Best Tressed

This season's hair accessories take their cues from the garden

By Melissa Tessitor

Gardens, both WELL-KEPT and wild, have long been a wellspring of inspiration for fashion designers. This summer, the muse manifests in fanciful clips and hair combs that look as though they could be plucked straight from Washington Park’s botanical gardens. Such natural elements as flowers, feathers, and even twiggy nests take on a sophisticated twist when paired with decadent details like rhinestones, buttons, and satin ribbons.

Tuck silky, oversize petals behind the ear to add a feminine flourish to a simple summer ponytail. Or transition to evening with the sumptuous texture of feathers against soft, fragrant tresses. Even the season’s humidity (once an enemy of the perfect coif) seems to be cooperating with this trend. The natural waves, curls, and kinks coaxed out by moist air create the perfect tousled backdrop for these bold statement pieces. Just pile up that hair and pin one in.