When my editor back in 2017 told me that barrettes are going to be the next It accessory, I doubted her call a little bit. In my mind, barrettes for adults are reserved for weddings at best. (Thinking of the sweet Jennifer Behr Velvet Bow Barrettes on MyTheresa, fit for a bridesmaid.) Or to get your hair away from your face while doing your makeup or some chores.

Still, said editor pointed out that at Simone Rocha’s spring/summer 2018 presentation, barrettes were the focal accessory. It imbibed a youthful feel and a carefree spirit that complemented the flowy dresses.

Barrettes have always been present in fashion anyway. Think Alicia Silverstone’s Cher Horowitz in “Clueless”, or Gwyneth Paltrow’s Margot Helen Tenenbaum in “The Royal Tenanbaums”. Even Queen Elizabeth has been spotted with a sparkly barrette when it’s not a tiara moment.

In 2018, Gucci presented an over-the-top crystal barrette for their cruise 2019 collection. And maybe that’s the no-turning-back point. In Chanel’s spring 2019 collection, a double C barrette was spotted. There was also a clip in Gigi Hadid’s hair for the Versace presentation in the same season. Zadig & Voltaire also sent their rock-and-roll inspired muses with thin clips on their sleek hairdos.

So I guess my editor was right. Barrettes, worn without irony, are back this 2019. A quick search on Net-A-Porter will reveal how Valentino and Balmain are offering it up. A scroll through Instagram will show how Chi Gibbs, Aryanna Epperson and Laureen Uy among many other influencers are wearing a barrette or two. If you need further inspiration, check Kendall Jenner who wore an unassuming barrette with her leather jacket look. Ariana Grande also wears a barrette, because not all hairs can be caught by even the highest pony-tail.

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The thing about the barrettes in today’s trend is how you can either go big with one statement clip. (The Gucci one is currently unavailable on their website, FYI.) But you can go crazy with a lot of tiny barrettes all over your hair. Consult Valet Studio for this, as they stack barrettes on barrettes, because they are no longer for just keeping your bangs in place. You can also shop at NoLabel.Est for customizable hair clips.

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Locally, you can shop a stash through various Instagram stores, in case your childhood barrette collection is nowhere in sight. Bondi Studios offers handmade barrettes that look like candies because of the beads they are made of. You can match your bead bag with your hair accessory.

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There’s also L’Essentiel for basic but cute clips that easily go with any outfit. Meanwhile, Kera and Co. carries an array of barrettes for pre-order. They have the thin ones that are perfect to wear all together. Frost.ph on the other hand offers clip sets, so you don’t have to fuss over which goes with what. They make for nice presents as well, say, for a girl friend’s upcoming birthday.

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The barrette proves to be a versatile piece. It can be an everyday accessory or used as a quirky piece to an elegant affair. Whatever you feel like doing, now is the time, without any doubt, to clip it up. JB

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