour in 2023, and it's easy to make your hair work with the frilly, feminine vibe. So many it-girls from Sydney Sweeney to Karlie Kloss sported hair bows at the Met Gala, proving that bows are back. While we may associate hair bows with kids in their Easter dresses or the fashionistas of the Tumblr twee movement of the 2010s, there are ways to make it work for today. Try long bows on a high ponytail or simple bow clips on half-up, half-down hair. You can also incorporate on-trend textures like crochet and lace. 

Popping a kerchief in your hair is one of our favorite vintage hair accessory reboots of the season. With a hair scarf, we feel ready to picnic in the park or apply our favorite red lipstick with the top down in a convertible. Use a patterned silk scarf as a pop of color in a simple outfit or a crochet version with your fave midi skirt to live out your cottagecore dreams. And, if you're worried about tying a silk scarf around your hair and keeping it secure, fear not; try this headband version for just $10.

From Elle Fanning's Met Gala look to Kate Middleton's show-stopping Coronation tiara, floral-inspired headpieces are having a resurgence just in time for summer. The '60s staple is a blast from the past, but we're seeing it in full bloom again as the weather warms up. Big flower crowns or ones with real plants seem more appropriate for brides on their wedding day and full-blown flower children of decades past. Yet, we love the look for everyday styles when it's more pared down. Pair a simple floral garland crown with a casual sundress, or try a floral-accented headband. 

While trying a headband version of the flower crown or the headscarf trends can make them a bit easier for everyday looks, the headband, itself, is another great option for the upcoming season. Headbands that make a statement are the headbands of choice among trendsetters. Opt for one that's big and puffy, brightly printed, or even metal and detailed. If you're feeling more Sporty Spice than Baby Spice, you can even rock a '90s elastic wraparound headband like Bella Hadid. 

The way the past few years have gone, it's a surprise to no one that scrunchies will continue to be our updo securers of choice. This season, though, experimental twists on the fan-favorite adorned rubber bands are taking the hair world by storm. Knotted or bunny ear scrunchies are an on-trend option that adds interest and detail to your ponytail. For an easy, yet statement-making way to throw your hair up, bigger is better. Oversized satin scrunchies are the perfect way to keep your hair up off your neck all summer long.