Their heyday was in the 1980s, when the Sloane Rangers ruled and Sarah Ferguson was rarely seen without one.
But the Alice band has made something of a come-back – at least where the Princess of Wales is concerned, establishing them as part of her signature style.
Already known for experimenting with fascinators, statement hats and pillbox toppers, Catherine first turned to headbands in 2018. Since then, she has worn some sensational pieces, notably from milliners Jane Taylor and Juliette Botterill.
It’s a perfect look for the princess as it allows her hair to shine through, instead of remaining hidden beneath wide-brimmed hats.
Catherine’s stylish Alice bands made their Middleton debut at the 2018 christening of Prince Louis, when she chose a refreshing new look with a Jane Taylor appliqué design.
Since then, we have seen floral, tweed and velvet versions, plus a dazzling cross between a tiara and headband for the King’s Coronation.
Coronation Glamour
Catherine, Princess of Wales wears a floral crown with three-dimensional leaves created by Alexander McQueen and milliner Jess Collett. She wore this instead of a tiara
The Princess of Wales with her flower crown entering Westminster Abbey for the May 6 Coronation of King Charles III
Princess Charlotte wore a miniature version of her mother’s flower crown on the balcony at Buckingham Palace
The King’s Coronation was a spectacle of royal jewels, but none shone as brightly as Catherine’s dazzling floral headband with Princess Charlotte’s mini version which matched her mothers perfectly. which she wore instead of a tiara.
The floral crown featured three-dimensional leaves and was created by Alexander McQueen and milliner Jess Collett and which she wore instead of a tiara.
Jackie O Style
Kate attending the Anzac day service wearing a £830 Calypso Halo by Jane Taylor. This was made from British tweed and featured a satin bowtie at the nape of the neck
The back view of Kate’s Calypso Halo headband with the bow – and her glossy hair – in clear view
As Kate stepped out to mark Anzac Day in April 2022 wearing Alexander McQueen, it was her headband that took centre stage.
The £830 Calypso Halo was by Jane Taylor and was made from iconic Bristish tweed featuring a tuxedo satin bow at the nape of the neck giving chic Jackie O vibes.
Shades of Blue
Kate attends the Easter service at St George’s Chapel in 2022 in a Jane Taylor £975 Diamond Crepe Pleated Band
The view from the back with the deep teal headband and the cornflower blue Emilia Wickstead dress coat complimenting each other
Dressing in cornflower blue Emilia Wickstead for the 2022 annual Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle, Kate chose a Jane Taylor headband in a deeper shade of teal.
The £975 Diamond Crepe Pleated Band was first worn in 2019 and features bows at the side which matched Princess Charlotte’s hair ribbon.
Irish Greens
Kate wore Irish designer, Lele Sadoughi’s padded headband on a tour of Ireland in March 2020
Paying homage to Ireland in green Alessandra Rich during a tour in March 2020, the Princess of Wales pulled back her hair with a chic Lele Sadoughi padded headband.
The classic £70 black velvet band added height to her hair and tied in with the crystal buttons on her dress.
High Street Sparkle
Kate wore a Zara £17.99 headband to the Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance in 2019 to go with her Jenny Packham dress
Mixing high street with designer at the Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance in 2019, Catherine wore a Jenny Packham dress, Alexander McQueen clutch and her trademark glossy loose waves pulled back with a £17.99 padded rhinestone headband from Zara.
Fuchsia Pink
Kate looked stunning at Archie’s christening in 2019. She teamed Juliette Botterill velvet plaited pink design headband with Stella McCartney dress
Stunning in pale pink Stella McCartney for Archie’s christening in 2019, it was Kate’s fuchsia headband that stood out. Her hair was held in place with a £340 velvet plaited pink design by Juliette Botterill which perfectly matched her Gianvito Rossi heels.
Christmas Reds
Kate wore a Jane Taylor Halo Band on the crown of her head on Christmas day 2018
The sideview of the Jane Taylor Alice Band reveals a chocolate brown bow.
From the back, there is a sculptural effect
It was festive shades of burgundy for Christmas Day in 2018 when Kate stepped out in a Catherine Walker coat and Jane Taylor headband.
The £830 Halo Band perched on the crown of her head and featured a chocolate brown bow, adding a 1930’s touch to her Christmas ensemble.
Velvet Details
Kate wore her hair in a chic updo with a £695 black velvet Jane Taylor headband at the 2018 Armistice Day service
At the 2018 Armistice Day service Kate wore her hair in a chic updo with a £695 black velvet Jane Taylor headband.
The velvet texture perfectly coordinated with the lapel, cuffs and pockets on her emerald Catherine Walker coat and the crescent shape gave her look a fashion forward edge.
Floral Blue
Kate’s £430 Juliette Botterill rose headband matched the cerculean shade of her Catherine Walker coat at the wedding of her friend, Sophie Carter to Robert Suggs in 2018
Kate’s Juliette Botterill rose headband complemented the page boys and bridesmaids perfectly
Florals reigned when Kate attended the wedding of Sophie Carter and Robert Snuggs in September 2018.
Coordinating with Princess Charlotte’s flower garland, Kate’s £430 Juliette Botterill rose headband matched the icy shade of her Catherine Walker coat.
Cream Appliqué
One of Kate’s most striking looks at Archie’s Christening in 2018 wearing a £1100 Jane Taylor bespoke creation with an Alexander McQueen cream coat
The Cassandra headband features a thick platform with striking appliqué flowers stitched on top giving her the perfect look for this special occasion
Catherine wore her most elaborate headband for the christening of Prince Louis in August 2018, pairing the £1100 Jane Taylor bespoke creation with an Alexander McQueen cream coat.
The Cassandra headband features a thick platform with striking appliqué flowers stitched on top giving her the perfect crowning glory.
