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So Long, Slicked-Back Bun—This Is the Hairstyle I'll Be Wearing All Winter

By Swedan Margen

So Long, Slicked-Back Bun—This Is the Hairstyle I'll Be Wearing All Winter

One thing you need to know about me is that when it comes to my hair, I'm incredibly lazy. You will never catch me waking up early to wash and blow-dry my strands. Instead, I'm more of a dry shampoo and shove it up into an updo kind of gal. In fact, I would say that a slicked-back bun has become my signature hairstyle over the past few years. At least that was the case until I realised how good a humble ponytail can look.

A woman wearing a silky shirt with an effortlessly undone ponytail

One look at Instagram lately, and you'll notice that all of the fashion-forward thinkers are opting for this stylish updo hairstyle. Don't get me wrong, a bun still looks incredibly chic, but there's something effortlessly cool and laidback about a ponytail, especially when paired with a chunky knit and a funnel-neck jacket (IYKYK).

The best thing about a ponytail (aside from how easy it is)? Just how versatile it can be. Whether you want a side part, a middle part, a high ponytail, a low ponytail, a statement accessory or a slicked-back finish, there is something for everyone.

Below, I've rounded up what I believe to be the very best ponytail ideas to wear this winter, courtesy of some of the most stylish people on the internet. These winter hairstyles are simple to recreate and will make you look polished and put together in seconds.

11 Best Ponytail Ideas 2025

1. Statement Scrunchie

A woman wearing a shearling coat with a ponytail and a metal silver hair tie

The easiest way to make your ponytail look super stylish in seconds? A statement scrunchie. This season, it's all about metal detailing for a cool-girl look.

Get the Look:

Shiny-Detail Hair Elastic

H&M

Shiny-Detail Hair Elastic

A very chic yet affordable option from H&M.

2. Slicked-Back Ponytail

A woman wearing a green jacket with a slicked-back ponytail hairstyle

The slicked-back bun has been in style for years, but this winter I'll be opting for this ultra-cool slicked-back ponytail. The perfect style for in-between hair wash days.

Get the Look:

Jvn Hair Perfect Stylefix Stick

JVN Hair

Perfect Stylefix Stick

This hair wax comes in an easy-to-use stick format, making slicked-back styles as simple as possible.

3. Half-Up Ponytail

A woman in a barn jacket holding a puppy with a half-up, half-down ponytail hairstyle

If you don't want to commit to a ponytail fully, why not try this half-up, half-down style? Add some subtle waves and let a few strands fall loose around your face for an effortlessly chic finish.

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So Long, Slicked-Back Bun—This Is the Hairstyle I'll Be Wearing All Winter - Vanity Fair Fashion