![14 Beautiful Formal Hairstyles For Your Next Special Occasion](https://luvlivelaugh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/14-beautiful-formal-hairstyles-for-your-next-special-occasion-jpg.webp)
When you’ve got a formal occasion to attend on your calendar, after finding an outfit for the event with shoes to match, the next thing to decide on is how you’ll wear your hair. Lucky for you, we’re here to help by delivering plenty of formal hairstyle inspiration. Bookmark these looks for your next special occasion, or plan a girls’ night so you’ll have an excuse to try them out.
Whether you need an inspiration photo to show your stylist or are styling your own hair for a formal occasion, read on for easy yet elegant looks.
1. Messy Low Bun
![Messy Low Bun](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/sAqv2laKeqL1gUZLBeijwARCby0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/mesy-low-bun-GettyImages-1156682342-9c1566657c29485a9dc25ae38e4d2efa.jpg)
This low pun is pieced together loosely to allow hair to create a unique shape. It’s finished with a pearl clip which adds an extra flair of elegance.
2. Wrapped Curly Ponytail
![Curled Ponytail](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/GtChxV4gxsachIKQ51p0dGddBFk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/curled-ponytail-with-wrap-daafe5da41874afea972fb4ad8425760.jpg)
Stylist @kelli__teamclairebalest created this formal version of a ponytail that features beautiful curls. It is finished with a piece of hair wrapped around the ponytail for a more elegant look.
3. Sleek and Fluffy Ponytail
![Sleek Fluffy Ponytail](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Iw37UwhBt2JpSeZHnveFNcy22XE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/fluffy-ponytail-459d7fff0c5f41ff8e817cd7414b7f3c.jpg)
This formal look by hairstylist @ashleyantoinebeauty offers contrast of the sleek upper with the fluffy bottom of the ponytail.
4. Half-Up Twist Knot with Curls
![Half-Up with Curls](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/PmNBfDVMgygtgIDuAv6F6j95zxY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Screenshot2023-03-24at12.09.47PM-209a12e5848c4cdf87728a8e7e8e8d7d.png)
Showcase beautiful curls while still keeping hair back with this half-up style by @patricknavarro. It features a twist knot and plenty of tousled curls.
5. Pinned To One Side
![Hairstyle Curled Pinned To One Side](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/QoaeM8Ivxb9LAOFgftSGCtETmd0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/pinned-back-side-GettyImages-1147278930-2f7958a8b46d4833877e82d51b7bd8c7.jpg)
To achieve this look, use a pretty pin to pull one side of your curls back while allowing the rest of the curls to fall naturally to the other side.
6. Braid into Bun
![Braid into Bun](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/iemNVrEB0prHRm9X-14HpbGf804=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/fishtail-into-bun-GettyImages-967979742-d9da3964bd494543ba81f27a943b4a2c.jpg)
If you can’t decide between a braid and a bun, this hairstyle allows you to have both in one look.
7. Voluminous Curls
![Voluminous Curls](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/e2S_ON1KqhsyMzE1jFpy472r6HM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/voluminous-curls-aabc8717ea2e41178bb00266acc731c4.jpg)
Voluminous hair has definitely made a comeback over the last few years, and these curls from stylist @kayleymelissa are perfect for any special occasion. You can see her tips on how to help hair look more full here.
8. Elegant Twisted Bun
![Twisted Bun](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/vPZn5MsL_Cikd_sRyJBLzJlPp8U=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/twisted-bun-formal-hairstlye-baa32f0572374e5f9c667083a269caf7.jpg)
Stylist Patrick Navarro twisted hair into a clean bun to create this formal hairstyle.
9. Add a Velvet Bow
![Tied with a Velvet Bow](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/v5C8dMbYEZLinYkr5hF5cJ7styI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Screenshot2023-03-24at3.43.54PM-ed988a63b49b486895eb6230786c29a9.png)
Elevate any hairstyle in just seconds by adding a velvet bow as seen here from stylist @clairebalest.
10. Flowers Throughout
![Flowers in Hair](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/4b8V5M-epuBo9WSL0YgJEPZt2OM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/flowers-in-hair-GettyImages-1387228080-22aa429486234520acb3984e183e647c.jpg)
Pick in-season flowers that match the occasion and place them through an updo for a whimsical look that’s sure to wow.
11. Half Curls
![Half Curls](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/nyZxLQAW5AZrerPlf0wwAvPo5Vs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/half-curls-13c3283613d74877a1fe863974444693.jpg)
Instead of curling from root to tip, this hairstyle from @hairbylindal features curls from root to mid-shaft while the ends remain straight.
12. Low Crossover Bun
![Low Crossover Bun](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/jHV-Cgz9gjaChz6I-J7ekh8PKUA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1281025020-1b6a8fd82c284fd486ac9f97258555cb.jpg)
Crossed over pieces add an extra layer of style to this low bun hairstyle.
13. Side-Swept Curls
![Sideswept Curls](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/LX5dgayj-wUfyOw6Kx_1y5XEi3I=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1189884694-7cc886e7cc1e482ea007160b330bb602.jpg)
A far-sided part allows curls to fall over the other side which creates plenty of volume and bounce.
14. Top Knot with Face Framing Pieces
![Top Knot with Face Framing Pieces](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/qYaXW9pc5jrObCCEdaPxsAqmx34=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/top-knot-with-face-framing-pieces-fcc85e528cf34fb3a3c83119b2fb5e0f.jpg)
This style from @ashleyantoinebeauty features beautiful face-framing pieces with the rest of hair secured in a topknot so it’ll stay secure throughout your event.