Elegant Winter Formal Hairstyles 2025: Top Chic and Glamorous Looks for Every Hair Type and Length

Winter formals bring an opportunity to embrace elegant hairstyles that complement the season’s charm. These hairstyles reflect sophistication while capturing the essence of winter’s beauty. Below are some stylish options that work perfectly for winter formals, described in detail for each look.

1. Soft Romantic Updo

This updo combines a relaxed elegance with intricate details, perfect for a winter formal. The hair is styled into a loose chignon at the back, with delicate tendrils framing the face. Small accessories, like pearls or crystals, are woven into the style to enhance the romantic, ethereal look. The overall effect is sophisticated and effortlessly chic, ideal for complementing lace or intricate gown designs.

2. Classic Curls with a Modern Twist

For a timeless yet modern look, this style showcases voluminous curls cascading over the shoulders, accentuated by subtle layers. The curls are well-defined yet soft, creating a glamorous silhouette that pairs beautifully with classic winter makeup. This hairstyle offers a touch of Hollywood flair and is suitable for both traditional and contemporary winter formal outfits.

3. Elegant Side-Swept Waves

A graceful choice, this hairstyle features side-swept waves that exude vintage-inspired elegance. The hair is pulled to one side, revealing a sparkling hair accessory that adds a touch of winter magic. Loose waves flow naturally, offering a sophisticated look that balances softness with structure. It’s an ideal option for those seeking to evoke classic glamour with a hint of romance.

4. Delicate Braided Updo

A braided updo adds a whimsical touch to winter formal attire. The hair is intricately woven into braids that form a bun at the crown, with loose strands delicately framing the face. A winter-inspired hairpiece, such as a crystal or snowflake design, complements the style perfectly, giving it a festive flair. This updo works well with high-necked dresses or gowns with intricate back details.

5. Textured Fishtail Braid

The textured fishtail braid offers a more relaxed yet elegant approach to formal styling. It features a voluminous braid starting from the crown and tapering down, with loosely pulled strands for added texture and depth. This style is finished with a subtle hair accessory, like a small clip or floral piece, for a touch of winter charm. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a unique, effortless look while still keeping a formal vibe.

6. Bohemian-Inspired Twisted Braid

This bohemian hairstyle merges a relaxed vibe with formal elegance. The hair is styled into a voluminous, twisted braid that cascades down the back. Soft twists at the top add dimension, while loose strands around the face create a natural, effortless look. Accents like delicate hairpins can elevate the style, making it perfect for winter-themed events with a touch of boho charm.

7. Sleek Low Bun

A sleek low bun is a classic choice for winter formals, exuding sophistication and refinement. The hair is smooth and polished, gathered into a structured bun at the nape of the neck. This minimalist style pairs beautifully with statement jewelry, allowing other accessories to shine without overwhelming the look. It’s ideal for formal settings where a timeless appearance is essential.

8. Tousled High Ponytail with Volume

For a blend of casual chic and elegance, the tousled high ponytail stands out. The hair is pulled back with added volume at the crown, while the ponytail itself features textured waves for a playful touch. Framing pieces around the face soften the look, giving it a youthful vibe. This hairstyle works well with modern outfits and adds a dynamic feel to any winter formal look.

9. Messy Textured Updo

The messy textured updo combines a touch of casual flair with formal elegance. It features loosely pinned waves, creating a textured appearance with volume throughout. Loose strands add a touch of softness, framing the face for a flattering effect. Perfect for winter formals, this style captures the spirit of the season with a relaxed yet sophisticated look.

10. Low Bun with Loose Waves

A low bun with loose waves is a romantic option for winter events. The hair is styled into a relaxed bun, with soft waves left out for a whimsical touch. A subtle accessory, like a jeweled hairpin, can be added to complement the look. This hairstyle is ideal for those seeking a balance between classic style and a carefree vibe, enhancing the elegance of any winter formal outfit.

11. Romantic Soft Curls

This look features voluminous, cascading curls that exude a soft and romantic aura. The hair is styled with a side part, giving a classic Old Hollywood glamour vibe. The curls are defined and structured yet maintain a natural flow, adding elegance without looking overly polished. The volume at the roots adds height, framing the face beautifully. This hairstyle pairs perfectly with delicate accessories, like drop earrings, for a formal winter event.

12. Winter Braided Twist

This intricate updo is a masterpiece of braiding techniques, combined to create a timeless and sophisticated look. A loose fishtail braid wraps around the back of the head, interwoven with subtle embellishments like sparkling hairpins that glisten against the snowy background. The hair has a textured finish, giving it a slightly tousled yet polished appearance. This style is ideal for a formal winter evening, offering a perfect balance between structured elegance and casual grace.

13. Low Chignon Elegance

The low chignon is a classic choice for any formal event, and this version elevates it with a soft, twisted effect that adds depth and sophistication. The hair is neatly gathered at the nape of the neck and twisted into a voluminous bun, with loose strands left out to frame the face gently. The subtle twists and texture give a sense of effortless style, making it a versatile option for various winter formal occasions, from galas to evening soirées.

14. Vintage-Inspired Waves

For those who adore vintage elegance, these retro-inspired waves are the perfect choice. This hairstyle captures the essence of 1920s glamour, with perfectly formed waves and a soft, sculpted shape. The shoulder-length cut enhances the effect, making the style look both polished and classic. The curls are brushed through to create smooth, uniform waves that complement any formal outfit. Pair this hairstyle with a bold lip color to complete the vintage look.

15. Minimalist Braided Bun

A simple yet refined style, the minimalist braided bun is all about subtle sophistication. The hair is braided loosely along the sides, gathering into a neat, low bun at the back. The bun is secured with minimal pins, allowing the texture of the braid to be the focus. This hairstyle is ideal for those who prefer understated elegance, making it perfect for formal winter events where you want a chic, put-together look without excessive embellishments.

16. Effortless Half-Up with Pearl Accents

This romantic half-up hairstyle is the epitome of understated elegance. Soft waves flow freely, while delicate strands are gathered and pinned loosely at the back, creating a natural yet polished look. The addition of pearl-encrusted hairpins adds a touch of winter-inspired charm, making it perfect for a formal event. This style pairs beautifully with a lace gown, allowing the accessories to accentuate the hairstyle without overwhelming it.

17. Twisted Low Bun with a Floral Hairpiece

For a sophisticated and intricate style, this twisted low bun is an excellent choice. The hair is loosely twisted and gathered at the nape, with soft tendrils left out to frame the face. The floral hairpiece, featuring a combination of crystals and small flowers, adds a festive and glamorous touch, enhancing the overall look. This hairstyle complements dresses with open backs or high necklines, allowing the hairpiece to be a statement accessory.

18. Voluminous Textured Updo

This voluminous updo is full of texture and dimension, perfect for those who want to make a bold yet elegant statement. The hair is styled in loose, airy curls and pinned into a relaxed, tousled updo. This style has a slightly undone feel, with loose strands framing the face and adding softness to the look. A subtle embellishment, such as a small hairpin, can be added to complete this chic winter look.

19. Regal Fishtail Braid with Crystal Accents

This intricate fishtail braid exudes sophistication and regality. The braid begins at the crown and cascades down, with delicate twists adding texture and interest. Crystal hairpins are placed strategically throughout the braid, adding a touch of sparkle reminiscent of icy winter mornings. This hairstyle is ideal for those looking to showcase a refined and polished look that still feels festive and fresh.

20. Romantic Winter Chignon with Floral Details

This classic low chignon is elevated with a modern twist, featuring loose curls and soft, voluminous texture. The hair is gathered at the nape and styled into a full bun, with wispy tendrils adding softness around the face. The addition of a delicate floral accessory brings a wintery, feminine touch to the style, making it ideal for a formal winter ball or holiday celebration.

21. Classic Braided Crown

This elegant braided crown style is perfect for a winter formal event, combining a soft braid with a regal hairpiece. The braid is loose and slightly tousled, giving a natural look that feels effortlessly chic. Adorned with a delicate, icy-inspired headband featuring crystal branches, this style is ideal for creating a fairytale-like appearance. The braid adds texture, while the headband provides a touch of winter magic.

22. Soft, Tousled Updo

This hairstyle is perfect for those looking for a more relaxed yet refined look. The soft, tousled updo features loose waves pinned loosely at the back, allowing for movement and a natural finish. Gentle tendrils frame the face, enhancing the overall softness. This style is both feminine and elegant, making it a versatile option for any winter formal, from a romantic dinner to a formal ball.

23. Twisted Low Bun with Pearl Accents

For a sophisticated take on the classic bun, this twisted low bun incorporates intricate details and beautiful pearl accents. The hair is gently twisted and secured at the nape, with strands carefully pinned to create a voluminous, polished look. The pearl-encrusted accessory adds a touch of luxury, making this style ideal for more formal winter events where elegance is key.

24. Loose and Textured Chignon

This soft chignon features loose twists and subtle volume for a textured, romantic appearance. The hair is gathered loosely at the nape, creating a relaxed yet elegant silhouette. Face-framing tendrils add softness, while the overall shape maintains structure. This style is ideal for those seeking a look that combines modern style with timeless grace.

25. Sleek Low Bun

The sleek low bun is a classic option for any formal occasion, providing a polished and sophisticated look. The hair is pulled back tightly and secured into a neat bun at the nape of the neck. The smooth, glossy finish of this style exudes elegance and sophistication, making it a perfect match for high-neck gowns or dresses with intricate details that you want to highlight.

26. Sleek Low Chignon

This sleek low chignon is a modern take on the classic low bun. The hair is smoothed and gathered at the nape, creating a neat and polished appearance. The strands are pulled back tightly, ensuring a glossy, flawless finish. Ideal for formal events, this look pairs beautifully with high-neck dresses or gowns featuring intricate details that you want to highlight.

27. Voluminous Half-Up Style

This hairstyle exudes elegance with its voluminous crown and loose, cascading waves. The top section of the hair is gently backcombed for extra height and pinned to create a half-up style, while the rest of the hair falls softly down the back. This look is perfect for a winter ball, as it strikes the right balance between effortless and refined.

28. Braided Updo with Pearl Accents

For a more intricate style, this braided updo offers a sophisticated, fairy-tale feel. Multiple braids are interwoven and pinned into a loose bun, creating a textured, voluminous shape. Delicate pearl accents are scattered throughout the braids, adding a touch of winter charm. This style is perfect for those looking to make a statement with an elegant, romantic hairstyle.

29. Twisted Low Ponytail with Floral Embellishments

This style takes the classic ponytail to a whole new level. The hair is twisted and gathered low at the nape, with loose curls adding softness. What makes this look stand out is the addition of a stunning floral accessory, featuring a mix of crystals and blooms. The embellishment gives the style a whimsical touch, making it ideal for winter weddings or formal evening events.

30. Half-Up Cascading Curls

This romantic half-up style is all about volume and texture. The top section is gently teased and pinned back, while the rest of the hair flows freely in soft, structured curls. This look is perfect for those who want to showcase their hair’s natural movement while still maintaining an element of sophistication. Pair with delicate earrings to complete the look.

With these additional hairstyles, your winter formal style options are complete. Each look has its own unique charm, from romantic, textured updos to sleek and modern buns. No matter which style you choose, you’re sure to turn heads at your next event.