22 Side Swept Hairstyles for Formal Events

Side swept hairstyles are a classic choice for formal events, offering a balance of elegance and versatility. Whether you’re attending a wedding, prom, or gala, these styles can elevate your look with minimal effort. Let’s explore a variety of side swept hairstyles that suit different hair lengths and textures, ensuring you’ll find the perfect one for your next big occasion.

Why Side Swept Hairstyles Are Perfect for Formal Events

Side swept hairstyles are loved for their timeless appeal and ability to complement any formal outfit. These styles create a polished look while allowing room for creative touches, like accessories or braids. They’re suitable for all hair types, making them a go-to choice for any special event.

Classic Side Swept Hairstyles for Timeless Elegance

1. Sleek Side Swept Hair With Loose Waves

A young woman with light brown skin and sleek, shiny side-swept loose waves cascading over one shoulder, standing outdoors with a blurred park background.

This style combines a sleek top with soft waves cascading over one shoulder. It’s a simple yet sophisticated look that works well for galas or evening dinners.

2. Voluminous Side Sweep With Curls

A middle-aged Black woman with voluminous, bouncy curls swept to one side, photographed indoors with a blurred elegant event background.

Add volume to your hair with a deep side part and large, bouncy curls. This style pairs beautifully with formal dresses and is perfect for events like weddings or proms.

3. Low Side Swept Ponytail

An East Asian woman in her 30s with a sleek, low ponytail swept to one side, secured with a decorative clip, standing on a balcony with a blurred cityscape in the background.

A low ponytail with a side part is both chic and practical. Enhance it with a decorative clip or ribbon for a touch of elegance.

Side Swept Hairstyles for Formal Events With Braids

4. Side Swept Waterfall Braid

This romantic style features a waterfall braid that transitions into soft waves resting on one side. It’s a perfect choice for bridesmaids or garden parties.

5. Fishtail Braid Swept to One Side

A Latina woman in her 30s with an intricate fishtail braid swept over her shoulder, standing on a beach with a blurred ocean in the background.

A fishtail braid creates an intricate, textured look when swept over the shoulder. This hairstyle is ideal for formal settings where you want something unique.

6. Braided Crown With Side Swept Hair

A South Asian woman in her 40s with a braided crown transitioning into side-swept waves, photographed in a softly lit room with a blurred chandelier in the background.

This style pairs a braided crown with side swept locks for an elegant and regal appearance. It’s an excellent choice for black-tie events.

Romantic Side Swept Styles for Weddings and Galas

7. Soft Curls With a Floral Side Clip

A young woman with medium brown skin and soft curls swept to one side, adorned with a floral clip, standing in a wedding venue with a blurred background.

This style features loose curls swept to one side and accented with a delicate floral clip. It’s a romantic choice for weddings or engagement parties.

8. Side Swept Half-Up Hairstyle With Twists

A middle-aged white woman with a half-up twisted hairstyle swept to one side, photographed at a formal dining setting with a blurred background.

Twist sections of hair from both sides of your head into a half-up style, leaving the rest of your hair in soft waves. Sweep everything over one shoulder for an elegant touch.

9. Loose Side Bun With a Vintage Pin

An African American woman in her 40s with a loose side bun secured with a vintage pin, standing at an evening gala with a blurred background of soft lights.

A low, loose bun swept to one side pairs beautifully with vintage-inspired pins or brooches. This style is perfect for adding old-world charm to your formal look.

Modern Side Swept Hairstyles for Formal Events

10. Textured Side Part With Beachy Waves

A woman of mixed ethnicity in her late 20s with textured beachy waves swept to one side, standing at a coastal resort with the ocean blurred in the background.

For a more relaxed yet stylish look, pair a deep side part with textured beachy waves swept to one side. It’s a modern take on the classic side swept style.

11. High Side Ponytail With Sleek Ends

A Black woman in her early 20s with a high ponytail swept to one side, featuring sleek, glossy ends, standing near an art gallery with a blurred background.

A high ponytail swept to one side creates a sleek and bold formal look. This hairstyle is ideal for those who prefer a contemporary vibe.

12. Side Swept Hairstyle With an Undercut

An East Asian woman in her 30s with a bold undercut and sleek side-swept waves, standing on a rooftop bar with blurred city lights in the background.

If you’re looking for something edgy yet elegant, combine a side swept look with a subtle undercut. This style works well for modern evening events.

Side Swept Hairstyles for Short Hair

13. Tousled Side Sweep for Pixie Cuts

A white woman in her late 40s with a tousled pixie cut swept to one side, standing in an outdoor café with a blurred street background.

Short hair can be glamorous too. Add volume to your pixie cut and sweep it to one side for a stylish and effortless look.

14. Smooth Side Swept Bob With Tucked Ends

A South Asian woman in her late 30s with a sleek side-swept bob and neatly tucked ends, standing in a formal office setting with a blurred background.

A sleek bob swept to one side with the ends tucked behind your ear exudes sophistication. It’s a great choice for formal dinners or galas.

15. Retro-Inspired Deep Side Part

A Latina woman in her mid-30s with a retro-inspired deep side part styled into smooth vintage waves, standing at an old-fashioned theater with a blurred background.

Channel vintage vibes with a deep side part and smooth waves. This classic style adds an elegant touch to any formal occasion.

Side Swept Hairstyles for Formal Events on Long Hair

16. Cascading Curls in a Side Sweep

A Black woman in her 20s with long cascading curls swept to one side, standing at a garden wedding with blurred greenery in the background.

This elegant style features long, flowing curls swept to one side, creating a glamorous and timeless look for formal events.

17. Elegant Side Swept Updo for Long Hair

A white woman in her 50s with an elegant side-swept updo featuring soft curls, standing in a ballroom with blurred chandeliers in the background.

Gather your hair into a low chignon or bun, sweeping it to one side for a polished and graceful appearance. Perfect for black-tie occasions.

18. Side Swept Hair With a Dramatic Twist

A South Asian woman in her 40s with a dramatic side twist flowing into smooth waves, standing on a staircase in a historic venue with a blurred background.

Add volume and drama by twisting your hair from the crown and pinning it to one side. This style works beautifully with long, thick hair.

Quick and Easy Side Swept Hairstyles for Busy Formal Days

19. Loose Side Sweep With Textured Ends

A woman of mixed ethnicity in her early 30s with loose side-swept hair featuring textured ends, standing on a patio at sunset with the background blurred.

For a simple yet chic option, let your hair flow naturally with a soft side sweep. Add some texture spray to create a relaxed yet polished look.

20. Low Side Bun With a Simple Accessory

An East Asian woman in her 40s with a low side bun secured with a minimalistic accessory, standing in a softly lit banquet hall with the background blurred.

Gather your hair into a low bun on one side and secure it with a decorative pin or clip. This quick hairstyle is perfect for last-minute events.

21. Side Swept Hairstyle With a Scarf or Ribbon

A young Latina woman with her side-swept hair accented with a colorful scarf tied at the base, standing in an outdoor market with a blurred background.

Incorporate a scarf or ribbon into your side swept look for a touch of personality. This is a fun and stylish option for semi-formal occasions.

Bold Side Swept Hairstyles for Red Carpet Glam

22. Wet Look Side Sweep With a Sleek Finish

A Black woman in her late 20s with a wet-look side-swept hairstyle featuring a sleek finish, standing at a contemporary art exhibit with the background blurred.

For a bold and contemporary vibe, opt for a wet-look style. Sweep your hair to one side, use a strong-hold gel, and finish with a high-shine spray for a dramatic effect.

Perfecting Side Swept Hairstyles for Formal Events

Side swept hairstyles are incredibly versatile, making them a popular choice for all types of formal events. Whether you’re drawn to classic curls, intricate braids, or bold, modern looks, there’s a side swept style to suit your taste.

For more inspiration, check out 26 Soft Waves for Medium Length Hair to Update Your Style, and find even more ideas to enhance your formal look!

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