Instant Party Hair

A festive and fun party style doesn't have to require a stylist appointment or a fistful of bobby pins! Try one of these hair accessories to take your hair from daytime to dazzling.

Party Plumage

Paired with your little black dress, a feather-embellished headband adds a touch of whimsy and elegance. This one, from Pluma, features a five-inch bouquet of peasant feathers on one side. To keep the look sexy chic, as seen on Milla Jovovich, place the band just an inch or so from your hairline and tease your hair slightly at the crown.

Bring-on-the-Bling Barrette

Skip the glitzy earrings or necklace and instead toss on a bejeweled barrette, like these Mattie gems (sold at drugstores) from Goody. Tip: Don't shampoo the morning of the party. Hair accessories will stay put if they can gain some traction on day-old hair, plus the slightly mussed texture of second-day strands creates an edgy contrast to the primness of a barrette. See Zooey Deschanel for inspiration.

The Crowning Glory

If you've always longed to don a tiara on a black-tie occasion, fulfill that desire with a trinket that's just as glam but won't be mistaken for a pageant prop. This Midnight Gems headband from True Birds is a grown-up twist on that childhood fantasy. Keep your earrings small and delicate; consider crystal, diamond, or pearl studs. Place the headband about an inch back from your hairline and leave your bangs in front for a retro feel like Hilary Duff's.

Clip With Class

Don't fret if the holidays catch you growing out your bangs or short layers. Instead, pin your fringe back with a pretty hairpin (or two or three). A single clip also adds a touch of sparkle that makes your hair feel festive like Carrie Underwood's simple, yet sophisticated pin. Try these Goody Rhinestone Salon Clips, which have an antique feel.

The Elastic Alternative

Running from the gym or office to a fancy soiree? Forget stopping at the salon for a blowout. Just sweep your hair into a ponytail, swapping your usual elastic for this sparkly, intricately-designed ponytail holder from France Luxe (see Eva Mendes' beautiful example). To keep your tresses looking curvy and romantic rather than flat and deflated, backcomb your roots at the top of your head to create volume, secure at the crown, and then run a curling iron through the length of your ponytail to add waves and bends.

Tinsel for Tresses

Why should your Christmas tree get all the attention? Take a tip from Beyoncé and Ke$ha, women who know how to make a head-turning entrance, and adorn your hair with sparkling gems. These Glisten Hair Charms come in five colors, from rainbow to clear. You apply the sticky strip of crystals with a flat iron and they stay in place until you shampoo them out. Remember a little glitz goes a long way; decorate just a few strands near your face.

Bun Bauble

A bejeweled comb like this adds an elegant touch to a simple bun or French twist as Katherine Heigl demonstrates. Slip this Swarovski crystal barrette from Jennifer Behr into your low-slung chignon and you'll look great coming and going. The gold metal leaves and sparkly crystals will look great with any hair color. Pair the comb with a dress that has a low back and apply a dusting of iridescent powder to your shoulders to play up the sparkle factor.