How to Wear Hair Ribbons

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Alexa Chung -- she of the perpetual sexy bedhead and annoyingly awesome bangs -- makes this low-slung knotted style look hip. Mimic it by putting your hair into two pigtail braids and knotting them together at the nape of your neck with a ribbon, leaving the ends loose. Pin the ends of the pigtails in a messy bun.

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Hair ribbons go from schoolgirl chic to bohemian cool as a hippie headband. Just wrap it once or twice around your forehead, tie it in a knot at the back of your head and go. (The Renaissance faire pigtails are optional.)

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Weaving a ribbon into a braid looks complicated -- especially in this elaborate, face-framing crown braid. But you can integrate a ribbon in any braid easily.

When you divide the hair into three sections to start your braid, just tie the end of the ribbon around the base of one of the sections and continue to braid as if it's part of the hair. The spot where you tied off the ribbon will be concealed as you continue to braid around your head.

Don't know how to do a crown braid? This is an easy-to-follow tutorial.

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Headscarves are the hottest I-don't-know-what-to-do-with-my-hair accessory, and they can be worn so many ways. If you don't have one on hand, copy the look with a wide printed bow. Just tie it at the top of your head so that only a few inches of the ribbon stick out on either side of the knot. Wear hair down or in a big, messy bun.

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Top off a cool-girl topknot with a pretty bow. This style maven is Exhibit A in how to wear ribbon: Keep your bow small or tie it in a simple double-knot for the most modern look. A big, loopy bow or too-wide ribbon can look fussy.

The schoolgirl fashion trend -- plaid kilts, collared blouses -- is going strong, so it's only fitting that hair ribbons are also back in style. The problem: Unless you're Alexa Chung or Brigitte Bardot 50 years ago, you feel kind of silly wearing a hair bow.

True, it can be tricky to wear hair ribbons and look like a grown-ass woman. But ribbon is an inexpensive, simple accessory that can be used to create so many hair looks, ranging from romantic and bohemian to trendy and edgy. Look to these runway models, beauty and style bloggers and celebrity tastemakers for some excellent hair bow inspo, plus styling tips for looking your age -- and, of course, totally chic.

15 Ways to Wear Hair Ribbons

No, you won't look 12. Yes, you will look amazing

Woven Into a Braided Twist

As a Boho Headband

Woven Into a Crown Braid

As a Faux Scarf

As a Topknot Accent

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