3 classic and simple hairstyles for parties

The end of the year is fast approaching and with it comes the party plans and festive dinner invites.

Besides the mental and emotional preparation for the inevitable reminiscing and the making of resolutions that these events will spark, there is also the all- important decision of what to do with your hair.

With all the other party preparations competing for time, it is important to be able to achieve a glamorously elegant look that is fuss-free and long-lasting.

Here are three simple yet classic styles that you can easily create and wear for the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Images: AFP 

1. Tousled long bob 

The bob was all the rage this season, with celebrities such as actress Sarah Hyland and model Kiko Mizuhara pulling off stunning variations at red-carpet events. Actress Jennifer Lawrence (above), who has worn her blonde locks at shoulder length for a while now, was seen at the Los Angeles premiere of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 last month with this refreshing take on the short style.

"Curls always give a look a bit more glamour and this style is also very easy to achieve," says Mr Gary Chew, 42, co-founder and director of Salon Vim.

How to get the look: 

2. Slicked back high ponytail with curls 

British actress Kate Beckinsale (above) showed off her sharp features with this sophisticated look on the red carpet of the British Fashion Awards 2015 in London last month. The style is not only polished but also helps to keep hair neat and out of the way as you dance through the festivities.

How to get the look: 

3. Low chignon 

French actress Lea Seydoux (above) was seen on the red carpet of the French premiere of the new James Bond film Spectre in October with this soft and romantic updo.

"This is a very popular style now as it does not need any curling so it is more convenient. It is also very on-trend in South Korea," says Mr Jack Kong, 41, image director at Urbanhair by Ginrich.

"Because it is a looser bun, you do not need a lot of products, which means that the style will look more natural and last longer too."

How to get the look: 

More expert tips: 

Here are some other preparations you can make to cut down on the time you spend on your hair before the big party:

Perm: Ms Jennie Sng, 51, creative team stylist at Kim Robinson, says: "If your hair is very straight, I would suggest a body perm or a digital perm before the event.

"When you use a curling iron on very straight hair, the curls do not always last for more than a few hours.

"A curling iron will give permed hair more defined curls that look more polished and the perm will help the curls to hold for longer."

Highlights: Ms Sng recommends highlighting the hair to give it more texture.

"Colour always makes the hair look different and gives it more depth."

Treatments: Mr Gary Chew, 42, co-founder and director of Salon Vim, also reminds those who often style their hair that it is important for them to get their hair treated regularly.

"It is always easier to style healthy, strong hair and the results look better too. It is worth pampering yourself, not just to keep your hair strong but also to help you keep styling it."

A version of this story was originally published in The Straits Times on December 17, 2015. For more stories like this, head to www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle