To achieve this style, simply smooth your hair with a flat iron and tie it up in a high ponytail. To complete the look, blow dry and flick the ends out with a round brush to achieve the signature flip.
Looking for a formal summer updo ponytail that has both a vintage and modern twist? This style exudes old school glam to 2025 and even beyond.
Curly half-up ponytail
This effortless romantic hairstyle features a curly half-up ponytail. The pulled-back top section showcases the face, while the soft curls add to the ethereal nature of the look. This is a great style for those who wish to keep their hair off their face without sacrificing a volumetric and dramatic effect.
Best for thick or wavy hair, this hairstyle provides height without offering a tight feel like a full updo would give. This style is ideal for warm summer celebrations such as engagement parties, bridal showers, or stylish date nights.
In order to achieve this look, curl the entire head first. Then grab the crown section and secure it into a high half ponytail. Don’t forget to gently lift the crown with a wide tooth comb for added body.
If you seek something a little playful, yet sophisticated at the same time, this summer hairstyle which is a bun/ponytail hybrid is perfect for you.
Classic Chignon with a Twist
This variation of a classic chignon is still timeless and sophisticated. Featuring soft face-framing pieces and a coiled bun, it is effortlessly polished and still maintained. This style works perfectly for any summer event both during the day and evening.
This hairstyle works best for those with medium-length hair, and it particularly suits people with curtain bangs or side bangs. The hairstyle adds graceful softness to the face, while enhancing the neckline’s beauty.
Curl your hair and tease your crown slightly for volume. Then twist your hair into a low bun at the nape and add some tendrils to soften the features.
Needups elegant short hair formal updos that are still romantic? This is an easy solution to look bridal, a stunning bridesmaid, or just plain stunning.
Bouncy Blonde High Ponytail
This high ponytail hairstyle is absolutely a red carpet favorite and we can all see why. This look strikes that sweet balance between casual and cool with voluminous waves and soft definitions.
It is ideal for medium and long hair. It instantly elevates your look makes you feel youthful and fun. This hairstyle works wonderfully with open back and strapless dresses showcasing the neckline while drawing attention to the earrings.
Use a large curling iron to soft waves into the hair and loosening the ponytail will allow it to sit on top of the head just secured over the band so that it can be teased. Hot tip, If you want stunning medium hair elegant updos without having to deal with buns ponytail is the way to go.
Braided Crown Bun
This hairstyle is perfect for summer events as it makes you looks chic and feeling relaxed and contains a French braid that merges to a messy top knot which is one of its kind. The French braid adds elegance to the voluminous bun while the diagonal French braid gives it more.
This style is flattering and works well for medium thickness hair. When summer arrives, its an ideal solution for hot days when you want your hair stylishly off your neck.
To achieve this look, begin by dividing the hair into sections and starting a braid from one side crossing it around the crown. Then take the rest of the hair, twist it into a bun, and fix it with bobby pins. The beauty is not in precision but the charm of loosely styled attire.
If you are going for brunch, a casual get together, or a wedding by the beach, this is one of those medium length hairstyles for summer that is both cute and elegant.
Power Sleek High Ponytail
With an attitude-packed, high-fashion twist, this ultra-sleek high ponytail exudes fierce confidence. The hair is pulled back tightly and secured at the high-sculpted position with the ponytail itself ultra-smooth and polished, cascading straight down the back.
This is perfect for evening events, galas, or even editorial-shoot style photo sessions. It’s amazing for people with fine to medium hair textures and anyone wanting a contemporary lifted silhouette.
To achieve this look, use a flat iron to entirely straighten the hair. Afterwards, a smoothing serum or shine spray can be applied. For the front, use a strong holding gel or pomade to pull it back seamlessly.
If you love elegant short hairstyles for formal updos but still want to keep a contemporary twist, this is your alternative for a runway-ready look.
Minimalist Sleek Bun
Sleek top knots are understated and endlessly versatile. Effortless style is achieved with no room for distraction. Pulling hair back neatly into a high bun and wrapping it into a tidy, compact bun is elegance incarnate.
This updo works best for people who enjoy a clean, tidy look. Picture black-tie functions, business soc-frequenterties, or even a chic day out on the streets. It goes with everything, especially for people blessed with straight or relaxed hair.
To achieve this style, part the hair and pull it back into a high ponytail. A clean hair look can be achieved using gel and a bristle brush, smooth styling, and twisting to pin into a bun.
Is sophisticated what you seek in summer formal updos? This sleek bun is as sophisticated as it gets and can be put together with ease.
Conclusion
These summer 2025 picks prove that elegant updos never go out of style. There’s a look here for every hair type and vibe, whether you’re heading to a wedding or prom or simply want to turn heads at your next event. Feel free to play with volume and add braids or accessories to make the style your own. Which elegant updo will you try first?
