Padded, Thick, Super Wide, or Embellished Headbands. Fashion Trend 2020

• The Hatista
• Trends
• August 4th 2019 / Revised: June 2nd 2020

There are many "Hat" trends that we’ve been able to thank Kate Middleton for over the past decade, and the latest is the thick padded headband. Ever the fashion-forward dresser, the Duchess has made several appearances wearing the hip accessory. Worn by Kate for Remembrance Sunday, November 2018, for Christmas service at the Chapel in Sandringham, at Westminster Abbey for an evening to honour the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, and most recently for the Christening of Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at Windsor Castle.

The super thick variety isn't the only headband to make a come back though. Dolce & Gabbana have been adding the heavily embellished headbands to their collections and catwalks for a few years, and this Spring Prada, Simone Rocha and many other designers had wide, tall, jewelled, embellished or pearl headbands on model after model walking the runway shows. Every '60s or surf-inspired look was topped off with a satin or bejeweled headband that looked anything but school girl.

It's official, the headbands that most of us haven't worn since we left school (with exception of "Gossip Girl" trend adopters in 2008 of course), are now one of the most fashionable of accessories to wear.

Today, elaborate or oversized headband designs aren't just your bad hair day saviour, they can make your whole outfit casual or formal. They frame your face, and give you an excuse to post a new selfie with every new headband in your collection, almost daily. They can also be great conversation starters.

Of course the Prada, Fendi, Simone Rocha and Dolce & Gabbana luxury headbands aren't within everyone's budgets - although considerably cheaper than buying one of their handbags. Don't worry though, as with all hot trends from the runways, the High Street and Handmade artists of the world have jumped in to help those on low and mid budgets, so you can start your collection relatively cheaply, and as with most handmade, if you search the right places you can find "one of a kind" designs that no one else in the world will have. Be warned though, for many, headbands can become as addictive as shoes!!.

Padded, or Embellished Headbands, like this years oversize barrettes and hair clips, add interest to any outfit either casual or formal. Pair one with a T-shirt and jeans to spice things up on the weekend, wear with your work wear to show your fashion sense, or wear one with a dress for a regal look at weddings and formal events. Now Autumn is approaching, the velvet variety are perfect for Autumn / Winter wedding guest outfits, when floral hats and fascinators are less suited to the cooler weather.

For a real day to night style statement, opt for one of the crystal-embellished styles in versatile black or soft nudes (peach, honey or blush); great when combined with a casual ensemble of jeans and a T-shirt to create a delightfully modern look, but also perfect for a wedding guest ensemble.

If like the Duchess of Cambridge, you've developed a newfound love for hair accessories this season, then I've picked out all the best I could find for you below. Some for those on a Luxury Budget, some affordable by most, and some so cheap you can almost buy a different one to wear each new day of the season. This post includes affiliate links - suggestions of items I've selected you. If you see anything you like, click the links and decide to buy the suggestion, then the retailer will give me a little commission (maybe even enough to buy a latte) to thank me.

1. "Thin Headbands, with details. Perfect for evenings out, flowergirls, and bridesmaids, or those not ready to adopt the larger widths."

Below is a gallery of some of the prettiest smallest widths or you to adopt the trend with.

2. "The regular width Headband we wore as kids, but with new grown up embellishments"

Below is a gallery of some of this seasons current offerings of the regular headband, with new embellishments for the season.

3. "Oversize, Super Wide, Chunky Headbands. Adopting the trend started by Kate Middleton in the Fall of 2018, and one of the coolest accessories to come from the Autumn '19 runways"

Below is a gallery of some of the most ornate, or simplest of the oversize chunky headbands, including hand embroidered, shell embellished, feather embellished, and jewel embellished, and my suggestions to Summer or Winter designs.

4. Some that are a little different, Wacky, Novel, or Festive.

Had to add some with Festive Cheer for the Winter. Couldn't resist I'm afraid....