Given the year we’ve all experienced, it’s been nice to have a little guilty pleasure. For most of us, that’s meant a comforting, nostalgic series to watch. I’ll always advocate for mindfulness first, but sometimes we just need a little mindlessness.
I’ve noticed that, when it comes to entertainment and design, nostalgia seems to be the prevailing mood. It’s little wonder why: we’re all yearning for some simpler time. The fashion world is so nostalgia-infused right now; the chenille or velour Juicy Couture tracksuit is even making a comeback (one that I’m all for)! When it comes to street style, it’s all about throwing it back to the ’90s. And in the interior design world, we’re seeing yet another return to calm, oatmeal interiors—presumably because we’re craving spaces that bring us harmony rather than an intensity of feeling. Everything aesthetically is either soothing and inoffensive or completely throwback. It only follows that most of us are probably re-watching a series that reminds us of high school or that we’ve at least seen several times before. We don’t have bandwidth for uncertainty, even in entertainment; we just want to know the outcome, for once.
Enter The Hills.
(I know.)
While my series of choice is particularly vapid, I’ve been falling in love with The Hills girls’ style, and especially their hairstyles. The Hills hair is charmingly nostalgic, and more personality-filled than even the (truly gorgeous) current hair trends fail to be. Head scarves! Headbands! Braided side bangs! It’s all so attainable, sometimes clumsy, but always adorable. These styles remind me of how a girl who’s never been to Paris before imagines a Parisian girl must wear her hair, all while eating her Pinkberry fro-yo and texting on her Sidekick phone (I am so guilty and on all of the above counts, by the way). Crown your outfit with a baggy beret or Hermès-knockoff head scarf and call it a day! While they’re a little earnest, these hair trends are adorable and nostalgic in the best way.
Without further ado, 7 hairstyles inspired by The Hills:
LC’s Headband
Is there a more iconic Hills hairstyle than LC’s headband? Whether her headband was black alligator, tiny and gold, or Burberry plaid, LC owned her signature look. Innocent but flirty, the headband offers so much more than I ever gave it credit for. Please let’s give it the comeback it deserves!
My headband is a champagne colored, velvet piece I found at The Paris Market and Brocante in Savannah, GA.
Audrina’s Side Pony
Audrina’s chocolate brown hair was always beautiful, especially in a voluminous side pony.
Lauren and Audrina’s Baggy Berets
The ultimate “I’m in California but I wish I were in Paris” look. There’s a tomboy quality to the baggy beret that gives it an edge over more earnest styles. So, at least Audrina could look extra cute in the club while struggling with her feelings towards (groan) Justin Bobby.
Whitney’s Twist
Whitney’s twist was super cute, and totally believable—just the kind of thing a girl would do to get ready after sleeping through her last alarm clock and needing to get to the Teen Vogue headquarters stat. Like LC’s headbands, Whitney’s twist was totally her thing. I love the confidence it takes to own and repeat a look, making it your signature.
Lauren’s Head Scarves
The head scarf is the free-spirited, bohemian sister of the headband. You can wrap your scarf in so many different (and equally attractive) ways, and play with endless textures and prints. A silk scarf will always be my favorite, with some slightly retro print or aspect to it.
Heidi’s Crested Butte Beanie
My heart ached every time Heidi returned to Crested Butte to see her family, as we saw little glimpses of the grounded girl she once was—and of the normal life she could have led. It wasn’t meant to be, but Heidi at least dished up some seriously cute winter après-ski fashion. In what was perhaps my favorite look of the entire series, she wears a (presumably) Swan Lake inspired beanie, matching gloves, and poncho, all while cradling a cup of cocoa and failing to heed her mama’s good advice.
I recreated this with a beanie from a line that re-imagines Louis Vuitton pieces called Vintage Boho Bags. The line masterfully recreates vintage LV pieces, reworking or adding leather, conchos, braids, studs, flaps, or fringe to give them bohemian flair. The accessories, including this Cream Beanie with LV logo, are equally posh and the level of customization makes them feel both luxe and eclectic.
LC’s Little Braids
I’m attached to LC’s little braids because they remind me of my own childhood signature. I was never without a side braid, and I love that Lauren rarely was either. I have bangs and can’t do the braided headband style she mastered, but honestly, I love any variation on tiny braids. Wearing just one or two pinned back gives your hair a little personality.
What’s your favorite Hills hairstyle? I’m partial to LC’s headband, but I have to say, I’ve been repeating the beanie look lots this autumn/winter. Luckily, most of these styles are enjoying a comeback, so you’ll look perfectly of-the-moment when you recreate them for yourself. <3
