19 Glamorous Elegant Hairstyles to Transform Your Entire Look

Amelia
Amelia 7 Min Read
Elegant hairstyle in a tousled, textured updo with romantic face-framing tendrils.

Wedding season is here, and honestly, I’ve been spiraling over hair choices for weeks. Whether you’re attending a formal event, walking down the aisle, or just want to feel extra classy, these elegant hairstyles will have you looking like absolute perfection. From timeless updos to romantic half-up styles, I’ve curated looks that work for every hair length and texture.

Wedding Hairstyles for Long Hair Elegant

1. Pearl-Adorned Twisted Updo

Elegant braided updo adorned with pearl accessories — a timeless hairstyle perfect for formal events.

Source: @teamhafsawajid

Rich brunette hair swept into an intricate twisted updo with delicate pearl and gold leaf detailing creates pure bridal magic. Perfect for formal occasions, this style adds serious glamour.

2. Crystal-Crowned Half-Up Waves

 Elegant long wavy hairstyle with silver floral hairpiece — ideal for weddings or glamorous evenings.

Source: @idealbridalaz

Golden blonde waves styled in a romantic half-up look with an elaborate crystal floral headpiece screams luxury. Elizabeth said this one gives major princess vibes — she wasn’t wrong.

3. Sleek Side Chignon

Sleek low twisted bun – elegant hairstyle for formal events.

Source: @hollys_hairdos

A sophisticated low chignon with smooth side-swept styling and statement pearl earrings delivers timeless elegance. This polished look works beautifully for black-tie events or professional settings.

4. Textured High Bun with Curly Accent

Elegant updo with volume and soft curls for a chic look.

Source: @hollys_hairdos

Blonde hair twisted into a voluminous high bun with one perfectly curled tendril creates the perfect balance of structured and romantic. Ideal for showing off statement earrings.

Elegant Hairstyles for Medium Hair

5. Twisted Side Updo

Twisted low bun with a smooth finish – elegant hairstyle idea.

Source: @hollys_hairdos

Ash blonde hair elegantly twisted and pinned to one side with soft face-framing pieces creates an effortlessly chic vibe. This look transitions beautifully from day to evening.

6. Loose Braided Low Bun

Messy blonde low bun with waves – elegant and romantic hairstyle.

Source: @hollys_hairdos

Platinum blonde hair woven into a relaxed side braid that flows into a textured low bun offers romantic sophistication. The messy-but-intentional texture keeps it modern.

7. Vintage-Inspired High Ponytail

High updo with curls – voluminous elegant hairstyle for special occasions.

Source: @hollys_hairdos

Rich brown hair styled into a voluminous high ponytail with subtle retro waves and delicate pearl drop earrings channels old Hollywood glamour perfectly.

8. Layered Textured Updo

Classic elegant updo with twisted layers for a sophisticated look.

Source: @hollys_hairdos

Caramel highlighted hair twisted into multiple layers and pinned into an intricate updo creates stunning dimensional movement. The complexity makes this perfect for special occasions.

Elegant Hairstyles for Short Hair

9. Jeweled Side-Swept Updo

Elegant braided updo with rhinestone hairpin for formal events.

Source: @hollys_hairdos

Brunette hair swept dramatically to one side and secured with an ornate crystal hair piece delivers maximum impact with minimal length. Sometimes short hair makes the boldest statement.

10. Simple Twisted Half-Up

Half-up twisted knot with flowing waves – soft elegant hairstyle.

Source: @alexgaboury

Champagne blonde hair gently twisted back and secured with a delicate hair comb creates understated elegance. This style proves that simple can be absolutely stunning.

Elegant Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair

11. Cascading Twisted Half-Up

Elegant hairstyle featuring long blonde waves with a simple twisted half-updo.

Source: @hairbylaceygc

Golden blonde hair with the top section twisted and adorned with crystal accessories while the rest cascades in loose waves strikes the perfect prom balance.

12. Intricate Crown Braid Design

Elegant hairstyle with deep red curls and fishtail braids adorned with floral hair accessories.

Source: @glambyvilda

Rich auburn hair featuring multiple fishtail braids woven together and accented with a white floral hair piece creates a look that’s pure artistry in motion.

Easy Elegant Hairstyles for Long Hair

13. Deep Side Part Hollywood Waves

Elegant hairstyle with voluminous soft curls in a sleek half-up look, perfect for formal occasions.

Source: @elegant.hairr

Glossy brunette hair styled in classic Hollywood waves with a dramatic deep side part creates instant old-school glamour. Elizabeth always says this style makes everyone look like a movie star.

14. Chocolate Brown Sleek Chignon

Elegant hairstyle showcasing a smooth, low bun with a polished, twisted finish.

Source: @pearly.hairstylist

Deep chocolate hair pulled into a perfectly smooth low chignon showcases the hair’s natural shine while maintaining sophisticated simplicity. Sometimes the classics really are best.

Formal Hairstyles for Long Hair Down

15. Bouncy Dimensional Waves

Elegant hairstyle with a high voluminous ponytail and soft curls cascading down the back.

Source: @frenchtwist_salon

Multi-tonal brown hair styled in voluminous bouncy waves creates movement and life while staying polished enough for any formal event. The dimension in the color adds serious depth.

16. Braided Crown with Cascading Curls

Elegant hairstyle styled in a braided low bun accented with a sparkly crystal hairpiece.

Source: @kensingtonhairandbeauty

Ash blonde hair featuring an intricate braided crown detail with loose curls flowing down creates a look that’s both structured and romantic. Perfect for outdoor weddings.

17. Classic Old Hollywood Glamour

Elegant hairstyle with long, glossy waves and a deep side part for a glamorous look.

Source: @elegant.hairr

Rich brunette hair swept into smooth vintage waves delivers timeless sophistication that never goes out of style. This is what I picture when I think “classy hairstyle.”

Elegant Everyday Hairstyles

18. Messy Textured Updo

Elegant hairstyle in a tousled, textured updo with romantic face-framing tendrils.

Source: @alexandralee1016

Dark brown hair twisted into an intentionally tousled updo with wispy face-framing pieces creates effortless elegance perfect for daily wear. Sometimes the “undone” look requires the most skill.

19. Side-Swept Low Bun

Elegant hairstyle with a side braid flowing into a soft low bun for a timeless and classy appearance.

Source: @updos.by.jocelyn

Highlighted brown hair smoothly swept to one side and twisted into a low bun offers polished simplicity for any professional setting. Clean lines never fail.

Which hairstyle is classy?

The most flattering and classy hairstyles are those that enhance your natural features while maintaining clean lines and intentional styling. Whether it’s a sleek chignon, soft waves, or an intricate braid, the key is precision in execution and choosing styles that complement your face shape and hair texture.

What hairstyle makes you look younger?

Face-framing layers, soft waves, and styles that add volume around the crown area tend to create a more youthful appearance. Avoiding overly tight or severe styles and incorporating gentle movement helps create that fresh, vibrant look we’re all after.

Bottom line: These elegant hairstyles prove that whether you’re working with short, medium, or long hair, there’s a sophisticated option that will make you feel absolutely radiant. The secret to pulling off any elegant look is confidence and the right styling technique.

Save your fave for your next special occasion! ✨

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