30 Elegant Updo Hairstyles for Women Perfect for Weddings, Parties & Work in 2025

An elegant updo is the ultimate hairstyle when you want to look polished, sophisticated, and effortlessly chic. Whether you’re walking down the aisle, attending a party, or heading into the office, an updo can be styled to fit any occasion. In 2025, updo hairstyles are trending with modern twists on classic looks blending sleek buns, braided crowns, and textured chignons for versatility and timeless beauty.

Here are 30 elegant updo hairstyles that women can wear for weddings, parties, and work this year.

Classic Updo Hairstyles for Women

Classic updos never go out of style—they are elegant, refined, and versatile enough to suit weddings, parties, and professional environments. These timeless hairstyles emphasize neat structure and polished finishes, making them perfect for formal occasions as well as everyday sophistication. Here are some of the most beloved classic updo hairstyles for women in 2025.

1. Low Chignon Bun

The low chignon bun is one of the most timeless updos, sitting neatly at the nape of the neck. It’s an elegant choice that pairs beautifully with bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, or sleek office attire. Its simplicity makes it versatile, while accessories like pearl pins can instantly elevate the look.

• Key Features: Sleek bun at the nape of the neck.
  
• Styling Tips: Smooth flyaways with gel; secure with hidden pins for an invisible hold.
  
• Best For: Weddings and professional settings.
  

2. French Twist

The French twist is an iconic updo that exudes sophistication. With hair rolled and pinned vertically at the back of the head, this look is a favorite for galas, formal dinners, and elegant evenings out. It’s sleek, structured, and always makes a statement of refinement.

• Key Features: Rolled hair pinned vertically.
  
• Styling Tips: Use bobby pins and strong-hold hairspray to maintain its structure.
  
• Best For: Black-tie events or elegant dinners.
  

3. Sleek Top Knot

The sleek top knot combines height with polish, creating a chic look perfect for both professional and party settings. Positioned high on the crown, it elongates the neck and enhances facial features. It’s also a practical style for women who want elegance with ease.

• Key Features: High bun with a polished finish.
  
• Styling Tips: Wrap hair tightly and finish with shine spray for a glossy effect.
  
• Best For: Office meetings or evening parties.
  

4. Twisted Low Bun

This romantic variation of the chignon features soft twists gathered at the nape. It’s less structured than a sleek bun, giving it a relaxed yet elegant feel. Perfect for brides, bridesmaids, or cocktail parties, it adds a feminine touch to any outfit.

• Key Features: Hair twisted into a soft bun at the nape.
  
• Styling Tips: Leave a few face-framing strands loose to soften the look.
  
• Best For: Romantic weddings or cocktail parties.
  

5. Braided Chignon

The braided chignon is a refined combination of structure and detail. A braid is incorporated and then wrapped into a bun, creating texture and visual interest. This updo is especially fitting for bridesmaids or women attending formal celebrations.

• Key Features: A braid wrapped into a bun.
  
• Styling Tips: Add pearl or jeweled pins for an elegant finishing touch.
  
• Best For: Bridesmaids and formal events.
  

6. Side-Swept Bun

The side-swept bun offers a softer, slightly more playful version of the classic bun. Positioned low and to one side, it frames the face beautifully and works especially well with dresses that have asymmetrical designs.

• Key Features: Bun positioned low to one side.
  
• Styling Tips: Curl the ends before pinning to add texture and softness.
  
• Best For: Wedding guests or semi-formal parties.
  

7. Classic Ballet Bun

The ballet bun is all about precision and neatness. Rounded and perfectly centered at the crown, this updo gives a clean, minimalist finish that suits professional settings and elegant weddings alike.

• Key Features: Neat, rounded bun at the crown.
  
• Styling Tips: Use a donut bun tool for a perfect shape and smooth finish.
  
• Best For: Workdays, conferences, or minimalist weddings.

Braided & Twisted Updos

Braided and twisted updos are timeless yet versatile, offering elegance with a creative twist. These styles beautifully combine structure and softness, making them ideal for weddings, festive parties, and professional events. Whether you prefer fishtail braids, halo crowns, or intricate twists, these updos are guaranteed to stand out in 2025.

8. Halo Braid Updo

The halo braid updo frames the head like a crown, creating a regal and feminine look. It’s perfect for outdoor weddings and celebrations where you want a hairstyle that looks graceful yet secure.

• Key Features: Braid wrapped around the head like a crown.
  
• Styling Tips: Loosen the braid slightly for softness and volume; add flowers for a boho touch.
  
• Best For: Garden weddings or outdoor events.
  

9. Double Braided Bun

This style incorporates two braids twisted together into a chic bun, adding both texture and detail. It’s elegant enough for formal gatherings but still playful for parties.

• Key Features: Two braids twisted together into a bun.
  
• Styling Tips: Finish with decorative clips or pearl pins for a sophisticated look.
  
• Best For: Bridesmaids or festive parties.
  

10. Fishtail Braid Updo

The fishtail braid updo blends rustic charm with elegance. Braided into a fishtail and pinned into a bun, it’s a gorgeous choice for brides who want something unique yet timeless.

• Key Features: Fishtail braid styled into a bun.
  
• Styling Tips: Gently pull sections of the braid apart to add volume and texture.
  
• Best For: Rustic or boho weddings.
  

11. Twisted Crown Bun

The twisted crown bun creates an ethereal, romantic look by wrapping twists around the crown of the head. It pairs beautifully with floral accessories for a dreamy finish.

• Key Features: Hair twisted and wrapped around crown.
  
• Styling Tips: Add fresh flowers or jeweled hairpieces for an extra romantic feel.
  
• Best For: Romantic celebrations.
  

12. Side Braided Updo

This hairstyle combines a braid along the side of the head with a tucked-in bun, creating a chic asymmetrical finish. It works beautifully with statement jewelry or dresses with one-shoulder designs.

• Key Features: Side braid tucked into a bun.
  
• Styling Tips: Pair with statement earrings to highlight the look.
  
• Best For: Wedding guests or office parties.
  

13. Cornrow Bun Updo

Cornrows styled into a bun deliver a sleek, protective, and polished hairstyle. This look is especially elegant for formal occasions and lasts longer thanks to its neat structure.

• Key Features: Cornrows braided into a bun.
  
• Styling Tips: Use edge control to keep the hairline sleek and refined.
  
• Best For: Elegant protective style.
  

14. Waterfall Braid Updo

The waterfall braid updo offers a romantic twist by incorporating cascading sections into a pinned-up style. It’s graceful, intricate, and the perfect choice for a wedding day or formal event.

• Key Features: Cascading waterfall braid pinned into an updo.
  
• Styling Tips: Curl the ends for added softness and texture.
  
• Best For: Brides and formal events.

Modern & Textured Updos

Modern updos embrace texture, volume, and creativity, offering stylish alternatives to sleek, traditional looks. These hairstyles are perfect for women who want their updo to feel contemporary and chic while still being versatile enough for weddings, parties, or professional events. Whether messy, voluminous, or uniquely twisted, these updos bring modern flair to timeless elegance.

15. Messy Low Bun

The messy low bun is a relaxed yet refined hairstyle that embraces undone texture for a chic finish. It’s the perfect choice for women who want elegance without looking overly polished, making it a go-to for semi-formal and casual celebrations.

• Key Features: Loose bun with undone texture.
  
• Styling Tips: Pull a few strands loose around the face for softness; spritz with light hairspray to hold the shape.
  
• Best For: Parties or casual weddings.
  

16. Voluminous Curly Updo

For women with natural curls, the voluminous curly updo highlights texture while keeping hair stylishly lifted. This updo is glamorous and dramatic, ideal for black-tie events and elegant evenings.

• Key Features: Natural curls styled into a high bun.
  
• Styling Tips: Define curls with curl cream before pinning to maintain bounce and shine.
  
• Best For: Black-tie parties or chic evenings.
  

17. Textured Chignon

The textured chignon gives a modern twist to the classic bun by adding teased volume and softness. It’s elegant yet slightly relaxed, perfect for rustic or semi-formal settings where effortless beauty is key.

• Key Features: Loose bun with teased texture.
  
• Styling Tips: Backcomb sections lightly for volume; use hairspray for lasting hold.
  
• Best For: Rustic weddings or semi-formal events.
  

18. Pompadour Bun

The pompadour bun combines dramatic front volume with a sleek bun at the back, making it a glamorous, red-carpet-worthy hairstyle. It works especially well with evening gowns and formal attire.

• Key Features: Front volume styled into a sleek bun.
  
• Styling Tips: Tease the crown section before pinning to create height and drama.
  
• Best For: Glamorous weddings or evening galas.
  

19. Side-Swept Curls Updo

This romantic updo features curls pinned gracefully to one side, creating asymmetry and movement. It’s soft, feminine, and pairs beautifully with statement jewelry.

• Key Features: Curly strands pinned to one side.
  
• Styling Tips: Works best on medium to thick hair; use bobby pins to secure curls in place.
  
• Best For: Cocktail parties or engagement events.
  

20. Twisted Mohawk Updo

For a bold, fashion-forward option, the twisted mohawk updo creates drama by styling twists down the center of the head in a mohawk shape. It’s edgy yet elegant, perfect for modern brides or women attending high-fashion events.

• Key Features: Twists styled down the center into a mohawk shape.
  
• Styling Tips: Add metallic cuffs or pins along the twists for emphasis.
  
• Best For: Modern weddings or fashion events.
  

21. Bun with Braided Accents

This versatile updo combines the simplicity of a bun with the added detail of small braids woven in. It’s sleek enough for work but chic enough for an evening party, making it a day-to-night favorite.

• Key Features: Small braids tucked into bun.
  
• Styling Tips: Pair with metallic or jeweled accessories for added elegance.
  
• Best For: Work-to-party transitions.
  

Chic Updos for Work & Everyday Elegance

Updos aren’t just for weddings and parties—they can also be chic, professional, and wearable for everyday life. From sleek buns to scarf-wrapped looks, these styles bring together elegance and practicality, making them perfect for workdays, quick transitions, or casual evenings out. Here are some of the most polished and versatile updos to try in 2025.

22. Low Knot Bun

The low knot bun is a minimalist updo that keeps things clean and professional. Its simplicity makes it perfect for office settings where you need a polished look that’s quick and easy to achieve.

• Key Features: Minimalist bun tied low.
  
• Styling Tips: Works best with straight hair; keep it sleek with gel or smoothing cream.
  
• Best For: Professional work settings.
  

23. Half-Up Bun Updo

This playful half-up style combines the ease of leaving hair down with the sophistication of an updo. The top section is tied into a bun while the bottom flows freely, giving it versatility for both casual and semi-formal occasions.

• Key Features: Top section in a bun, bottom left loose.
  
• Styling Tips: Works beautifully with wavy or curly textures for extra volume.
  
• Best For: Parties and casual weddings.
  

24. Sleek Side Pony Updo

The sleek side ponytail updo is chic and refined, styled low and slightly to the side for a feminine touch. It’s a versatile option that transitions effortlessly from boardroom meetings to evening dinners.

• Key Features: Low pony styled to the side with polish.
  
• Styling Tips: Wrap the base with a strand of hair for a professional finish.
  
• Best For: Work meetings or evening events.
  

25. Bouffant Bun

Inspired by retro glamour, the bouffant bun adds height and drama with volume at the crown, balanced by a bun at the back. This updo is a nod to vintage styles while still feeling timelessly elegant.

• Key Features: Volume at crown, bun at back.
  
• Styling Tips: Tease the crown section lightly before smoothing it over for lift.
  
• Best For: Retro-inspired weddings.
  

26. Low Rolled Updo

The low rolled updo is a sophisticated and secure hairstyle where hair is tucked inward at the nape. It’s understated yet polished, making it an excellent choice for formal and professional events.

• Key Features: Hair rolled inward at the nape.
  
• Styling Tips: Use bobby pins and setting spray to keep it in place.
  
• Best For: Formal dinners and professional events.
  

27. Knotted Bun Updo

This stylish twist on the classic bun involves tying sections of hair into knots before pinning them together. It’s a creative yet simple look that can be dressed up with accessories for more formal occasions.

• Key Features: Twists tied into a knot bun.
  
• Styling Tips: Add jeweled or pearl pins for elegance.
  
• Best For: Bridesmaids or quick professional styles.
  

28. Classic Gibson Tuck

The Gibson tuck is a timeless updo where hair is rolled and tucked neatly at the back of the head. It’s sleek and professional yet soft enough for evening events, making it highly versatile.

• Key Features: Rolled tuck at the back of the head.
  
• Styling Tips: Works best on straight or wavy hair; secure with pins for a polished finish.
  
• Best For: Office looks or cocktail parties.
  

29. Wrapped Bun with Scarf

For a touch of creativity, the wrapped bun with scarf combines a low bun with a silk or satin scarf tied around it. This adds a pop of color and personality while still keeping the hairstyle neat and elegant.

• Key Features: Low bun wrapped with a silk scarf.
  
• Styling Tips: Choose bold prints or bright colors for a statement look.
  
• Best For: Semi-formal parties or creative workplaces.
  

30. Loose Romantic Updo

The loose romantic updo is all about softness and charm, with curls pinned loosely into a bun while tendrils frame the face. It’s a dreamy style that transitions perfectly from weddings to romantic evenings.

• Key Features: Soft curls pinned into a loose bun.
  
• Styling Tips: Allow tendrils to fall naturally for a face-framing effect.
  

Best For: Weddings, proms, and romantic evenings.