Top 10 Formal Hairstyles to Elevate Your Event Look

Key Takeaways

• Chignons work well with evening strapless gowns, while sleek high ponytails give a clean look that complements voluminous dresses. Take a look at our list of formal hairstyles below for inspiration for your next event.
• Want to add some length or volume to your hairstyles for formal events? Browse Livicor Hair's collection of premium 100% Remy human hair extensions that can be easily styled to offer a flawless, natural look. Buy more, save more!

1. Classic Chignon

A timeless, effortlessly elegant style, this look is an excellent option to complement your chic evening gown and formal attire with poise and class, subtly drawing attention to your neck.

Classic chignon hairstyle. Source: marthastewart.com

For this style, start by gathering all the hair behind the nape of your neck using a thin elastic band, then twisting it while wrapping it around to form a beautiful bun. Last but not least, you can perfectly tuck all the hair in with bobby pins.

For best results, medium to long hair will do the work, and adding clip-in extensions will give volume and texture to make your bun look voluminous without causing any damage.

Clip-in extensions by Livicor Hair

2. Sleek High Ponytail

Of all the hairstyles for formal events, a high ponytail is definitely among the most straightforward and fastest to do, thus becoming an excellent option if you are in a rush.

Sleek high ponytail hairstyle. Source: southernliving.com

Just brush your hair back from the crown, securing it with a strong hair tie, brush out any bumps, and finish it off with a spritz of hairspray to make it sleek and polished. The minimal style goes beautifully with flowy or intricate dresses, creating the perfect balance for a chic, modern look.

3. Romantic Loose Waves

Soft, bouncy curls take a little more time and effort, but that romantic, alluring look is so worth it. To get this look going at home, start with a side part and work some loose, natural waves with a curling iron. If you want added volume, think of wavy extensions. And for extra sparkle, tuck a few decorative hair pins into your locks.

Wavy hair extensions by Livicor Hair

This breezy yet sophisticated hairstyle makes it so versatile for many occasions, from formal galas and proms to more or less semi-formal weddings and cocktail parties.

4. Elegant French Twist

You can always go right with a French twist for an ultra-formal occasion or even a dinner party, as this will not only turn out amazingly sophisticated and stylish but will also manage your hair, keeping it secured while you enjoy the event.

French twist hairstyles. Source: marthastewart.com

This updo demands a multi-pinning session as it forms a signature twist behind the head. If bobby pins don't hold your hair in place, try a French twist comb specially designed for such formal hairstyles. Wear it with some statement earrings or a little black dress, and you will surely turn a few heads wherever you go.

5. Glamorous Hollywood Curls

This glamorous, dramatic style is inspired by the iconic 70's hairstyles of Hollywood stars and can take hours to achieve, but it is well worth it for those admiring glances on the red carpet or at formal dinners.

Hollywood curls. Source: johnfrieda.com

Apply a heat protectant, then take a large curling iron and work your way around your head to create soft, loose curls that fall away from the face. Set with hairspray for a secure hold. To achieve the length and volume you want, consider pairing this style with our straight hair extensions. Because they are made of 100% Remy human hair, they can be heat-styled just like your own hair and even colored.

Adding length and volume with straight hair extensions by Livicor Hair

6. Sophisticated Low Bun

A neat low bun goes absolutely perfectly with formal events during the daytime, especially on sunny days, to put your hair up away from the face. Try this hairstyle with high-neck or backless dresses for a chic and balanced look.

Low bun hairstyles for formal events. Source: brides.com

Center-part or side-part your hair. Pull all your hair back into a low ponytail that stays at the nape of your neck. Twist the ponytail tightly and coil around the base to form a bun. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a light mist of hairspray for added shine.

For low, elegant hairstyles for long hair, if you want to add some extensions, we suggest tape-ins since they enable one to style with so much ease while still covering the tape to make it flawless.

Tape-in hair extensions by Livicor Hair

7. Beautiful Braided Updo

Big-fat braids are another amazing way to add interest to your long hair. Go really creative with French braids or milkmaid braids; wrap the braid around your head to create a crown or an updo. Add some sparkly hair clips or pearls to it, and voilà-you’ll have a beautiful wedding hairstyle that you can wear for other formal occasions, too.

Braided updos. Source: alexgaboury.com

8. Chic Half-Up, Half-Down

The half-up, half-down is the basis of most fancy hairstyles for long hair. The hair is divided into two parts, each pinned with a ribbon or an overall jeweled hair clip, while the lower one is loose, which could be curled or loosely waved for added romance.

You can sport this very simple yet elegant hairstyle for weddings, gala dinners, balls, and other high-end parties.

Half up, half down hairstyles. Source: johnfrieda.com

9. Sleek Low Ponytail with a Twist

For an easy way to glamorize your average low ponytail, wrap some hair around the tie. To do this, take a small section of hair from underneath your ponytail and then wrap it around the base. You can then pull the excess hair through the hair tie and pin it up or tuck it into your hair.

Low twisted ponytail. Source: styleseat.com

Due to its inherent simplicity and discreet accents, this hairstyle will be worth consideration for any upcoming formal occasions. 

10. Intricate Twisted Bun

Twist buns definitely should be included in this list of formal hairstyles. It is the perfect way of keeping the hair in place without being flashy, especially for one with excessively long hair.

Low bun with twists. Source: styleseat.com

Split your hair into two equal portions and fold both into buns. Then, tuck each portion over the buns and secure the ends with bobby pins. Add a flourish of style with matching hair trinkets for a polished look.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose a formal hairstyle that complements your dress?

Pay attention to the neckline and style of your dress. For instance, a strapless or off-the-shoulder dress looks great with a high bun, while loose hair looks great with a high-neck dress. It goes without saying that the more flowy the dress is, or if it's for some super dramatic style, then keep the hair to a minimum, like a sleek ponytail, and vice-versa.

How to ensure formal hairstyle stays in place all day?

First, secure your hair with bobby pins when necessary, and consider backcombing for added volume and hold. Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep the style in place all day long.

What accessories are best for formal hairstyles?

Adorn yourself with those that not only keep your hair in place but bring sophistication and elegance as well. Hair clips studded with jewels or pearls will do the magic. A tiara or a jeweled headband imparts a touch of royalty. If you decide upon a ribbon or hair tie, luxurious velvet or satin materials lend a complete dimension of formality.