MomSkoop
Looking fabulous doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With the right hair accessories, you can add that perfect touch of elegance to any outfit without spending big bucks. These 13 budget-friendly options look incredibly luxurious but come with prices that will make you smile. Ready to upgrade your hair game without the designer price tag?
1. Pearl-Embellished Headbands
Scattered with delicate pearls that catch the light just right, these headbands bring instant polish to even the most casual outfits. The pearly finish mimics the look of high-end designer pieces you’d spot in fashion magazines.
Wear one with tousled waves for brunch or pair with a sleek updo for evening events. The contrast between the structured band and feminine pearls creates that perfect balance of sophistication.
2. Gold Hair Clips
Minimalist gold clips have become a staple for the fashion-forward crowd. Their clean lines and metallic shine create the illusion of designer craftsmanship without the hefty price tag.
The secret to their expensive look? Opt for clips with a matte gold finish rather than super shiny ones, which can sometimes appear plastic-like. Stack several small clips for a trendy vibe or use one statement piece to anchor a side part.
Brands like Anthropologie sell similar styles for $30+, but you can find nearly identical versions at budget retailers for under $10.
3. Velvet Scrunchies
The rich, plush texture of velvet instantly elevates the humble scrunchie from gym basic to luxe accessory. Deep jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, and navy appear particularly expensive and complement any hair color beautifully.
Unlike their cheaper-looking spandex cousins, velvet scrunchies add volume and dimension to simple ponytails and buns. The gentle fabric also prevents hair breakage and those annoying ponytail creases.
4. Silk-Look Scarves
Channeling vintage Audrey Hepburn vibes doesn’t require authentic Hermès prices. Silk-look scarves made from high-quality polyester capture that same glossy sheen and fluid drape at a fraction of the cost.
Weave one through a braid for an instant color pop, or tie around a ponytail base to disguise hair elastics. The versatility factor makes these accessories worth their weight in gold – wear in your hair today, as a purse accent tomorrow.
Small scarves in geometric patterns or subtle florals tend to look most expensive, especially in colorways featuring cream, navy, or burgundy.
5. Crystal Bobby Pins
Crystal bobby pins create the illusion of wearing fine jewelry in your hair while costing less than your morning latte. The key is strategic placement – cluster three pins together for maximum impact or place a single pin to catch the light.
Unlike plastic rhinestone versions, look for pins with prong-set crystals that mimic the construction of real jewelry. This small detail makes an enormous difference in the overall impression.
These pins work double-duty by actually securing hair while adding glamour – perfect for special occasions when you want to look polished without blowing your budget.
6. Oversized Satin Bows
Remember Blair Waldorf’s signature style? Oversized satin bows have made a massive comeback, bringing that preppy-chic vibe without the designer markup. The substantial size and lustrous fabric create an eye-catching focal point that elevates even the simplest hairstyle.
French luxury houses charge hundreds for similar styles, but affordable versions capture the same elegant silhouette. The secret to selecting expensive-looking bows? Choose ones with clean, precise edges and a substantial weight that holds its shape.
7. Tortoiseshell Barrettes
Nothing says “timeless sophistication” quite like tortoiseshell. These amber-toned barrettes have graced the heads of style icons for decades, and for good reason – they complement virtually every hair color and outfit.
Quality variations have depth and dimension within the pattern, mimicking natural tortoiseshell (though thankfully made from acetate). Avoid perfectly uniform patterns, as the subtle variations make them look more expensive.
8. Chic Beret
A classy beret is the ultimate timeless accessory that adds instant sophistication to any look. Soft, structured, and effortlessly chic, it channels that iconic Parisian flair while remaining versatile enough for modern wardrobes.
Whether styled with a sleek coat in the fall, a cozy sweater in winter, or even paired with casual denim for an elevated everyday vibe, the beret brings elegance without trying too hard. Its minimalist design flatters all face shapes, while rich fabrics like wool, felt, or even leather give it a polished finish.
A classy beret is more than a hat—it’s a style statement that says refined, confident, and fashion-forward.
9. Trendy Headscarf
The headscarf styled in a classic bandana wrap instantly elevates any casual look with effortless charm. Lightweight and versatile, this silky scarf drapes neatly over the crown and ties at the back, creating a chic balance between vintage nostalgia and modern street style.
Perfect for taming flyaways on breezy days or adding a pop of color to minimalist outfits, it’s a timeless accessory that transitions seamlessly from laid-back weekends to stylish getaways.
10. Textured Claw Clips
Model-off-duty hair is yours for the taking with these sculptural clips that have taken social media by storm. The secret to finding expensive-looking versions? Texture is everything. Matte finishes, marble effects, and subtle metallics all read as high-end.
Oversized clips work best for thick hair, while medium versions create that perfect casual-yet-intentional vibe for finer strands. The current favorites among fashion editors feature organic shapes rather than basic ovals – they look like modern art pieces for your hair.
11. Interesting Elastic Bands
Not all ponytail holders are created equal. Swap out your basic elastics for ones with braided textures, metallic threads, or chic fabric wraps. These small details instantly elevate a simple ponytail or braid, making your hairstyle look more put-together and stylish. They’re practical, affordable, and a subtle way to add a touch of luxury to your everyday look.
12. Colorful Headbands
Fashion’s favorite ’90s comeback has arrived in the form of headbands that add instant polish to any hairstyle.
The subtle width makes these headbands appropriate for everything from office wear to weekend brunches. Black, navy and burgundy versions look particularly expensive, especially when paired with coordinating outfits.
Celebrity stylists charge hundreds for curated looks featuring these simple accessories, but you can achieve the same effect for under $10. The key is choosing bands with smooth seams and substantial weight that won’t slip throughout the day.
13. Pearl-Embellished Hair Clips
Delicate yet statement-making, pearl-adorned hair clips bring instant sophistication to your look. Whether you wear a single barrette tucked into loose waves or stack a few for a bolder vibe, they add a timeless elegance that feels straight out of a designer collection—without the hefty price tag.
Perfect for weddings, date nights, or simply elevating your everyday style.