Top knot hairstyles for every occasion

The only way is up...

Could you imagine life without top knots? Think about what your day would look like if you couldn't wake up and quickly twist your hair on top of your head and somehow still end up looking amazing. Or if you couldn't quickly whack your hair up in a top knot to have a bath. Something that always ensures the best bloody top knot you've ever done in your life, with no where to go. Don't worry, it happens to all of us.

We can't really pin point when top knots became a major part of our daily hair life. But we do know that we are completely and utterly obsessed with the very understated, yet extremely versatile (take a look at JLo) hairstyle. Maybe it's something ingrained is us from a young age - thank you ballet. Or perhaps it's popular because it's the go-to off duty model look. To be fair, it's probably both. Either way, the top knot has the same power a slick of red lipstick does. It can instantly update your look. Or add a certain je ne sais quoi. Just look at off-duty models.

Thing is, at times, we want more. Yes, the twist and tie works wonders most of the time. But, there is the odd occasion where we want the ease of top knots with the effect of sitting in a hairdresser's chair for over an hour. You know, something that looks so intricate, people would refuse to believe that you'd done it yourself in your own bathroom. Too much to ask?

Not after you click through these incredible top knot hairstyles.

From Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's sleek, red carpet top knot that literally defies gravity to Karreuche Tran's braided tuxedo top knot that adds just the right amount of edge to an otherwise simple hairstyle, these top knot hairstyles will give you the lift you need. On a side note, have you seen our new sister beauty site? Powder are dishing out bespoke product recommendations along with articles and tips tailored just for you. We're obsessed.

And if you think you can't jump on the trend because you have a bob or fringe, just take a look at Soko and Kendall Jenner. They'll prove to you that you can rock a top knot with any length or style of hair.

Scroll through our gallery of top knots and get inspired...

The off-duty model top knot

Off duty model style at it's very best

The glam top knot

Now this is red carpet ready. We love how Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's sleek top knot pulls everything upwards to add to her already glamorous feline-like make-up. This proves that sometimes less is actually more. 

The fringed top knot

Kendall Jenner literally looks smouldering with her top knot and choppy fringe. Just goes to show that you can still rock one even if you have bangs. 

The tight twist top knot

Need to add extra height, do as Christina Milian has done and twist your knot tightly on the top of your head. 

The relaxed top knot

Bella Thorne's relaxed top knot and soft make-up is the perfect combination to wear with a LBD. 

The graphic top knot

We love how Jaime King's graphic top knot lifts everything upwards. It's like an anti-ageing treatment!

The tuck top knot

With three sons to run around after, it's no wonder that Gwen Stefani has found an easier way of creating a chic top knot. Simply create a ponytail, but stop just before you pull the last part through to create a loop and then wrap a section of hair around your hair band. 

The samurai top knot

Rita Ora loves to play with styles (especially top knots - there were way too many to choose from), so you have to hand it to her when she comes up with things that look this amazing. We especially love the samurai sleekness of the end tail. 

The layered top knot

We love how Zendaya has twisted her beautiful brunette hair around itself to create this layered top knot effect. Plus, the whispy hairs around the face give it the right amount of softness to balance the graphic dress she's wearing. 

The bob top knot

Soko proves that just because you have a bob, doesn't mean you have to miss out on rocking a top knot. 

The plait top knot

Now this definitely takes two sets of hands to achieve. We're mildly obsessed with Karreuche Tran's back braids that lead up to her top knot - it gives just the right amount of edge to an otherwise quite simple style. 

The plait top knot

Same celebrity, same style, different angle, because we want you to see just how good it looks.

The hun top knot

Jennifer Lopez's hun has the perfect amount of wave. We love that it looks messy, but 'done'. Easily achievable? We think so - just need a good pair of hair curlers first.  

The voluminous top knot

Ashley Greene is taking us back to our ballerina days with this thick, voluminous bun. Surely there's a hair donut in there! If she's managed to get that sort of oomph with her own, consider us hair envious!

The accessorised top knot

Who says top knots have to be an off-duty look? Katy Perry shows us how a simple accessory can take a top knot to glam knot in one quick clip. 

The off duty model top knot

If anyone knows how to do off-duty style, it's Stella Maxwell. We love how her top knot looks like she's just quickly twisted it on top of her head... when really, it will probably take us a good hour to get this right. 

The retro top knot

Ok, so it's more of a beehive, but it's still technically a top knot because it sits at the very top of Kerry Washington's head. 

Karlie Kloss

Karlie Kloss attended the CFDA Awards in June 2016, pulling her blonde locks into a topknot for a simple take on red carpet dressing.

Lily Aldridge

Lily Aldridge was sporting the supermodel off-duty hair of choice, pairing her topknot with a deep mauve shade for a night on the town.

Behati Prinsloo

Behati Prinsloo went for a simple top knot while she ran errands in LA in April 2016.

Rosie Huntington Whitely

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was spotted with her take on the simple topknot. Pairing her 'do with red lipstick and a simple white blouse, Rosie looked picture perfect while running her errands in March 2016.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini proved the top knot is great for work, weekend and play, sporting the do on the red carpet at the BRITs in February 2016, where she presented an award.

Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner was spotted out and about in LA, sporting the easy to wear top knot.

Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen stepped out to attend the Target Wonderland event in New York looking effotlessy chic, wearing her long brunette locks pulled into a neat top knot.

Katie Holmes

Looking for an off-duty style? Try this messy version from Kate Holmes. The usually perfectly coiffed Katy changed-up her look in favour of this updo, and we think she totally nailed it.

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson went all out with her super-size top knot. Take your cue from Kate and try this look for your next night out, and secure carefully with a few grips, finishing with a few small strands left loose at the sides.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez wore her ultra-glam hair in a super-high top knot. J-Lo finished her elegant updo with some subtle makeup and a some statement hoop earrings.

Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr worked the top knot like a pro, wearing her brunette hair pulled neatly into a classic tight bun.

Vanessa Hudgens

Putting her grey ombre hair up in a super-high plaited top knot and teaming with chunky gold Chanel earrings, Vanessa Hudgens gave off a hip-hop vibe at an LA launch party this summer. Stylist Mark Leeson comments: 'I suspect Vanessa has used a hair piece to help her out here. It's hardly classic, but in 2014 anything goes.'

Gwen Stefani

This fuss-free style is perfect for the weekend, and is oh-so-easy to pull of, looking better as the day goes on. What's not to like?

Diane Kruger

Does this lady ever disappoint? A firm fan of the easy updo, Diane Kruger's slicked back top knot was is perfect accompaniment to her sizzling scarlet red carpet gown.

Elizabeth Olsen

She's fast becoming a style icon, and we can certainly see why. Elizabeth Olsen opted for a slicked back, messy topknot to walk the red carpet at film event earlier this year, with her pretty blonde locks shining through the twisted 'do. Tres chic.

Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani's individual style comes through with this edgy top knot. The singer softened her playful statement 'do with a few whispy strands shaping her face.

Whitney Port

Whitney Port's easy updo is a favourite with fashion fans the world over. Chic, fuss-free and oh-so-simple, just twist, secure and go!

Lily Cole

Lily Cole marked the transition from model to actress by hitting the red carpet at her first film premiere with a standout topknot 'do. A world away from the wavy fiery red locks we've come to know her for, Lily's loose, mussy do is a definite red carpet winner.

Nicole Richie

Style maven Nicole Richie's high red carpet style demonstrates the art of the easy top knot - a style that looks oh-so-chic, without all the work.  Perfect.

Shailene Woodley

It was the bigger the better for up and coming Hollywood starlet Shailene Woodley during awards season this year. The actress swapped her usually fuss-free long locks for a sophisticated loose top knot on the BAFTA red carpet - an easy look to recreate at home.

Jessica Alba

From plaits to buns, wavy and curls hair chameleon Jessica Alba is a true hair chameleon. This voluminous cinnamon top knot is one of our favourites.

Alesha Dixon

Winner of the tightest top knot goes to Alesha for this super-super sleek slicked back 'do.

AnnaSophia Robb

She's stepped into Sarah Jessica Parker's shoes as the famous Ms Bradshaw in the Sex and the City TV prequel, and we're sure Carrie would be proud of AnnaSophia Robb's sleek and stylish top knot.

Kirsten Dunst

Not usually one to stray far from her favoured, blown out style, Kirsten Dunst's slicked back take on the top knot is the perfect accompaniment to her sharp tailored suit.

Jennifer Morrison

Jennifer Morrison proves big is best when it comes to a red-carpet worthy top knot. The actress went for all out glam at the People's Choice Awards earlier this year, piling her long locks on top of her head for a voluminous version of the 'do.

Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara is the Queen of fringe and has fast been cementing her red-carpet style credentials thanks to her edgy hairdos. With her jet black locks, blunt fringe and slicked back knot, Miss Mara makes a striking style icon.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian wouldn't be seen looking anything less then perfect, and there isn't a hair out of place in her super sleek top knot.

Jessie J

Style chameleon Jessie J rocks a fierce tight style, set off by a statement smokey eye and splash of purple lipstick.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez knows that a statement top knot has the ability to flaunt her fantastic facial features. We love this 60's inspired one.

Fergie

Black Eyed Pea Fergie tames her long longs into a her slicked back style, contrasted with a messy knot on top. A super-bright shade of shadow added an extra touch of glam to her flirty look.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon oozes elegance with her classic low swept knot, adding extra height to her beautiful do with a subtle wavy quiff.