Fall/Winter 2011-2012 Updo Trends

Updo hairstyles are amazing. They are so easy to achieve and can transform your look from day to night in an instant. Besides, there are no special tricks involved and they require minimum amount of effort or styling tools. Whether you choose a classic, old-school bun or a more complex, edgy version, this is the perfect 'do if you want a sexy, elegant, wow-worthy appearance. From simple ballerina buns and polished French twists to dramatic and sophisticated 'dos, we have chosen some of the hottest fall/winter 2011-2012 updo trends and some easy tips to help you try them at home.

Facing a bad hair day? Or are you in a hurry and have no time to make a cool hairstyle? A slightly messy side-swept knot (Sonia Rykiel, Chanel) might solve your dilemma and become a real lifesaver. In fact, who says you cannot turn heads with a simple, timeless ballerina bun (Yves Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney)? And in order to get the look you just have to pull hair into a low ponytail, twist it into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. If you are more like a romantic girl at heart, you can also try a loose and soft 'do as spotted at Dolce & Gabbana and Cacharel. You can give your look a chic flair by creating the sky high bun seen at Donna Karan or the refined, super-sleek and glossy updo seen at Giles.

The ballerina bun spotted at Donna Karan is so ladylike and refined. It is easy to create and it can make a real impact despite its apparent simplicity. Plus, it is a great party 'do as it oozes elegance and glamour. Start by creating a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic band. Next, make a soft bun around the base of the pony and pin the hair loosely using some bobby pins.

Embrace easy fall styling with a loose updo as seen at Dennis Basso or a tousled, undone 'do as spotted at Michael Kors. It seems that at Kors it all started as a French twist and it turned out to be a beautiful, rather messy look, yet effortlessly sexy. At Rochas, hair was gathered into an almost perfect, groomed chignon with a light masculine flair, while at Moschino the famous French twist looks impeccably. For a super-stylish French twist, start by backcombing hair at the crown. Next, brush hair gently to one side and place bobby pins vertically up the center back of the head. Then, twist the free section of hair upward and toward the other side of the head. Secure it into place using large bobby pins paying attention so the roll hides the pins. Apply some hairspray.

Style it up this fall with a special, elegant bun as seen at Luca Luca and Carolina Herrera with hair folded upward and inward. A stunning style and a perfect match for red, vampy lips.

This fall you are allowed to have fun while styling your hair. Go glam and try extravagant, head-turning, sculpted twists as seen at Badgley Mischka and Holly Fulton. These styles are bold and work great for a chic night out. For the Mischka look just create a side parting, twist hair on both sides in different ways and unite them at the back, on one side, making a spiral rolled chignon.

Looking for a spectacular style for long tresses? Go fierce with big hair! Look no further than the bouffant, vintage-inspired beehive spotted at Bottega Veneta and Jean Paul Gaultier. A beehive is so versatile and flatters all face shapes. Start at the crown of the head, backcomb the hair and apply some hairspray at the roots. Gather your hair at the center of the head, twist and pin loosely into place, leaving a few flyaways to frame your face. Whether you're going out for a romantic date or just on a night out with your friends, a voluminous, rather disheveled 'do (Ruffian, Fendi) can add that classic sophistication you need in order to stand out.

Photos courtesy of elle.com, style.com