Fall 2011 Hair Trends: Party-Perfect Ponytails

5 ways to wear ponytail this party season

Take a simple ponytail and upgrade it to something dressier and chicer for the party season. Fall's runways showcased plenty of gorge party-ready ponytail creations.

1) Oh-so-pretty ribbon headband

Embrace your girly side by accessorizing with a band of ribbon for an elegant ballerina-inspired look.

How to:
Blow-drying with a round brush to add volume at the roots. Pull hair back into a low ponytail, secure with an elastic, and wrap hair around the base to conceal the elastic. Then, wrap a thin piece of ribbon over the crown and tie the ends at the nape.

2) Knotted ponytail

This partially pulled-through sleek pony looks so effortlessly chic.

How to:
Blow-dry hair straight, using a flat iron to smoothen ends if needed. Tie hair back at the nape with an elastic, making a loopy ponytail. Spray with hairspray for hold.

3) Put a ring on it

Rumpled ponytails were given a touch of luxe. The beauty of this look is that it's so quietly sophisticated.
How to:
Prep hair with a texturizing spray. Make a low pony, twist the tail and thread it through a ring. To secure the style, Hanlon used a riveted black elastic around the inner base to keep the ring from sliding off.

4) Tucked-under pony

A fresh spin of the classic ponytail was spotted at Vera Wang -- loose, slightly teased hair was tucked under at the base so you don't see the elastic, telegraphing an air of chic nonchalance.

How to:
Spritz hair with light hairspray before blow-drying straight. Lightly tease hair to add volume, then tie into a ponytail, securing the base under itself with pins.