7 Ways to Elevate Your Look with Hair Clips & Accessories: The 90s Trend is Back!

If you’ve been scrolling through fashion feeds lately, you might’ve noticed a fun throwback making its way back into style: hair accessories. From hair clips and barrettes to scrunchies, these 90s faves are no longer just nostalgia—they’re the secret weapon to pulling together a polished, on-trend look effortlessly.
The best part? Hair accessories don’t just tie an outfit together—they can instantly upgrade your hairstyle, even on those “I skipped washing my hair” days. If you’re new to styling with hair clips and not sure where to start, we’ve rounded up 7 easy, versatile looks to inspire you. Let’s dive in!

1. Vintage Glam: Channel Old Hollywood Charm

Perfect for: Parties, girls’ night out, or any occasion where you want to feel like a screen siren.
Want to channel the glitz of 1940s Hollywood starlets? This look is simpler than it looks.
Start with dry hair and use a 1-inch automatic curling wand to wrap large sections. Let curls slide off the wand, then cup them in your palm to cool—this helps them hold shape. Grab a rat-tail comb to create a deep side part, then add your favorite pins or barrettes to the side with less hair. Think pearl, crystal, or retro metal designs—they’ll instantly amplify that old-school glamour.

2. Heavenly Half-Up: Effortless & Romantic

Perfect for: Date nights, brunch with friends, or any casual-yet-cute outing.
This half-up style balances polish and ease—no complicated tricks required.
Horizontally section off the top ⅓ of your hair, then gently pull out a few face-framing strands to soften the look. Twist the top section loosely (no need for tightness here!) and secure it with a snap clip you love. A fun color or subtle metallic will tie the look together, adding just the right amount of romance.

3. Embellished Updo: Fancy Without the Fuss

Perfect for: Fancy dinners, outdoor weddings, or any dressy event.
This updo feels elevated but stays relaxed—ideal for showing off statement hair clips.
Start with second-day curled hair (second-day hair holds styles better!). Leave one large face-framing section loose, then gather the rest into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a loose bun, letting some curls peek through for texture, and secure with bobby pins. Sweep the loose face-framing section along your jawline until it meets the bun, then use a bold hair clip to hold it in place—this adds a pop of color or sparkle to the bun, too.

4. Parted to Perfection: Tame Bangs (or Hide Regrowth)

Perfect for: Growing out bangs, covering up overdue trims, or a minimalist chic vibe.
This look is all about simplicity—and it’s a lifesaver for those in-between hair phases.
Use a rat-tail comb to part your hair straight down the middle. About 1–2 inches from the part, slide a hair clip in parallel to the part, then repeat on the opposite side. That’s it! Sleek, subtle, and instantly put-together.

5. Polished Ponytail: Hide Bad Hair Days in Style

Perfect for: Busy mornings, errands, or when you need a put-together look fast.
This ponytail hides bang regrowth or second/third-day hair—without skimping on style.
Create a deep side part with a rat-tail comb. On the larger section of hair (near your ear, just below the tail of your eyebrow), add two hair pins for a subtle accent. Gather all your hair into a loose ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it—the pins add just enough detail to make this more than a basic ponytail.

6. The Magic of Multiples: Beat the Heat in Chic Style

Perfect for: Hot weather, busy days, or when you want hair out of your face but still stylish.
The key here is to keep it messy and undone—vary the size of sections for that “effortlessly cool” vibe.
Take a small section of hair on each side of your head and loosely secure with a mini claw clip. Do the same with another set of sections just below the first pair. Under the second clipped section, create a loose, messy braid from the nape of your neck to the ends, then secure with a claw clip. Finish by placing remaining claw clips throughout the braid, alternating sides to keep it balanced.

7. Stacked & Chic: Playful and Versatile

Perfect for: Coffee runs, farmers’ markets, or any daytime outing where you want to stand out.

Start with a deep side part—pro tip: this part works great with accessories because it gives plenty of space to show them off while framing your face. On the larger section of hair, add as many clips as you like, keeping spacing similar and sticking to a cohesive color scheme. The rest is up to you—wear ends down, in a ponytail, braid, or bun. It’s cute, flexible, and perfect for casual days!

Final Tip for Hair Clip Styles

Hair accessories thrive on personality—don’t be afraid to mix styles, experiment with placements, or let your favorite clips be the star of the show. Whether you’re channeling 90s nostalgia or adding a modern twist, the right hair clip can turn any hairstyle from “meh” to “wow” in seconds.

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