Maximalism in its purest form.
The trendiest bad hair day ever is gracing the scene and it comes with the potential benefits of self-expression and childhood glamour. Your inner kindergartener is most likely wishing she'd saved her butterfly barrettes for this 21st century comeback some are calling "big clip energy." The trend is one of child-like maximalism and heightened femininity. Pearls, rhinestones, and glitter alike are adorning the pins and bringing to play their girlie connotations. If you're feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by these plastic fastenings, let me help break down some of the most follower-pleasing barrettes and where to find them outside of your 5-year-old niece's bathroom drawer.
Pearls are decorating the ears, clothing, and hair of influencers and editors around the industry and insta-scene. The pearl craze comes with implications of sophistication and elegance that add irony to a childlike fad. Vintage undertones come to the surface with bundles of pearls from brands like Ekko (@ekko_shop) and Zuzanna G Brand Store (@zuzannagbrandstore).
2 . THE OLD SCHOOL BARRETTE
The timeless classic style of barrette has made an encore appearance and even gotten an upgrade on some accounts. Colorful lucite variations of the teardrop-shaped pin have popped up and adorned versions as well. An account called The Outlier Standard (@theoutlier_) offers its "splice" barrette in abundance including colorful solids and embellished models. The old school staple is a nice filler for barrette layering and a simple fundamental for casual looks or minimalistic days.
3 . THE SUBTWEET
BARRETTE
3 . THE SUBTWEET
BARRETTE
Convenience factor is high for barrettes that offer closed captioning for your thoughts while also politely holding your hair out of your face. The cheekiest of barrettes can be found from companies like PeaceOnyou (@peace.onyou) and Ashley Williams (@ashleywilliamslondon). Never have to subtweet or even tweet again once you secure a mood barrette for your everyday expression. Why wear your heart of your sleeve when you can wear it in all caps in your hair?
4 . JUST BEAD IT BARRETTE
If you're looking for a dainty garnish to add to your dry-shampoo lightened locks these beaded beauties might be that extra packet of sugar to sweeten your look. Handmade in France, Marie Gallier (@marie_gallier_) barrettes are simple and perfectly priced for the economical barrette enthusiast. Combine these with colorful bobby pins and old school barrettes to throw a "business in the front, party in the back" hair clip rager or pair with pearl companions for a more elegant back of the head dinner partyeqsue soiree.
5 . THE DIY BARRETTE
For the penny-pinching type, most all of these barrettes can be handcrafted by your frugal hands. Amazon offers a selection of plain variety packs of pins that are begging for a childish upgrade. Your inner 1st-grader can customize with sayings, pearls, rhinestones, shells and any other shapes or symbols that may *spark joy*. If your hands are better for swiping your credit card than crafting then these homemade specialities are available for purchase from brands like Neophyte Jewels (@neophytejewels).