17 Half Up, Half Down Hairdos for Brides

1. Corset Gowns

Corsets have been taking over the fashion world, including bridal style! You can keep that sophisticated bridal style with the added texture of a corset top. With the off the shoulder straps and lace-up detail, it's an unexpected choice that's still super classy. (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

2. Lace Wedding Dresses

Lacy dresses have been around since the turn of the century, but designers are continuing to find ways to make them look brand new. The semi sheer look, slit, and strappy silhouette add a modern edge. Plus it has pockets! (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

3. Open Backs

Summer brides don't normally need to worry about it being too cold, so it's the perfect time to show a little more skin. A plunging neckline can be fashion forward and very flattering, but open backs or sides are where it's at this season. (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

4. Monochromatic Texture

What this trend may lack in color, it makes up for in appliqués, embroidery, and more. It's perfect for turning heads, but it won't clash with the decor, no matter your color palette. (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

5. Puff Sleeves

This dress is perfect for any bride who wants to feel like a princess on her wedding day. The asymmetrical pleats and leaf fabric design are great for gals who want to keep things romantic and chic at the same time. (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

6. Delicate Hair Accessories

Hair accessories aren't just limited to spring music festivals. We've seen tiaras, headbands, and decorated clips incorporated into wedding looks this year. Keep things simple by adding all the jewelry to one side of your 'do, but feel free to mix up pattern. (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

7. Simple Dresses + Statement Veils

With lots of brides opting for low-key dress designs, long and intricate veils are making a comeback. Decorated veils (like this starry one) are a fantastic way to add detail to your look without having to deal with a variety of other accessories. (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

8. Sheer Bodices

Embroidered floral bodices might be a bit out of your comfort zone, but with padding in the bust area and plunging sides, it's a classy and modern choice for any bride. (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

9. Minimalist Everything

Minimalism has been a lifestyle trend lately, and we predict that beautifully simple gowns will be new go-tos for brides. We love this tiered skirt and cinched bodice for any and all weddings this summer. (via Rebecca Schoneveld)

1. A Braid Crown (via Brit + Co)

2. Pony Perfection

3. Voluminous Twist Updo

4. Khaleesi-Approved Side Braid

5. Twists and Vines (via Angelo Pantazis/Unsplash)

6. Half-Up Twist

7. Classic Wrapped Pony

8. Pearl Pony (via With Love Caila)

9. Messy Center Part

10. Feather Headband

11. Braided Pony

12. Nourished Natural Curls (via Brit + Co)

13. Loose Top Knot

14. Sleek Swoop

15. Pancaked Pull-Through Braids

16. Wispy Face-Framing Curls (via 小谢/Unsplash)

17. Shimmering Chignon

18. Statement Accessory (via With Love Caila)

19. Daisy Side Braid

20. Touch of Feathers (via Brit + Co)

21. Boho Crown Braids

22. Edgy Bubble Braid (via Kimson Doan/Unsplash)

23. Sleek Side Pony

24. Sophisticated Low Pony (via VellaSyah/Unsplash)

25. Piecey Braid

26. Floral Hair Accessory

27. Vintage Headpiece

28. Twisted Rainbow Updo

29. Bubbled Half-Up Look (via Lindsay McGrath/Unsplash)

30. Shiny Low Bun

31. Piecey Updo

32. Rapunzel-Esque Mane

33. Half-Up Half-Down Braid (via Maria Nila)

34. Flirty Fishtail Waves

35. Lace Details

36. Flower Clip

37. Beachy Curls

1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025

We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.

"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.

Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."

This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.

2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home

One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"

"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.

Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."

You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.

3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks

Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:

• What is the most effective use of my time right now?

4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard

Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."

According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.

5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them

Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"

They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?

Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."

6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours

I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.

"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:

• "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."

I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.

7. Please, log off from work when it's time.

Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.

Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."

As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.

8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:

• "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"