Fashion Month never fails to deliver surprises; from unexpected eyeliner shapes, to fresh color combinations.

And one of the most exciting looks from the spring 2020 shows? Pigtails, surprisingly. A lot of us said goodbye to pigtails about the same time we said adios to character lunch bags in middle school — save for special occasions (read: Halloween and Spice Girls concerts), that is. Even so, the runways are showing how to wear pigtails as an adult... without any childish, twee vibes. We think it might just be time to reconsider the hairstyle.

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Celebrity stylist from Chicago Salon Boss Hair Group Anna Jackson says that one of the keys to mastering pigtails as an adult is placing pigtails low on the head, specifically below the ears. This will prevent the style from coming across as too cutesy. She adds that you can also braid them or style them into loose buns. But beware if you have blunt bangs: Jackson cautions heavy bangs plus pigtails can make the wearer look like a child.

Additionally, make sure that each pigtail has enough volume, otherwise the result can appear stringy, which can look goo saccharine. (Teasing pigtails and applying volumizing mousse can help boost the thickness of hair.) The goal is chic and playful but casual, according to Jackson.

Also, remember that it's about the full look and not just the pigtail hairstyle: "If wearing pigtails, be careful not to wear heavy makeup or anything that's too extreme [Editor's note: You're not trying to be Harley Quinn.]," says Jackson. "It's best to rock a crisp white T-shirt and ripped jeans or an athleisure outfit." And consider the event you're sporting pigtails to. Sunday brunch or casual lunch? Yes. Festivals? Definitely. Hot nighttime event or work? Hard pass.

Click through the gallery to see the different ways to wear pigtails as an adult, according to the runways.

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Chic hair accessories are trending and can quickly upgrade classic pigtails from girlish to chic. Choose statement-making pieces and play around with interesting placements, like the netted headband placed toward the back of the head at Bora Aksu Spring 2020.

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The gently-mussed double braids at the Ashish Spring 2020 show enhance the classic pigtail look and make your hair appear thicker. We also love the unique touch of the loose braid running down the center of the head.

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Whether you already have cornrows or not, this look from the Antonio Marras Spring 2020 show can inspire a variety of ideas. It demonstrates how any braided hairstyle could be tweaked into double braided pigtails. Furthermore, it makes a case for creative accessorizing with some ribbon.

Image via Imaxtree