Fashion
19 Celebrity Side Braid Photos That Prove All Plaits Are Not Created Equal
Whereas summer is ideal for heat-proof updos and crisp autumn weather is ideal for loose waves, winter asks for styles that are hat, snow, rain, and wind-proof. The solution? A simple side braid. When it comes to the side braid, celebrities have the style down to a science. Some opt for a fish tail, others a simple French braid, and still others adore an undone milkmaid style with wavy tendrils left to frame the face. This winter when you're looking for a style that will be improved by your trusty woolen hat, here are the best celebrity side-braids for inspiration.
Rita Ora
Rita Ora rocked a voluminous side braid whose cornsilk color and simple shape evoke the look’s swedish heritage.
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman’s lightly waved, long braid was perfectly accented by a pair of ornamental hoop earrings and a rosy glow.
Jessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson went for a sweet and simple style with her braid, injecting volume at the crown and a slightly undone style at the bottom of the braid.
Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria’s playful fish tale braid was sultry and alluring to a fault, featuring untucked pieces and a mussed aspect which suggested the actress’s ‘do had been whimsically rumpled pre-red carpet.
Blake Lively
The ever-bohemian Blake Lively selected a single side braid for the premiere of The Green Lantern, interwoven with loose strands of hair and a golden clip.
Blake Lively Part Deux
Channeling her favorite coif again, Lively selected a more streamlined fish tale version which was perfectly accented by diamond-encircled turquoise danglers.
Kerry Washington
A pregnant Kerry Washington looked every bit the glamorous Earth Mother in this blue satin gown, made all the more alluring with a glossy side braid which reached all the way to the crown of her head.
Elizabeth Olsen
Elizabeth Olsen chose a side braid that was high on gloss and low on fuss, letting a swath of hair from root to cheekbone loose before braiding a small section at the shoulder.
Joan Smalls
Joan Smalls reminded the media exactly why she is a world-renowned model and style icon at the 2014 Met Ball, selecting a nude gown and, most importantly, a lustrous, long side braid.
Janelle Monae
Singer Janelle Monae adopted a quirky twist on her typical pompadour hairdo by adding a satiny side braid to the mix.
Sarah Hyland
Modern Family Star Sarah Hyland took a beachy approach to her braid, sweeping a short, undone layer over her fish tail braid.
Rihanna
Rihanna elected for a side braid/milkmaid braid mashup, made all the more arresting by her vibrant red, Ariel-hued hair.
Bella Thorne
Bella Thorne intertwined emerald and sapphire velvet ribbons in her side braid, hues which perfectly matched those in her collared shirt.
Lucy Liu
Lucy Liu complemented her fairytale-ready Carolina Herrera gown with its cascade of florals and sky-blue shade with a beautifully twisted side braid and delicate diamond drop earrings.
Adele Exarchopoulos
Blue Is The Warmest Color star Adele Exarchopoulos accentuated her sultry style with an undone side braid.
Lucy Hale
Lucy Hale opted for a high-shine side braid, leaving a few strands loose for a more laid-back look.
Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson rocked a polished fish tale braid, setting off her jade jacket and drop earrings to great effect.
Kristen Stewart
Though the actress looks none too happy to be rocking a side braid — or sauntering down the red carpet — this tousled braid is exactly the type of wind-ruffled coif I would expect to see on Elizabeth Bennet or Jane Eyre.
Salma Hayek
The actress chose a delicate side-braid with loose curls left undone to complement her crimson gown.
