Winter formal events in 2025 are all about elegance, glamour, and the perfect hairstyle to complement your outfit. Whether you’re planning to wear your hair up or down, in curls or sleek styles, this season offers a range of options to suit every face shape, hair type, and personal style. From intricate updos to classic waves, there’s a hairstyle here for every woman, no matter the length or texture of your hair. Let’s dive into the top 25 hairstyle ideas that will make you stand out in any winter formal.
1. Elegant High Bun
This voluminous updo is a timeless choice for formal events. The high bun, with soft, loose strands framing the face, creates an air of sophistication while keeping the style effortless and simple. Ideal for long hair, this style works wonderfully with straight hair and offers a sleek finish. The height of the bun elongates the neck, making it perfect for dresses with high collars or statement necklaces.
2. Glamorous Half-Up Waves with Hairpin
For those who love to wear their hair down but still want some structure, this half-up hairstyle with flowing waves is ideal. The delicate silver hairpin adds a touch of sparkle, drawing attention to the crown. This look is perfect for medium to long hair and can be adapted for curly hair as well. The combination of the waves and the hairpin brings elegance and glamour, while still maintaining a natural feel.
3. Tousled Textured Updo
For a more relaxed and playful take on formal hair, this messy yet chic updo is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for curly hair or those who want to add volume to medium hair. The structured messiness of the updo gives off an effortless, slightly rebellious vibe while still feeling formal enough for an elegant event. Pair this look with a classic dress to contrast the undone hair.
4. Old Hollywood Glam Waves
This glamorous style is a nod to the vintage waves of old Hollywood. Soft, structured curls cascade down, giving a polished and refined look. This hairstyle is perfect for long hair and works beautifully for women who prefer a more classic, timeless look. It’s an easy option for those who want to maintain an elegant, feminine silhouette without an elaborate updo. It’s ideal for a strapless gown or a dress with intricate detailing on the shoulders.
5. Short Textured Waves
Women with short hair don’t need to worry about a lack of styling options for winter formal events. These soft, textured waves are cute and easy to achieve, adding just the right amount of formality. This look is particularly suited for short hair and adds volume and movement. Paired with bold earrings or a statement necklace, these waves are chic and stylish without being overpowering.
6. Romantic Loose Curls with a Low Bun
This soft, romantic hairstyle combines loose, face-framing curls with a low bun. Ideal for women with black hair or darker tones, the deep contrast and shine from the curls make this style pop. It’s a great option for medium to long hair and provides a delicate balance between a full updo and curls that offer texture and softness. This hairstyle is both cute and formal, perfect for any winter event.
7. Voluminous Long Layers
If you want to keep things simple yet striking, this hairstyle with voluminous layers is perfect for long hair. The fullness at the ends adds body and drama, making the hair appear luxuriously thick. This style is perfect for showing off the health and shine of your hair and works well for both straight and wavy textures. It pairs beautifully with minimalist dresses to keep the focus on your hair.
8. Sleek Braided Ponytail
A ponytail can be formal too, especially when styled with intricate braiding. This sleek, high ponytail with a braid adds sophistication and elegance, making it the perfect hairstyle for a more modern winter formal. This look works well for women who prefer easy yet polished hairstyles. It’s an excellent choice for long hair and can be dressed up with hair accessories for extra glam.
9. Low Tied Ponytail with a Wave
For a more laid-back yet formal style, a low-tied ponytail with soft waves is the way to go. This style is versatile and works beautifully with medium or long hair, offering a smooth, polished finish. The subtle wave gives the style movement and flow, while the low placement keeps things sophisticated. Pair this hairstyle with hoop earrings or statement jewelry to complete the look.
10. Soft Curls with Side Swept Bangs
This hairstyle features curls with side-swept bangs, offering a playful yet polished look. Perfect for short hair or medium hair, this style adds volume and bounce, creating a lively feel. The bangs add an element of structure, framing the face beautifully. This look works well for more relaxed formal events and pairs effortlessly with bold makeup and accessories.
11. Soft, Tousled Low Bun
This relaxed, tousled low bun is ideal for formal events while keeping things chic and understated. Strands fall gently around the face, adding softness to the look. This hairstyle works wonderfully for long hair and medium lengths and is perfect if you want something that’s effortlessly elegant. Pair it with minimalist jewelry for a refined touch that allows the hairstyle to stand out.
12. Glamorous Half-Up Curls
The half-up style combined with voluminous curls offers a mix of structured and free-flowing beauty. This look is great for long hair or medium lengths, especially for curly hair. The top section is smooth and sleek, while the curls bring volume and texture. A perfect blend of elegant and fun, this hairstyle can easily pair with formal gowns or more contemporary outfits.
13. Twisted Elegant Updo
For those seeking a more intricate updo, this twisted low bun is ideal. The intertwining sections give it a polished, refined look, suitable for medium to long hair. It’s a style that offers both structure and softness, perfect for winter formal events where you want to feel effortlessly chic. The twisted details work well with delicate hairpins or small accessories to add some sparkle.
14. Curly High Puff
This voluminous updo is perfect for curly hair, showcasing your natural texture while adding height and drama. It’s a bold and cute hairstyle for winter formal events that doesn’t require much effort, making it easy yet impactful. This look pairs wonderfully with elegant attire, allowing the curls to take center stage. Ideal for black hair as the curls naturally add volume and height to the style.
15. Romantic Updo with Loose Curls
This romantic updo features soft curls that cascade from a loosely pinned bun. It’s ideal for long hair or medium-length hair and perfect for curly hair. The loose strands around the face soften the look, creating a dreamy and ethereal feel. This style is excellent for women seeking a timeless, elegant updo that feels modern and soft.
16. Classic Wavy Low Ponytail
This low ponytail with soft waves brings together simplicity and elegance. The twist at the crown adds structure, while the cascading waves offer softness and movement. It’s a simple yet stylish option for medium and long hair. Pair this hairstyle with a backless dress to show off the ponytail’s sleek, polished finish.
17. Braided Crown Bun
For a classic, regal look, this braided updo adds a layer of intricacy to the typical bun. The braid wraps around the crown of the head, creating a stunning detail that makes this style feel both formal and intricate. This hairstyle works best for long hair and can be customized with different types of braids to suit your personal style.
18. Sleek Low Chignon
The low chignon is a timeless choice for any winter formal event. It’s sleek, elegant, and effortlessly chic, making it perfect for short hair or medium lengths. The twisted detail adds sophistication, and the hairstyle pairs beautifully with bold accessories or minimalistic dresses, making it a versatile choice.
19. Soft Textured Low Bun
This soft low bun with a textured finish is ideal for long hair and medium lengths. The loose waves and soft twists make it a great choice for formal events, while the sleek finish keeps it polished. This look works well with flowy dresses, providing a soft contrast to structured or minimalistic gowns.
20. Curly Half-Up Style
This half-up hairstyle is ideal for curly hair or hair with natural texture. The top section is pulled back, while the bottom curls create movement and volume. It’s an easy yet formal option that keeps things both fun and elegant. This look pairs wonderfully with off-the-shoulder gowns or formal jumpsuits for a modern twist.
21. Soft and Elegant Low Bun
For a simple, sophisticated style, this low bun is an easy go-to that works for formal occasions. The slightly tousled look adds a modern twist to the traditional updo, giving the hairstyle a relaxed yet polished appearance. This style is perfect for medium hair lengths and can be adapted for both straight hair and wavy textures.
22. Textured Braided Bun
If you’re looking for something more playful but still formal, the braided bun is an excellent choice. The added texture of the braids gives this hairstyle a bit of flair while maintaining that chic updo appeal. It’s a cute and easy option for long hair or medium-length hair, offering a timeless aesthetic with a contemporary twist.
23. Hollywood Glam Curls
Nothing says timeless elegance quite like the deep, voluminous curls reminiscent of Hollywood’s golden era. This style works beautifully for long hair and adds a sense of glamour to any formal look. Whether you’re attending a black-tie event or a more casual winter soirée, these curls will certainly elevate your look.
24. Chic and Modern Twisted Bun
This twisted bun radiates modern sophistication while staying true to classic updo elements. Ideal for short hair or medium-length hair, the style gives the illusion of volume while maintaining a sleek finish. This formal hairstyle works well for both minimalist and bold outfits.
25. Romantic Braided Low Bun
Braids continue to be a trend into 2025, and the braided low bun is no exception. This romantic style adds dimension and a touch of whimsy to any formal event. It’s a wonderful option for long hair, providing both structure and softness at the same time.
Choosing the right winter formal hairstyle in 2025 is all about balancing elegance with personal style. Whether you prefer the timeless charm of curls, the sleekness of a ponytail, or the playful texture of an updo, there’s a look for every woman. Don’t hesitate to mix and match elements from different styles to find the one that suits you best. Have fun experimenting, and remember, the perfect hairstyle will not only complement your outfit but also boost your confidence. Let us know which style you loved most in the comments!
