Best Gold Hair Accessories

The V&A dates a Roman hairpin of gold hung with emeralds to the 1st through 4th century. I like the reminder that a small piece for the hair can carry its own presence, even when the hairstyle stays simple.

I like gold hair accessories with fall clothes because they give a warm note near the face, whether the hair is in a low bun, a half-up shape, or a short ponytail. They work with wool coats and knits when I want a little contrast without a complicated outfit.

My practical test is to try the piece with your usual hairstyle, then put on the coat or knit you reach for most. If the gold reads as one clear detail and the hair still feels comfortable, that is all it needs to do.

I like gold hair accessories as a reason to let the hairstyle stay simple. Jennifer Behr's Nataly crystal gold-tone brass hair clip is Gold; Cult Gaia's Neemo Hair Accessory is antique brass; Lovers and Friends' Wetherly Headband is rhinestone. I would use one detail with a low bun or half-up shape, then add a wool coat or dark knit. The different names already give this group a few ways to read, so I would not try to make all three compete. If you are unsure which to reach for, decide whether you want a clip or a headband first, then let the clothes follow.

I think gold hair accessories can make a simple ponytail feel finished, and this grid has a clip, a barrette, and a tie. Saint Laurent's Cassandre gold-tone hair clip is Gold; Lovers and Friends' Clark Barrette is rhinestone; Lié Studio's The Thea gold-plated hair tie is Gold. I would choose the tie for a low ponytail, or use one of the other shapes with a half-up style. A close knit or leather jacket gives the hair detail room to stand out. What I would skip is wearing all three at once. One is enough to make the outfit feel considered.

Jennifer Behr's Wade gold-plated hair clip is Gold; Completedworks' Gold-plated bow hair comb is Gold; Lié Studio's The Thea silver-plated hair tie is Silver. I do not think gold hair accessories need to be the only small shine in the room, but I would let just one piece lead. Try the Wade with a low bun, or choose the bow hair comb when you want the name itself to set the tone. The silver-plated tie offers a cooler direction for the same simple hairstyle. A wool coat or knit keeps the rest of the fall outfit quiet enough for the detail to register.

Jennifer Behr's Amira gold-tone hair clip is Gold; Lovers and Friends' Lucile Headband is gold; 8 Other Reasons' Bella Hair Tie is gold. I would pick the shape that fits the way you already wear your hair, then keep everything else easy. A half-up style leaves room for a headband, while a low ponytail or bun gives a hair tie a clear job. With a wool coat or a thick knit, one warm note near the face is plenty. Gold hair accessories do not need to take over the outfit to make it feel pulled together.

Bottega Veneta's Gold-tone hair clip is Gold; Eugenia Kim's Lux Headband is gold; 8 Other Reasons' Lacey Ribbon Hair Tie is gold. The trio makes hair accessories feel easy to wear with a familiar shape: choose the clip for a low bun, the headband for hair left down, or the tie for a ponytail. I would wear one with a dark knit or leather jacket and resist adding another competing detail. The best fall outfit is often the one you can put on without negotiating with yourself, and this small choice can be the final decision.

My rule of thumb is one gold detail at a time. Choose a clip for a bun, a headband for hair left down, or a tie for a ponytail, then let your wool coat or knit set the rest of the mood. If the hairstyle feels like your own and the accessory is comfortable, you are done.