Top-of-the-line issues about getting older is you’ll be able to put on what you want, how you want, once you like. You possibly can put on belongings you’ve by no means worn earlier than, experiment with surprising combos, break some guidelines and invent you personal.
A couple of weeks in the past, I began carrying one thing I by no means have earlier than, a hairband with an enormous spotty bow on the aspect picked up in a thrift retailer for a number of quid. Does it swimsuit me? I believe so. I’ve not had anybody level, snigger or chortle out loud. Nobody’s accused me of wanting like Bubbles Rothermere or Bette Davies in No matter Occurred to Child Jane. It was like my private ‘purple hat’ epiphany. Properly, why not?
I’m constructing as much as carrying my Frida Kahlo flowered headband this summer season, one thing I picked up within the V&A present store throughout the Frida Kahlo; Making Herself Up exhibition, in 2018. She used to love carrying flowers in her hair: dahlias, bougainvillea and gardenias to accent her Tehuana coiffure and gown and, honour her Mexican heritage. For the final 5 years, that scarlet petalled headband has lain within the drawer ready for its popping out parade. There was by no means the fitting second or event. I used to be by no means in the fitting temper. However that second could also be now.
Ornamental hair bands are again on the type agenda. At the latest Met Gala in New York, a number of celebrities had been noticed carrying them notably Serena Williams rocking a multi-strand pearl headband. They’re a preferred accent with the Hollywood set: Juliette Lewis, Kiera Knightly and Kirsten Dunst, to call a number of.
After I say headbands, I’m not speaking concerning the dreary, limp varieties so beloved of Sloanes within the Nineteen Eighties. At present, the ornamental hair equipment standard on websites like Etsy supply pizazz and persona. They embody ornate knots or Halo Crowns that from the entrance resemble turbans (à la Joan Collins) to bedazzled and bejewelled ones; headbands made out of classic kimono materials and twirls of ribbons or tulle caught mid-ripple.

There’s one thing particularly concerning the ageing lady and ‘head dressing’ that works a deal with. Miriam Margolyes, 82 appeared lovely on the duvet of this month’s British Vogue carrying a forties-inspired Sinamay headband. An older head has the arrogance to hold off some critical assertion dressing as demonstrated so elegantly by ‘ our naughtiest nationwide treasure’.
Whereas girls of all ages are solely too completely happy to don a fascinator and flirt with a feather for a household marriage ceremony, our heads are often forgotten on on a regular basis responsibility. Maybe, with its more and more wrinkly pores and skin, greying or thinning hair, the pinnacle and face are probably the most seen reminder we’re ageing, one thing many would favor to neglect?
However that is precisely why it really works so nicely. An announcement headband (or head dressing of any type) frames and spotlights the knowledge, life and character that make up an older face. Headbands are an adjunct that may convey color, sample and ornamentation to the face, enriching the collagen-diminished complexion. Placing certainly one of these on is a refusal to turn into invisible, like an indication that claims ‘I’m nonetheless right here and going sturdy’.
I can consider many fashionable and legendary girls who’ve understood the significance of dressing their heads, of their autumn years: Edith Sitwell, Billy Vacation, Simone de Beauvoir, Coco Chanel, Carmen Miranda. An older lady can stand proud and preserve her head held excessive: she has the expertise, authority and confidence to drag off some cool and regal head dressing. Why save this intelligent type trick for particular events? It’s a easy approach to make on daily basis of fine well being and gratitude, certainly one of celebration.
Nilgin Yusuf is a contract author and common TNMA contributor.
Make on daily basis a ‘ completely happy headband’ day:
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