10 formal hairstyles for medium-length hair to try this year

Are you planning your outfit for an upcoming wedding, party, or special work event?

If so, you’ve probably spent a lot of time thinking about the best formal hairstyle to go for, which will effortlessly pair with your chosen outfit. 

To help you decide, we asked our expert stylists to recommend ten elegant, formal hairstyles for medium-length hair to try this year, and this is what they came up with.

Top 1: Blunt lob 

Why we love it: The blunt lob will never go out of fashion, and it’s one of the go-to haircuts for formal occasions. Try it for weddings, parties, and practically any occasion. 

The blunt lob is one of the best formal hairstyles for medium-length hair. It’s sophisticated, and its face-framing nature suits women of numerous shapes and sizes.

The lob is a slightly longer version of the bob, with most women letting their hair run down just below the shoulder line, rather than cutting it short to the chin.

As such, it’s a point for any woman looking for a safe, formal haircut for medium-length hair. 

Top 2: The modern shag 

Why we love it: The modern shag is a bold haircut that showcases the depth and volume of your hair. It’s super versatile, too, and can be worn in lots of different ways.

The modern shag is much more relaxed than the original cut that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s.

Still, it’s a slightly daring option for women looking for a formal haircut, as it’s slightly unruly and less formulaic than some of the other options on this list.

Still, we think the windswept, chilled vibes given off by the modern shag make it a brilliant choice for any formal occasion. 

Top 3: Shoulder-length waves 

Why we love it: This cut with shoulder-length waves is an easy formal hairstyle for medium-length hair. The addition of sea salt spray can instantly lift the cut and shows stunning depth and texture with ease. 

Loose, shoulder-length waves are a beautiful option for many formal events.

This light haircut works well at shoulder length because it doesn’t have too much weight, meaning your hair sits naturally without looking heavy.

Adding highlights to your waves is a great option, particularly if you’re attending a summer wedding at which you want to look the part. 

Top 4: Curly top knot 

Why we love it: While some people are hesitant to wear their hair up to formal occasions, we think a curly top knot i stylish and a way to show off the natural shape of your curls. 

A formal updo that works for practically any occasion, the curly top knot will turn heads for the right reasons.

This curly formal hairstyle for medium-length hair is extremely easy to style, too, and can be accessorized with a headband and colorful scrunchie.

We recommend leaving some of your curls to flow naturally from the band to frame your face. 

Top 5: Classy ballerina bun 

Why we love it: The ballerina bun is a truly elegant hairstyle that elevates any look. Keep it tight and try slicking your hair back for the ultimate formal look. 

Free hairstyles are as chic as the classic ballerina bun.

This is a brilliant option for women with slightly thicker and longer hair, with the bun at the back of your head coming together in a tight knot.

Top 6: Braided ponytail 

Why we love it: This is an easy semi-formal hairstyle for medium-length hair. The protective braids are great for your natural hair and can be styled and accessorized in numerous ways. 

We love how a braided ponytail can be a stunning formal and semi-formal option simultaneously.

Also, after going to the effort of braiding your ponytail, you can style it in various ways, wearing it up or letting your hair extensions flow down your back.

Gold jewelry contrasts beautifully with the braided pony and is a great way to elevate the look ahead of a special occasion.

Top 7: Lob with curtain bangs 

Why we love it: The lob with curtain bangs was one of the hottest looks of 2021, and it’s still trending today. We love the effortless way the curtain bangs frame the face, drawing attention to your best features. 

The face-framing layers of curtain bangs, combined with the perfect length of the lob, make this an excellent formal hairstyle for medium-length hair down.

The tasteful addition of highlights can work wonders, adding a sun-kissed look to your style, even in the depths of winter.

We adore this look for weddings and think it’s a great look for bridesmaids and wedding guests alike. 

Top 8: Messy bun 

Why we love it: The messy bun is an easy, tousled look that is perfect for weddings. It’s extremely easy to style and requires very little maintenance to stay in place throughout the day. 

You might think that messy haircuts aren’t suited to formal occasions, but the messy bun is a brilliant formal hairstyle for wearing your hair up.

The key to achieving a formal messy bun is the way you allow your hair to frame your face.

Don’t pack your hair too tightly, and leave some strands to flow naturally down your face.

This way, your messy bun will look nice for any formal occasion.

Top 9: Tousled curls 

Why we love it: The best thing about tousled curls is just how effortlessly they appear.

If you’re looking for formal down hairstyles for medium-length hair that give off “I woke up like this” vibes, tousled curls are for you.

One of the best things about the tousled curls hairstyle is that it’s effortless and timeless yet incredibly versatile.

By this, we mean that it would capture the attention at a formal dinner as much as it would if you went to your best friend’s birthday party

Top 10: Mid-length afro 

Why we love it: The afro is a throwback style to funkier days, but it can also be a modern cut that looks glamorous at formal events. Use a wide-tooth comb to achieve a coily afro.

While it might take some guts to try an afro for the first time, we assure you that when you take the plunge, you will settle on this as one of your go-to styles for formal occasions.

In the example above, you can see how the addition of loopy earrings adds a dimension to the afro, and it can work well with so many dress styles for weddings, parties, and formal gatherings. 

Formal hairstyles for short-to-medium-length hair styling tips

We spoke to our stylists and asked for some general styling tips you can think about before attending a formal event this year: 

✔️ Accessorize: One of the easiest ways to elevate a medium-length hairstyle for formal events is to accessorize. A tiara, loopy earrings, or floral patterns (for weddings) can be all you need to rock a stunning haircut that will capture the attention of all the other guests. 

✔️ Don’t deviate too much from your normal style: Sometimes, we can try too hard and go for something completely out of our comfort zone when attending a formal event.

But sticking to something you know, with a slight twist, can be all you need to look your best. For instance, switching from your standard, messy lob to a blunt lob can be a great way to elevate your look ahead of the big event.

✔️ Limit heat-based styling: No matter the hairstyle you go for, limit your use of curling irons and heat-based straighteners where possible, as they dry your hair out and can cause frizz.

We recommend using the adjustable heat of the Laifen Swift Special so you can dry your hair on the cool or medium heat setting for the best results.

Final words

You’re spoiled for choice regarding formal hairstyles for medium-length hair. Whether you love the blunt lob or the messy bun, you can ask your stylist to help you rock one of these iconic looks at your upcoming wedding, party, or special work event.

For further inspiration, follow our blog and check out other hairstyles that can work for your specific face type ahead of your formal do. You can also head to TikTok to discover some of the latest viral trends and hairdos that you can’t afford to ignore in 2026.

FAQs

1. What formal hairstyles work best for medium-length hair?

Medium-length hair is incredibly versatile for formal styles. Soft updos, low buns, sleek ponytails, half-up styles, and loose waves all work beautifully.

2. Can medium-length hair be styled into an updo for formal events?

Yes, styles like low chignons, twisted buns, and pinned-back waves create a polished look without requiring extra length. Strategic pinning and light teasing help add volume and hold.

3. How do I make a formal hairstyle last all day or night?

Preparation is key. Dry hair and use lightweight styling products for grip. Curling or texturizing the hair before styling helps with hold.

4. Are formal hairstyles suitable for thin or fine medium-length hair?

Absolutely. Many formal hairstyles can help to add volume and dimension. Loose waves, textured buns, and half-up styles create the illusion of fuller hair. Using volumizing products and gentle teasing at the crown can help fine hair look more polished and elegant.

5. What formal hairstyles are best for weddings or special occasions?

Classic styles like soft curls, elegant low buns, and romantic half-up hairstyles are amazing for weddings. These looks photograph beautifully and complement formal outfits. Adding subtle accessories such as hairpins or pearls can elevate the style without overpowering your overall look.

6. Can I create formal hairstyles for medium-length hair at home?

Yes, many formal hairstyles are achievable at home with the right tools. A curling iron, hair pins, and styling spray are often enough. Choosing styles that embrace natural texture makes the process easier while still delivering a salon-inspired finish.

7. How do I choose the right formal hairstyle for my face shape?

Face shape plays an important role. Soft waves and side parts flatter round faces, while sleek styles suit oval shapes. Medium-length hair allows flexibility, so experimenting with volume placement and parting helps create balance and enhance your natural features.

8. Do formal hairstyles damage medium-length hair?

When done correctly, formal hairstyles shouldn’t cause damage. Use heat protection before styling and avoid pulling hair too tightly. Removing pins and deep conditioning afterward helps maintain hair health while enjoying elegant formal looks throughout the year.