At Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Fall 2018 couture show, within an all-white mannequin-lined room at the Musée Rodin, an overwhelmingly large mirror loomed overhead. Multiplying all the silk ruffles and pleated chiffon ripples sent down the runway to dizzying effect, the glass surface also illuminated a bevy of striking, multifaceted hair looks created by none other than runway legend Guido Palau.

Playing off Peter Philips’s velvet-smooth complexions, painted with blush-y, barely-there earth tones, Palau’s range of wind-catching bobs, freshly shorn pixies, and textured crops felt as appropriate for a sun drenched Fourth of July soiree as a cool, lacquered catwalk. After all, the key look—a sleek, center-parted low plait—could have just as easily translated to a summer slip dress or better yet, a body-skimming maillot by the pool. As for the final show-stopping beauty statement? An equal parts intricate and effortless gathering of waist-grazing braids—worn high and delicately beaded. Proof that, even for the most elegant of occasions, the power of surprise should never be out of play.

Below, five aspirational hair styles worth stealing for the July Fourth weekend.

 

Punk Pixies
Brushed up to match her full-bodied, dark brown brows, model Martine Dirkzwager Wu embraced the opportunity to go under the shears as Palau’s muse for this freshly shorn, strategically tousled crop. Summer hair doesn’t get easier—or chicer—than this.

 

 

Smart Whips
Already summoning the need for a craft store outing, the inspiring results of these string-wound ponytails are sure to become the adult alternative to friendship bracelet braiding this season.

 

 

Slick Bobs
An ultra-precise part and a bit of smoothing crème is all that’s required to tame this chin-grazing cut on long, humid days. Extra points for keeping face-framing lengths tucked neatly behind both ears—the subtle bend offers the boyish cut that feminine charm.

 

 

Natural Textures
Clouds of born-with-it curls floated willingly over gauzy layers of chiffon, with asymmetrical statement earrings acting as swinging, uncomplicated substitutes for ornate hair barrettes. After all, ’tis the season where less is always more.

 

 

Embellished Braids
Pulled back into a taut high pony, the closing statement braids—a perfect mix of balanced beading and extreme length—are at once fantasy and low-key utility. Consider it the answer to any beach-to-barbecue extravaganza in your near future.