Tired of rocking the same hair style for a big night out? If you’re looking for an alternative to hot rollers, curling irons and straightening tools (and your hair just simply needs a break), take a cue from the
beauty hair trends on 2011 runways at Dries Van Noten, Vera Wang, Gucci and Louis Vuitton — the no-fuss classic hair style for long hair — the ponytail. We round up four different ways to wear this look to help you look chic in no time.

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1. Ponytail hair style: Polished at the nape of the neck

Valentino’s Fall 2011 take on this hair trend was classic and refined. To emulate this look, blow out the hair with a round brush and gather it at the nape of the neck. Secure the style with an elastic and finish by taking some of the ponytail hair from the underside and wrapping it around the elastic to conceal it. Finish with bobby pins to secure the hair style and set it with hairspray. A simple ponytail situated at the nape of the neck is a great way to accentuate a backless dress.

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2. Ponytail hairstyle: Adorned

On the Fall 2011 runway at Gucci, models wore a hairstyle similar to what we saw at Valentino (straight and fastened low at the nape of the neck) but with a twist — ponytails adorned with a single feather following the flow of the hair. If you’re a free fashion spirit and wearing an ethereal or 70s-inspired outfit for your New Year’s Eve party, try this hairstyle by keeping all other accessories minimal so that the feathered ponytail can command full attention. Hair style tip: Be sure to pack extra bobby pins should the feather fall out as you party the night away.

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3. Ponytail hair style: High and slicked back

Ponytails don’t get much flirtier than the hair style shown at Marc Jacobs for Fall 2011: Slicked back with no volume at all and fastened high, these ponytails are part ’90s minimalist, part ’50s cheerleader. Try the ponytail hair trend in this way for New Year’s Eve if you’re wearing a high-necked dress or a collared shirt. With the hair pulled off the face and up, away from the neck, this hair style lets your clothes stand out and your kicky hair style be the focal point as you exit the room.

Check out 7 short hair styles we’re loving right now.

One more chic party hair style to try on the next page …

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4. Ponytail hair style: Rolled out of bed
Proenza Schouler sent models down the runway for their Fall 2011 collection with last night’s ponytail still going strong. If you’re planning an edgy party look for New Year’s Eve, try this hair style out by working with slightly dirty hair. (If you want to look Rock ‘n’ Roll you have to at least somewhat play the part.) Start by using dry shampoo to soak up any oil at the root and work the powder down and into the hair shaft. The best part about this hair style is that anything goes: Tie it into a ponytail, muss it up and create more texture (if desired) with mousse and hairspray. This day-after look is paired best with mini-dresses, leather biker jackets and a sassy attitude.

If you’re in the planning stages of your New Year’s Eve party look, consider changing things up with a fun and different hair style. The classic ponytail is a current hair trend that we saw a lot of in 2011 and it will continue to be strong into the upcoming year. There’s something simultaneously put together and very effortless about the ponytail — it’s sweet and subtle and at the same time, a totally polished look. Wear it up or down, with volume or without, adorned or fuss-free, this hair style is a perfect party look for New Year’s Eve as it keeps your hair off your face and your outfit front row centre.

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