Can Adults Rock Pigtails? Alexa Chung Votes Yes!

Pigtails — not just for pre-schoolers anymore? You're probably skeptical, but hear me out! Alexa Chung sported pigtails at the Topshop Unique show during London Fashion Week and they looked killer. Chung's fringed bangs and messy 'tails made her hairstyle cool, and not in a "Lolita, light of my life" kind of way.

The British Vogue contributing editor paired her wacky braided pigtails with a very grown up yellow sweater and leopard print miniskirt, introducing us to lesson #1 of adult pigtails: pair them with a non-childish outfit. This is not the time to break out your baby doll dresses in homage to '90s Courtney Love, got it?

Anyway, Alexa Chung's shining pigtail moment got me thinking about whether other celebs have successfully pulled off the style. Sure, we had Britney's pigtail moment in the "Hit Me (Baby One More Time)" video way back in 1999. But what about actual adult women wearing their hair that way without channeling Catholic schoolgirls gone bad? I was able to find some (sparing) evidence that the elementary school staple can work for trendy women over the age of 17, which I'll include here alongside some vital pigtail lessons that you'd do well to follow should you want to try this out IRL.

1. Alexa Chung

I repeat: Dress like an adult when sporting pigtails.

2. Chloe Sevigny

For the Met Ball this year, Chloe Sevigny opted for two braids running down either side of her head for a grown-up interpretation of the look.

3. Taylor Momsen

Okay, this is a bit extreme. But if you err on the side of sexy punk, no one will mistake you for a prematurely aging 12 year old.

4. Zooey Deschanel

Sweet, sleek, and styled. The bangs and the low-back dress are anything but childlike.

5. Runway

The over-the-shoulder pony isn't exactly a pigtail, but it has a similar look with the added coolness factor of being asymmetrical.

Images: Getty Images (5)