Learn How to Do the New Top Knot

2015 has been the year of the bun. Half top knots, next-level ballerina buns, twisted knots and ponybuns were sported consistently on the red carpet, and everyone from celebs to lazy girls to girl bosses have all gotten on board with this trend. We got to thinking that with the New Year right around the corner, a new take on the classic bun was in order, so we reimagined it with a lazy girl twist. Introducing: Half Top Knot Pony Bun.

This two-in-one ‘do is one that works well with any length of hair. What’s even better about this style is that it’s a simple way to dress up the trendiest cuts of the year — the bob and the lob (duh) — without losing any length. This lazy girl hairstyle is sure to be your go-to ‘do in 2016! Here’s how to do it — in just five minutes, of course.

STEP 1: PUT Half of YOUR HAIR INTO A PONYBUN

First, loop only the top part of your hair through an elastic band, leaving the loop intact so that the ends of your hair are halfway through the elastic to create a ponybun on the top of your head.

STEP 2: PIN DOWN THE FORWARD FACING STRANDS

Next, pin down the strands of hair that are facing forward (toward your face). Place a hairpin (or two) at the base of your knot by the elastic.

STEP 3: FLUFF IT UP

After that, fluff up your knot with the pick of a teasing comb. The goal here is to widen your top knot and further set the bun in place. Seal it all in with a spritz of hairspray.

Done and done. Perfect for those days when you’re so over that sleek half-up top knot look and want something a little messier.

Mark our words: This reverse hairstyle is going to be big this year! Wear it with your bedhead to own the look or curl up your mane to give it just the right amount of polish (but not too much ;)

Tag us on Instagram @britandco in pics of your favorite top knots!

Hair and Art Direction by Maritza Buelvas
Photography by Jennifer Coffey
Modeling by Anna Baun

Calling all Star Wars nerds: After decorating the house with geeky accessories and DIYing our favorite character costume, wehad to address our favorite part of the saga: Princess Leia's hair. It's epic — period. In honor of Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!) and the fact that Carrie Fisher finally got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, here are some of my favorite Princess Leia hair moments — with a modern twist. I updated these three styles into fun, five-minute looks that any level of fan or fashion girl would want to work. They're perfect for dinner plans and Star Wars parties alike.

Princess Leia's Double Braids from "​Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi​" –> Casual Rope Braids

Images via Lucasfilm Ltd/20th Century Fox/Walt Disney Studio Motion Pictures/Brit + Co

Tight, leather-threaded braids get a casual update with these pigtails, perfect for those days you want an easy, lazy girl style.

Step 1: Section + Twist

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Take a tiny strand of hair near your temple and separate it into two equal sections. Taking one strand in each hand, twisting each section around your fingers in a counterclockwise direction. Then cross the pieces over one another in a clockwise motion and keep on going.

Step 2: Secure + Repeat

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When you reach the end of the strand, secure the rope braid with a clear elastic.

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Then repeat on the other side.

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You can also curl the ends of your hair if you want to dress this look up a bit!

Princess Leia's Milkmaid Braid from ​"Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back​" –> Messy Fishtail Crown Braid

Images via Lucasfilm Ltd/20th Century Fox/Walt Disney Studio Motion Pictures/Brit + Co

Image via Brit + Co

We’re putting a more romantic twist on Princess Leia’s chunky milkmaid braid with a messy fishtail-Dutch plaitand loose, long tendrils to frame your face.

Step 1: Section

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Start by sectioning your hair in half. Pin the right section in place so that it will be easier to work with the left one.

Step 2: Fishtail Dutch Braid

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Now take a small strand from the top of your head and start fishtail braiding with two alterations: Braid underneath instead of over the top (this gives the braid a cool 3D effect) and incorporate tiny strands as you go.

Step 3: Secure + Repeat

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Once you’ve incorporated all the hair, keep on braiding normally, then tie with an elastic. Then, braid the other section with one twist: Braid this section upwards.

Step 4: Pancake

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Gently separate your plaits — what’s called pancaking — to give your braids a fuller, messier look.

Step 5: Pin + Final Touches

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Lastly, use a couple of bobby pins to secure the braids in place and get the perfect crown result. And don't worry if some tiny pieces are sticking out: It's all part of the look!

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Date-night ready like that.

Princess Leia Space Buns from "Episode IV: A New Hope" –> Half-Up Half-Down Double Buns

Images via Lucasfilm Ltd/20th Century Fox/Walt Disney Studio Motion Pictures/Brit + Co

While this is hands down Princess Leia's most iconic hair look, it's one of the hardest to wear outside of Halloween. This half-up, half-down update featuring a pair of mini buns makes it feel both more attainable and of the moment.

Step 1: Section

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Use a fine-tooth comb to make a section from the ear to the top of your head.

Step 2: Cheerleader Pigtails

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Then make a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Once you’re done, repeat on the other side.

Step 3: Create the Buns

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Finger comb your hair to add a bit of volume, then start twisting your ponytail to create a bun. Bobby pin it in place, then repeat on the left side.

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Polish your next athleisure outfit with this so-cute style.

Which Star Wars are you going to watch tonight? Tag us in your Princess Leia hairstyles on Instagram!

This post has been updated.

Lead image via Brit + Co

Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco are engaged! And as excited as we are for the happy couple, their friends are even more excited. (Although based on Selena's selfies, no one is as excited as her. Duh!!). Everyone from Nina Dobrev (who's also recently engaged to Shaun White) to Rare Beauty and Benny himself commented on the post. But no one made me smile as much as Selena's BFF Taylor Swift!

Keep reading to see what Taylor Swift said about Selena Gomez's engagement.

Taylor Swift's comment on Selena Gomez's engagement announcement is the most BFF response ever.

Selena Gomez's engagement post includes four photos: a close-up shot of her ring, followed by a picnic, a selfie, and a photo of Benny with his arms around her. "forever begins now," she captioned the post.

"yes I will be the flower girl," Taylor Swift joked in the comments. I know Taylor would look beautiful as part of Selena's wedding party (even if her 'fit isn't as dramatic as the "I Bet You Think About Me" music video!). Taylor herself has been subjected to engagement rumors for years, and her BF Travis Kelce recently spoke on the rumors this summer during the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend's onstage comedy sketch.

When Jason Sudeikis asked, "When are you going to make an honest woman out of her?" Travis responded with, "Guys, you're really pushing it." Travis' mom Donna just told Page Six at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards, “we will see what happens. You never know.”

In addition to Taylor Swift's comment, Benny Blanco said, "hey wait… that’s my wife," while Nina Dobrev commented, "YES !!!! Congratulations!!!!! So happy for you both!!!! 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍‼️"

The official Rare Beauty account commented, "CONGRATULATIONS 🥹💍 so happy for you two!!"

Jennifer Aniston said, "HONEY!! Congratulations sweet mama! ❤️💫" while Lily Collins commented, "Ahhhhhhhh yes yes yes!! Best news ever. Couldn’t be more happy for you both ❤️❤️❤️❤️"

Do you hope Taylor Swift winds up in Selena Gomez's wedding? If you're loving this celebrity wedding news, check out Gavin Casalegno & Cheyanne King's Beautiful Wedding Photos.

Looking for new ways to tie your hairstyle together? It’s time to take that quite literally and add a little black bow into the mix. What was once considered our go-to hair accessory in elementary school has become a red carpet staple in recent months. With Ashley Graham, Lili Reinhart, Nicole Kidman, and Emma Stone leading the way, we can’t help but want to follow suit. To learn how to add the feminine hair accessory into your beauty routine, keep scrolling for details on the stars’ stunning ‘dos.

Ashley Graham

The body positivity advocate and model paired a smooth, shiny bun with a handful of little black bows for a 2019 Oscars red carpet hairstyle that was anything but classic. Celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan began by blowdrying her mane into a center part. She then straightened from Graham’s roots down to her ends, using the ghd Platinum + Stlyer ($249), pulling away from the face and back towards the crown in the process. Next, she brushed from her hairline back to her crown and secured with a clear elastic after applying TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Hold Gel ($5) along the way. She repeated the process for the bottom section of strands and put the full ponytail into a hairnet before twisting into a bun and securing with French pins. For the pièce de résistance, Marjan pinned mini Jennifer Behr black bows throughout and finished with a spritz of TRESemmé TRES Two Unscented Extra Hold Hair Spray ($5).(Photo via Dan MacMedan/ Getty)

Lili Reinhart

The Riverdale actress attended The Art of Elysium’s 11th Annual Black Tie celebration, HEAVEN, donning a little black bow to top off her all-black ensemble. “I felt like we could add a modern element,” says celebrity hairstylist Bridget Brager. “So I purposed a half-up, half-down look with a center part, I kept the lengths straight with a tiny flip.” To score the flyaway-free finish, she applied a dime-size amount of Moroccanoil Treatment ($34) to the mid-lengths and ends, as well as a golf ball-sized dollop of mousse, before drying with a Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer ($400) and a large round brush. Next, she parted her hair down the middle, secured a half-up ponytail on each side, and a spritzed with Oribe Superfine Hairspray ($38) to lock both into place. As for the bow, that was a last minute addition. Before Reinhart walked out the door, Brager pulled out the ribbon and the whole team applauded, so they incorporated it into the look. (Photo via Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/ Getty)

Nicole Kidman

The Destroyer Best Actress in a Drama Motion Picture nominee walked the 2019 Golden Globes red carpet wearing a black velvet bow in her hair. “It was Nicole’s stylist Julia [von Boehm]’s idea, and I loved it,” celebrity hairstylist Kylee Heath says. “We wanted to have the hair up, but with a detail to tie in the black shoes.” To bring the idea to life, Heath began by blowdrying Kidman’s hair. She then sectioned the front out and pulled the rest into a low ponytail, which she curled and pinned into a low bun. She curled the free-flowing front section as well, though, to make it more ethereal, she brushed it out and applied a touch of the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum ($5) for added shine. Heath completed the look by clipping a Jennifer Behr Black Wide Velvet Bow Barrette ($152) above the bun and finishing with the TRESemmé TRES Two Unscented Extra Hold Hair Spray ($5). (Photo via Frazer Harrison/ Getty)

Emma Stone

Who doesn’t love a schoolgirl updo? “A pony is always cool, never too formal, and it absolutely complements any outfit,” celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak says. “For the London premiere of Maniac, I created this full ponytail with a bit of a soft wave and a bow for Emma.” While the end look is relatively simple, it took quite a few steps to bring it to life. First, Roszak blowdried Stone’s locks in Velcro rollers, using PHYTO Phytovolume Actif Volumizer Spray ($30) at the root. After letting them sit for five minutes, she uncoiled them and curled her hair with a 1.5-inch curling iron for a loose bend. “I teased the hair a bit at the crown for added height (most textured pony tails can use it), then I pulled all the hair back into a mid-height pony tail, securing it with a strong elastic,” she says, noting to make sure that the hair tie is tight enough that it won’t budge. To perfect the pony, Roszak gently loosened a few face-framing tendrils for added softness and used a ribbon from the fabric store to tie it all together. “Before she went out onto the red carpet I sprayed Davines This Is A Shimmering Mist ($22) all over and brushed through the pony gently,” Roszak says. “Then I set it all with Leonor Greyl Voluforme Styling Spray ($36).” (Photo via ANTHONY HARVEY/ Getty)

Which bow hairstyle is your fave? Tell us @BritandCo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

First there was Austin Butler as Elvis, then Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan and Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen. And now, after months of rumors, we finally got insider confirmation that Paul Mescal will be starring in a Beatles movie! (TBH after showing off his singing chops during SNL, I'd expect no less). Not only did Ridley Scott tell the world that Paul will be in the new movies, but sources confirmed to Variety that he's attached to the project.

Here's everything you need to know about Paul Mescal's Beatles movie — including which member of the band he's attached to play.

Ridley Scott seemingly confirms Paul Mescal's Paul McCartney casting.

During a Christopher Nolan, Gladiator 2 director Ridley Scott was asked if Paul Mescal was starring in his next film The Dog Stars. “Yes,” Ridley says. “Maybe. Paul is actually stacked up, doing the Beatles next. So I may have to let him go.”

While Paul Mescal's involvement in Sony's upcoming Beatle biopic quartet (say that five times fast) has been around the rumor mill, the news hasn't actually been confirmed by the movie studio. Um, does that mean Ridley Scott just leaked the information to the entire world?! I feel like this is information I'm not supposed to have.

Even though we don't have official casting news on the films, we do know that Sam Mendes is making four biopics, one for each of the band members. The movies will intersect to “tell the astonishing story of the greatest band in history,” per Variety.

Here's what Paul Mescal had to say about those Beatles biopic rumors.

Paul's rumored to play Paul McCartney, and told GQ in October 2024 that he "would love to be involved, but there’s nothing set in stone,” before telling ET at the Gladiator 2 Los Angeles premiere that "it would be an incredible story to be attached to. The fact that Sam Mendes is attached to direct, it truly would be a dream come true."

Fan casts for the other members of The Beatles include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Asa Butterfield, Barry Keoghan, and Tom Holland — which I would totally be here for TBH!

What do you think about these casting rumors? Would you like to see Paul Mescal in a Beatles movie? If you're loving these music biopics, don't forget to check out why Monica Barbaro Said Meeting Timothée Chalamet On A Complete Unknown Was A "Beautiful, Magical Day".

Minimal effort — that's our favorite phrase. Do a bit of arranging, brushing, and drizzling, then let the oven take care of the rest of the work for a dinner that's sure to end up on your regular recipe rotation. We use chopped potatoes, carrots, and red onion in this honey mustard chicken recipe, but you could easily replace 'em with baby new potatoes, baby carrots, and shallots (or scallions) to skip the knife work!

Bonus: Throw a bit of cooked couscous or quinoa in the leftovers (maybe a cheeky sprinkling of goat cheese too), and tomorrow's lunch is sorted. If you love the sheet-pan method, take a look at some of these veggie sheet pan dinners.

Now onto our delicious honey mustard chicken recipe!

Ingredients for Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken

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  • 3 large red-skinned potatoes, chopped into bite-size chunks
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-size chunks
  • 1 large red onion, peeled and sliced into chunky wedges
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 medium head of broccoli, broken into florets
  • 20 asparagus spears
  • Small bunch of parsley, finely chopped

Directions for Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Arrange the potatoes, carrots, onion, and chicken breasts on a large sheet pan.

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3. Mix together the honey, mustard, and brown sugar. Brush this mixture on the chicken breasts. Drizzle two tablespoons of the oil over the chicken and vegetables, then sprinkle on the salt and pepper. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes.

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4. Take the sheet pan out of the oven. Use a spatula to turn the vegetables over, then add the broccoli and asparagus. Drizzle on the remaining oil and sprinkle on another pinch of salt and pepper. Place back in the oven to cook for a further 5-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

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5. Sprinkle with parsley and serve!

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This post has been updated.