Ponytails

If you're bored with the average ponytail, take a styling cue from La La Anthony's look from the Point Honors gala last night. From the front it appears to be a plain pony, but a side view reveals the innovative style. To get the look at home, section out the front of your hair between the temples. Pull the remainder of hair into a midheight ponytail. Then tease the front section for added volume. Next, comb the front section back, wrapping the ends around the elastic and securing with bobby pins. This style is a new take on the old wraparound elastic trick, and it's a more modern version of a pompadour. Who said the ponytail had to be boring?

Textured, mussed-up ponytails have taken a back seat to slicker styles recently, but that doesn't mean your updo has to be boring. As Bella Heathcote, Kate Bosworth, and Whitney Port have proudly displayed, there are a handful of gorgeous ways to style your ponytail while keeping it off your face:

1. Bella went for a liquid-slicked version, pulling her hair back completely without a part. Her low-volume style allowed her flirty winged liner ample room to shine.
2. Kate Bosworth added some oomph to her updo by brushing the sides back but teasing her crown. A bright pink lipstick color gave some balance — and a serious pop of color — to her amplified ponytail.
3. Whitney opted for a low ponytail with a center-split part that drew attention to her subtle smoky eye and dewy complexion.

However you decided to style your tightly pulled-back hairstyle, you'll need some hair spray to keep it put; reach for something lightweight, like Frederic Fekkai Advanced Sheer Hold Hairspray ($25).

We're happy to present this story from our friends at Allure:

Ponytails wrapped in leather are super sexy, make no mistake. But they don't always have to be casual encounters-sexy (hey, unless that's what you're into). Like sky-high stilettos, leather is one of those materials that can either look rich or racy depending on where and how you wear it. And the same applies for leather ponytails. I talked to celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson for three ways to wear the trend depending on your personality. And if you rock the hair whip to meet his parents, don't say we didn't warn you.

If You're: A Good Girl
You don't have to be wearing a corset to pull off a leather ponytail. Just keep it low and sleek. "The lower the ponytail, the more sophisticated and chic you look," says Gibson, who recommends parting the hair to one side, brushing it straight back, and securing it at the nape of the neck. I recently rocked a Goody DoubleWear studded leather ponytail wrap this way at church (yes, you heard that right), and got more compliments than concerned looks. Those hit Target stores in September, but you can also purchase similar ones from Jennifer Behr in a variety of pretty colors.

Get more ways to wear this naughty hair trend when you read more.

Last night, Nina Dobrev attended a Max Mara cocktail party sporting a loose ponytail. Hairstylist Alex Polillo chose the subtle style to really allow her ensemble to have the spotlight. "Hair up was appropriate with the neckline, but an updo seemed too stiff," Polillo said. "So a ponytail fit right in place — young and fun while still being able to show off the top."

Polillo began by prepping hair with Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray ($24). The salt in the formula helps create volume and gave Nina's hair a windblown appearance. Then, her hair was blown dry and curled with a medium-barrel iron. Polillo arranged her hair in a loose medium-height ponytail and used bobby pins instead of a hair tie to hold it in place. In order to create a carefree air, Polillo pulled out pieces to frame Nina's face. Finally, the entire style was spritzed with L'Oréal Elnett hair spray ($15) for an all-night hold. The best part? This style is simple enough to re-create for a cocktail party of your very own.

We're happy to present this hair how-to from our friends at Allure:

Ponytails — our style of choice this Summer — can range from practical and boring to gorgeous and chic. And the difference is as simple as a jar of wax. Celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Lea Michele, Eva Longoria, and Kim Kardashian have been kicking off the season with slick ponytails — they look polished and summery and are totally foolproof. Here's what you need to do:

Music festival season is upon us, as are picnics, barbecues, and basically every sort of casual, carefree event that calls for off-the-face hairstyles. While ponytails are a go-to look for these types of occasions, for a touch of flare, why not try a ponytail cuff? Whereas '80s-style scrunchies were floppy and playful, today's ponytail accessories are more structured and stylish — and as luck would have it, mesh perfectly with warmer-weather ensembles.

To get the look, try Free People's Beaded Ponytail Cuff ($18) in turquoise, black, or coral, Cutout Ponytail Cuff ($18) in coral or turquoise, or the texturized metal Stingray Ponytail Cuff ($18). And for something a tad more traditional, Asos's Gold Corrugated Hinged Ponytailer ($18) is the way to go.