Headbands are having a moment thanks to poet Amanda Gorman; how to style the accessory worn by royalty, US first ladies and Bridgerton characters

Kate Middleton wears headbands. So did first ladies Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama and Jacqueline Kennedy. As do the women of Netflix series Bridgerton

A headband is sweet and makes women look unflappable, as well as chic – think Grace Kelly. Pick a colour that complements your look, or contrasts with it

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Models wear headbands from the Chanel haute couture spring/summer 2021 collection. Photo: Anton Corbijn/Chanel

Published: 7:15am, 16 Feb 2021Updated: 7:15am, 16 Feb 2021

It was fitting that poet Amanda Gorman, who made the world seem hopeful again with her grace, optimism and wisdom, wore a headband that looked like a crown to perform her poem The Hill We Climb at the inauguration of US President Joe Biden last month.

“At the inauguration, I truly wanted to continue the history of strong women in headbands. It was my mum who suggested I wear it horizontal with my thick braids,” Gorman, 22, wrote on Instagram in response to a New York Times article by journalist and fellow headband aficionado Elizabeth Holmes.

“I highly suggest a headband crown for anyone wanting to stand taller, straighter and prouder.”

Last week, Gorman chose another headband, this time one studded with oversized pearls, to wear with her powder blue, metallic Moschino jacket in a taped performance shown at the NFL Super Bowl. Social media was immediately in enthusiastic support. One person tweeted: “Amanda Gorman wearing headbands as crowns is my new favourite style moment.”

Since the inauguration, Gorman has been signed by IMG models and was the only new inductee into the International Best-Dressed List. Photo: Bloomberg

Amanda Gorman’s style – her sunny yellow Prada Inauguration Day coat, for example, will certainly remain an iconic fashion moment – matters. Since the inauguration, Gorman has been signed by IMG models and was the only new inductee into the International Best-Dressed List. Her Instagram following surged from 50,000 to more than 3.4 million followers.