Tie the knot: Here's how you can achieve Zendaya's Emmy look

Zendaya at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards. Pic Courtesy/Getty Images

Who would have thought that along with platform heels, avant-garde sweaters, and curly bangs from the 1970s, ribbons would make a comeback? Showing the world how it's done, actor Zendaya walked the red carpet at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards with a satin ribbon in her pulled-back, soft, blown-away curls. Her fresh make-up and the monotone custom Maison Valentino gown drew attention to the subtle chicness of the hairstyle, highlighting the ribbon. For Shaira Mulwani, a bridal hair and make-up artiste (@shai__makeupandhair), the look spelled nostalgia. "My mother would dress me up with ribbons in my hair all the time when I was younger. I never thought I would use them now, thinking they would look childish. But they are classic. I use ribbons often on clients," she says, decoding three ways to style ribbons.

Sleeky evenings

If you want to achieve Zendaya's dressed-up look for an evening event or party, Mulwani recommends styling a high and sleek ponytail with a ribbon. First, use a lightweight mousse or spray to tame fly-away strands or baby hair on the crown of your head. Comb back your hair into a high ponytail and tie it. Cover the band with the ribbon and tie a medium-sized bow at the side.

For an elegant evening look, choose a gown like Maitreyi Ramakrishnan's (right) and tie a ribbon on a high sleek ponytail. Pic Courtesy/Getty Images

Opt for an elegant gown. Match the colour and fabric of your ribbon to the gown, don't contrast it. This will ensure the look is cohesive. You want your make-up to complement your hairstyle and not overpower it. Wing your liner, add a red lip, and leave the rest of your make-up light.
PRO TIP: Shape the ends of your ponytail with a straightener to achieve those voluminous waves.

Spaced out

Millie Bobby Brown sporting space buns. Pic Courtesy/Getty Images

If you want to go all out and have fun with your look, take a ribbon and run with it. Try space buns with ribbons around each bun. Tie the ribbons into bows or let the ends dangle. Pair the hairstyle with a jumpsuit, a flowy dress with boots or even a bodycon dress. Mulwani suggests thickly lined kohl eyes and deep burgundy lips.
PRO TIP: Have fun with this look, start with the space buns and then dress according to the hairstyle and your mood.

Daytime chic

Model Shivangi S with a messy braid by Shaira Mulwani. Pics Courtesy/Shaira Mulwani

For a day look that is perfect for college or office, Mulwani suggests a messy side braid. "It's quick and easy to pull off, without being time-consuming," she notes. The trick is to braid with a light hand so that the plait is loose, natural, and perfectly messy. Start off by braiding your hair to one side, leaving small sections of the hair in the front, like long side bangs, to add structure to the face. One bobby pin is enough to get it across the ribbon and secure it at the start of the braid. Leave the ribbon loose at the end without tying a bow. Use an off-white ribbon, since this is a day look, especially if you're heading to a workspace. Couple this with toned-down make-up and an off-white shirt or kurta, and small gold hoops. For the make-up, go for peachy coral lips or just gloss with a touch of pink hue to the cheeks.
PRO TIP: Adding a spritz of any texturising hairspray will define the messy braid.

Put a ribbon on it

1. Get ready-made satin and chiffon ribbons in bows for a cute, neat and chic look.
Log on to: Sobo Bow Accessories and Best Buy Friends on etsy.com
Cost: Rs 536 and Rs 660

2. These large handcrafted ribbons will give you a bohemian look and feel.
Log on to: jaypore.com
Cost: Rs 1,350

Shaira Mulwani

3. DIY your accessories with organza and lace typically used for saree borders.
Log on to: Vinayak Embellishment and Boho Tree on etsy.com