We could wax poetic for days about our love for braids, but lately they’ve been our go-to style more than ever for a plethora of reasons: They feel particularly fitting for festival season, look even better with day-old hair (embrace the dry shampoo) and can be made suitable for all kinds of hair types. With so many variations to try, we narrowed down the core styles to sport this season, all of which particularly resonate for evening. Branch out from the overdone topknot and give these celeb-approved looks a whirl for your next night on the town.
For The Edgy-Cool Chick
Cara Delevingne's cool undercut braid is the perfect way to add edge to an evening ensemble. Keep the look balanced with soft waves and a slightly smoky eye.
Photos: Getty Images
For The Low-Maintenance Lady
Can't commit to a fully braided look? Add a few mini-plaits to a half-up 'do à la Suki Waterhouse and secure with discrete clear elastics.
For The Fishtail Enthusiast
Ideal for any gal who likes to punch up a basic braid (without going overboard), a fishtail plait is the perfect style. Pull a few pieces loose around the head and from the braid itself to prevent it from feeling stiff. Here, Olivia Wilde pulls off the look beautifully.
For The Flair-For-The-Dramatic Type
Accentuate a braided updo with a statement hair piece—the crystals on Minka Kelly's are downright dazzling.
For The Prim And Proper
A classic, girlish look with a sweet bow detail, Allison Williams proves that a prim and proper hairstyle still feels modern this spring.
For The Ponytail Lover
Inspired by this look spotted on Margot Robbie, punch up a sleek, low pony by adding a plait at the nape of the neck.
For The Girly Girl
Try an updated play on the French braid like Jaime King's—this intricate look is the perfect style to get hair off your face, allowing pretty makeup and statement earrings to shine.
For The Hopeless Romantic
Olivia Palermo's sweeping, slightly mussed-up braid is a bohemian girl's dream—the soft hairstyle is at once effortless and gorgeous, making it a no-brainer for date night.