12 Formal Updos for Medium Length Hair That Will Make You Look Elegant

When it comes to elevating your look with medium-length hair, choosing the right formal updo can truly make a difference. From timeless chignons to romantic braided crowns, there are styles to suit every event and personal tone. Each option offers a refined finish that enhances your natural beauty while allowing for creative variation. Ready to discover the most elegant and versatile styles that can transform your appearance for any special occasion?

Classic Chignon With a Twist

A classic chignon always exudes sophistication, but adding a modern twist can elevate this timeless style for your medium-length hair. Incorporate stylish hair accessories like embellished pins or sleek hairbands to enhance your look.

Use refined styling techniques, such as twisting sections of hair before pinning, to create texture and visual interest. Play with volume at the crown or incorporate a subtle side part to modernize the traditional chignon.

This elegant updo blends tradition with contemporary flair, making it perfect for formal events. With thoughtful accessories and precise styling, you’ll achieve a chic, polished look that stands out with understated confidence.

Elegant Low Bun With Braids

When it comes to achieving an elegant yet effortless formal look, the low bun with braids offers the perfect combination of sophistication and modernity.

Using versatile braid techniques, you can create added texture and dimension, elevating simple low bun styles. Start by braiding sections of your hair before gathering everything into a sleek, neat bun at the nape of your neck.

This style works beautifully for medium-length hair, providing a polished appearance suitable for any formal event. The intertwining braids add visual interest without complicating the style, making it an accessible yet refined choice that highlights your sense of style and grace.

Side Swept French Roll

If you’re aiming for a sleek and sophisticated formal look, the side swept French roll offers an effortlessly chic option.

This style embodies side swept elegance by sweeping your hair to one side before creating the classic French roll, giving it a modern twist. You can experiment with French roll variations, such as adding twists or pins for a unique touch.

This updo highlights your facial features and provides a polished, refined appearance suitable for any formal event. It’s easy to achieve with a bit of practice, ensuring you look put-together without sacrificing comfort or style.

Sleek Half-Up Bun

Achieving a sleek half-up bun is a straightforward way to elevate your formal look with minimal effort. This classic style combines sleek styling with modern elegance, making it perfect for any sophisticated event.

You can experiment with various bun variations, like a simple polished knot or a smooth, rounded bun. To guarantee a neat finish, use a flat iron to smooth out flyaways and secure the bun with discreet pins.

The half-up style highlights your face while maintaining an air of refinement, making it versatile for both daytime functions and evening occasions. With a few easy adjustments, you’ll create an effortlessly chic and elegant updo.

Romantic Wispy Updo

A Romantic Wispy Updo effortlessly combines soft, airy textures with elegant charm, making it an ideal choice for any formal occasion.

You’ll achieve romantic textures by gently tousling your hair to create gentle volume and movement. Soft tendrils frame your face, adding a delicate, feminine touch that enhances your overall look.

This style emphasizes lightness and effortless beauty, perfect for those who want to appear polished yet approachable. To maintain the wispy effect, avoid over-smoothing; instead, let subtle imperfections contribute to its charm.

Whether for a wedding or fancy dinner, this updo radiates graceful sophistication with a touch of whimsical romance.

Vintage-inspired Rolls and Pins

Vintage-inspired rolls and pins exude timeless elegance, offering a polished yet romantic look perfect for formal events. This style nods to classic vintage hairstyles and creates a refined retro updo you’ll love.

You can achieve an elegant finish by carefully rolling sections of your medium-length hair and securing them with decorative pins, adding a touch of old-world charm. The result is sophisticated and versatile, making it ideal for weddings, galas, or special dinners.

Pay attention to symmetry and smoothness for a truly polished appearance. Incorporate vintage-inspired accessories or subtle embellishments to elevate the look further and embrace a truly timeless style.

Romantic Messy Bun With Decorations

When you want a look that effortlessly combines romance and modern elegance, a romantic messy bun with decorations is the perfect choice. This style embraces messy hair textures, adding volume and charm while maintaining a polished appearance.

Enhance its appeal with romantic accessories like delicate flowers, pearl pins, or sparkling hairpieces to elevate the look for special occasions. The key is to create intentionally tousled, textured strands that exude relaxed sophistication.

Whether you’re attending a garden wedding or a formal dinner, this updo balances effortless beauty with a trend-conscious flair, making you look both stylish and graceful.

Sophisticated Ball Twist

For an instantly polished and elegant look, the sophisticated ball twist elevates medium-length hair with its sleek, sculpted design.

To enhance its refined appeal, add sophisticated accessories like jeweled pins or minimalist barrettes.

Pay attention to your hair texture; smooth, shiny strands create a more polished finish, while slight waves add subtle dimension.

This updo’s elegant form is perfect for formal events, exuding timeless grace.

It’s versatile enough to pair with statement earrings or a delicate necklace.

The key is maintaining a clean, structured shape, allowing your chosen accessories and your hair’s natural texture to shine through for a truly sophisticated look.

Bridal-Inspired Floral Updo

Elevate any formal occasion by embracing a bridal-inspired floral updo that radiates romance and elegance. Incorporate delicate bridal hairpieces and charming flower embellishments to create a soft, enchanting look.

This style pairs beautifully with medium-length hair, allowing you to showcase intricate twists or braids decorated with fresh or faux blooms. The key is balancing the floral accents, ensuring they enhance rather than overpower your hairstyle.

Whether for a wedding, gala, or sophisticated event, this updo exudes timeless grace. Focus on a polished finish with carefully placed floral details, making you look effortlessly elegant and beautifully in tune with romantic trends.

Elegant Bubble Bun

The elegant bubble bun offers a chic and modern twist on classic updo styles, making it perfect for formal events. By mastering bubble bun techniques, you create a voluminous, textured look that exudes sophistication.

You can explore various bubble bun variations, such as adding decorative accessories or incorporating sleek, tight bubbles for a polished appearance. To achieve this style, section your hair into evenly spaced parts, gently pull each section through elastic bands, and secure the bubbles smoothly.

With practice, this style becomes effortless and versatile, suitable for both high-profile occasions and elegant gatherings, ensuring you look effortlessly refined.

Braided Crown Updo

A braided crown updo creates a regal, bohemian-inspired look that’s perfect for formal events. By mastering braid techniques like French or Dutch braids, you can craft a striking crown-style hairstyle.

To achieve this, section your hair and create a braid on each side, wrapping them around your head for a crown effect. Secure with pins, blending the braid ends into the styling for seamless crown styling.

This elegant updo highlights your medium-length hair’s natural texture while maintaining a polished appearance. Whether for weddings or galas, a braided crown updo offers sophisticated charm with a modern twist, perfect for making a memorable impression.

Double French Braids Into a Bun

When you want a chic updo that combines intricate detail with effortless elegance, double French braids leading into a bun are a perfect choice. This style showcases your mastery of double braid styles, creating a striking and sophisticated look.

Start by sectioning your hair into two symmetrical braids, then incorporate classic French braid techniques for a polished finish. Once braided, twist the braids into a sleek bun, selecting from various bun variations like a low chignon or a top knot to suit your occasion.

This versatile updo balances texture and refinement, making it an excellent option for formal events and style-conscious days.