Style Hair Updos 14 Beautiful Formal Hairstyles For Your Next Special Occasion By Jenna Sims Jenna Sims Jenna is a Digital Editor for Southern Living and joined the team in 2014. She writes, produces, and assigns content with a focus on email growth and commerce content. She covers a range of topics in the lifestyle space from holiday gift guides to new product launches to tips for cooking with your air fryer. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on March 25, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Getty Images 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. 01 of 14 Messy Low Bun Getty Images 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. 02 of 14 Wrapped Curly Ponytail @clairebalest 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. 03 of 14 Sleek and Fluffy Ponytail @ashleyantoinebeauty This formal look by hairstylist @ashleyantoinebeauty offers contrast of the sleek upper with the fluffy bottom of the ponytail. 04 of 14 Half-Up Twist Knot with Curls @patricknavarro 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. 05 of 14 Pinned To One Side Getty Images 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. 06 of 14 Braid into Bun Getty Images If you can't decide between a braid and a bun, this hairstyle allows you to have both in one look . 07 of 14 Voluminous Curls @kayleymelissa 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. 08 of 14 Elegant Twisted Bun @patricknavarro Stylist Patrick Navarro twisted hair into a clean bun to create this formal hairstyle. 09 of 14 Add a Velvet Bow @clairebalest Elevate any hairstyle in just seconds by adding a velvet bow as seen here from stylist @clairebalest. 10 of 14 Flowers Throughout Getty Images Pick in-season flowers that match the occasion and place them through an updo for a whimsical look that's sure to wow. 11 of 14 Half Curls @hairbylindal Instead of curling from root to tip, this hairstyle from @hairbylindal features curls from root to mid-shaft while the ends remain straight. 12 of 14 Low Crossover Bun Getty Images Crossed over pieces add an extra layer of style to this low bun hairstyle. 13 of 14 Side-Swept Curls Getty Images A far-sided part allows curls to fall over the other side which creates plenty of volume and bounce. 14 of 14 Top Knot with Face Framing Pieces @ashleyantoinebeauty 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit