Party hairstyles: how to nail your 2018 Christmas party beauty look

Inspiration overload

We're here chaps; it's the party season. Welcome. We don't know about you, but we've been inundated with invitations, we can't move for sequins on the high street and we're dusting off our finest dancing shoes. What's needed now is some inspiration for the best party hairstyles to rock this Christmas.

Whether you choose a decorative plait hairstyle or a fancy hair updo, party hairstyles have the power to transform your look from simple to stupendous in a matter of minutes.

One of the easiest ways to jazz up a party hairstyle, is to embellish it with one of this season's most popular hair accessories...

Party hairstyles - embellished hair slide

As seen on so many of London's party scene, the embellished hair slide might just be the easiest party hairstyle to achieve. You can either wear your hair down or tie it into a low bun, then pop a slide (or two for extra glamour) in at the front, close to your parting. Our food columnist, Laura Jackson, demonstrates this marvellously on her wedding day.

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Party hairstyles - velvet

Another simple, yet incredibly effective, party hairstyle is adding a touch of velvet to your look. You could opt for a padded headband or a velvet bow tied neatly onto a ponytail.

Donni Dolce Velvet Headband, £46 Moda Operandi

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Of course you don't have to accessorise, there are plenty of party hairstyles to choose from. Knowing the kind of hairstyle that will work with your outfit is hard enough without having to actually find the perfect 'do, which is why we've done the hard work for you and rounded up the best party hairstyles around.

Because when it comes to inspiration, the more the better. See this as your print off and keep style guide.

Alexa Chung

As ever, Alexa giving us tonnes of style inspo. The embellished hair slides add a touch of femininity to her tough leather jacket.

Janelle Monae

We love the shape Janelle Monae has created here with her hair.

Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara perfectly balances the hard edge of a sleek 'do with the softness of a plait.

Blake Lively

Try a modern twist on a classic pony like Blake Lively. Wrap a small section of your pony around you hair bobble and use kirby grips to keep it in place.

Solange Knowles

Why use one hair clip, when you can use the whole pack. Don't be afraid to over-accessorise.

Sienna Miller

This style is extremely easy. All you need to do is twist the front and pin your hair back.

Jennifer Lawrence

J-Law looks smoking with this white blonde lob set in a loose wave. Wear your wave in a low-side parting for something a bit different come party season.

Margot Robbie

A halo braid is an easy way to add a delicate touch to your overall look.

Ciara

Ciara's braids are automatic, supersonic, hypnotic, funky fresh. We love!

Lily Collins

The 1920s decade has always been one of our favourites. With such distinct style, it really sets a mood for any look.

Jessica Alba

A simple twist knot can add a whole new dimension to an outfit. Take cue from Jessica Alba.

Diane Kruger

Diane Kruger is somewhat the Queen of hairstyles. Every time she hits a red carpet, she blows us away with a new hairstyle.

Taylor Marie Hill

A sleek ponytail may be simple, but it sure does make a statement.

Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell's sleek tresses are the ultimate long hair goals. Ah, to have the hair of a supermodel... Click through to see our round up of the best party hairstyles for your next soiree. They'll definitely put you in a party mood.

Kate Bosworth

A new take on the halo braid comes courtesy of Kate Bosworth...

Fearne Cotton

Usually seen rocking a sleek blow-dried bob we love these tight curls on Fearne Cotton. To create this for your next summer party section hair and use a small barrelled tong all over.

Gigi Hadid

Gigi Hadid pairs her strong dark lip with this sleek, slicked back hair look on the red carpet. If you're going for a statement lip or dress this party season team it with this simple statement 'do.

Sienna Miller

This modern interpretation of a bee-hive with just a little volume at the back is great for everything from a prom to a christening. Wear yours tousled like Sienna Miller for a laid-back party look.

Selena Gomez

Party hair doesn't have to be complicated and Selena Gomez proves it with this classic blow-out.

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams channels a 90s rock chick with this party 'do. Tong hair using a large barrel and then shake out for a sexy party look.

J Lo

The bun is the ballet dancers best-friend for a reason - it lasts a full night of spinning and twirling around without frizz, without stress and without falling out. J-Lo rocks this high version of the classic bun for a carefree party hairstyle.

Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton looks every bit the leading lady in this chic plaited up-do. Ideal for a summer wedding celebration re-create this at home by plaiting hair from the temple down and securing at the nape of the neck.

Rosie Huntington Whiteley

Don't have a lot of time to spare? Slick back your hair like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for a bombshell look that's simple and chic.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts is our inspiration for the ultimate in vintage party glamour. Her classic wavy hair at the front is the perfect frame for her face.

Emmy Rossum

Want something more complex? Try Emmy Rossum's intertwined plaits and place them high on the top of your head for a glamorous party look that takes all the attention.

Heidi Klum

Never one to shy away from an outlandish hairstyle or outfit, this boho-chic plait is relatively low-key for Heidi, but the perfect way to add a relaxed party-feel to her hair.

Kate Bosworth 85th Annual Academy Awards Oscars, Vanity Fair Party

For Kate Bosworth, the halo braid is her party saviour, sitting pretty around the front of her face to give her whole look an ethereal vibe.

Zooey Deschanel

Zooey Deschanel lands old school glamour with luxurious large curls and a girlie fringe. Keep in mind that if your hair has volume, your bangs need it too.

Sarah Hyland

Simple and elegant. Sarah Hyland's party hairstyle is understated, simple to achieve but looks glossy and sophisticated. Wear a long ponytail and wrap the lengths of the hair around your hair elastic to give it a polished look.

Jessica Alba

For your party hairstyle, try running some simple waves through your hair, like Jessica Alba. Her party look would be great with bare shoulders to show off the full effect of the lengths.

Cat Deeley

Cat Deeley's simple 'do looks elegant and relaxed with her long golden hair in a loose side plait with a sweeping fringe.

Marion Cottiliard

For a party hairstyle with feminine glamour, Marion Cottiliard has rolled the tips of her hair into tight ringlets for shine and added a girlie clip to top off the glamour.

Miroslava Duma

Miroslava Duma's party hairstyle adds a touch of vintage class to her short locks. Simply roll the ends in towards your neck.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson is the epitome of chic with her hair swept up at the back of her head and a slick of red lipstick.

Cat Deeley

Channel Cat Deeley for a really glamorous bouncy curl look. Create a glorious 'do with large barrel curlers or giant rollers for lots of body in the lengths.

Julianne Hough

Creating party hairstyles with shorter styles is sometimes harder. To get Julianna Hough's short and curly style create flicks in the end using a reliable pair of tongs, always twisting the hair away from the face.

Georgia May Jagger

Georgia May Jagger has gone all-out party with a late 70s inspired 'do. Her crimpers definitely had a work out to get this look.

Julianne Hough

Instead of a front of face braid, try subtle detail in the back of your hair, like Julianna Hough. She's mastered the tuxedo braid - with a little help from her friends, no doubt.

Lily Collins

Lily Collins nails party hair. With big volume in the back, her 60s style is one we're definitely trying out this party season.

Rita Ora

This masked beauty is perfectly framed by little twisted buns for a very cute style.

Carey Mulligan

Carey Mulligan's pretty face suits a whole host of hairstyles; from blonde and cropped, to long and brown. We love this centre-parted sweet and simple party style.

Harley Viera-Newton

Try a halo braid for your party hairstyle. It provides a perfect frame to a naturally made-up face.

Jessica Hart

If you can get a bun as impressive as Jess Hart's, definitely do it.

Katy Perry

A party hairstyle for Katy Perry is always an experimental 'do. The sweeping fringe makes sure this one isn't too harsh on her face.

Cindy Bruna

We love Cindy's high ponytail. It lifts everything for a fresh faced look.

Emily Ratajkowski

Emily Ratajkowski's soft style perfectly frames her face, while giving her an overall ethereal look.

Karlie Kloss

Karlie Kloss

If you don't have time to do something intricate with your hair, but still want to make a statement, add a headband or bow.

Chanel Iman

We love how Chanel's halo braid sits right at the very front of her hairline.

Gwen Stefani

If your hair lacks volume, tease it at the roots and then push forward, before pinning into place to create height.

Pixie Geldof

Another sparkly hair accessory. This one is HEAVEN.