Medium-length hair offers the perfect balance of versatility and elegance, making it ideal for a variety of formal occasions. Whether you’re heading to a wedding, gala, or business event, these 30 formal hairstyles will keep you looking polished and chic.
From sleek updos to soft waves, these styles will highlight your natural beauty while complementing your outfit.
1. Elegant Chignon
A classic chignon is a timeless formal hairstyle. This low, rolled bun is sophisticated and perfect for weddings, evening events, or any occasion that calls for refined elegance.

2. Sleek Straight Hair with a Deep Side Part
For a sleek and modern look, try straightening your hair and adding a deep side part. This style is simple yet chic, making it ideal for business events or a formal dinner.

3. Soft Hollywood Waves
Soft, vintage-inspired Hollywood waves give a glamorous, red-carpet look. This style is perfect for evening events or formal dinners, offering a touch of old-school elegance.

4. Classic French Twist
A French twist is a stylish and polished updo that works for almost any formal event. It’s a great option for those looking for a neat yet sophisticated hairstyle.

5. Braided Crown Updo
The braided crown updo is a feminine and intricate hairstyle that adds volume and texture. It’s perfect for a formal wedding or special celebration where you want to stand out.

6. Low Bun with Loose Tendrils
A low bun with soft, loose tendrils framing the face is both elegant and soft. This style is perfect for events that call for understated elegance.

7. Voluminous Curled Bob
For a more voluminous look, try curling your medium-length bob. This style offers just the right amount of volume and shape, perfect for a formal gathering or night out.

8. Fishtail Braid Low Bun
Combine a fishtail braid with a low bun for a textured and intricate hairstyle. This is a beautiful choice for weddings or any event that requires a little extra flair.

9. Side-Swept Curls
Side-swept curls offer a romantic and chic look. This hairstyle is perfect for formal dinners, cocktail parties, or any event where you want to showcase your hair with elegance.

10. Polished Low Ponytail
For a sleek and minimalistic look, a low ponytail with smooth, polished strands is perfect for formal events. Add a hair accessory for a touch of sparkle.

11. Curled Updo with a Decorative Clip
A curled updo with a decorative clip adds a touch of glamour and sparkle to your look. It’s a perfect choice for a formal evening event or wedding.

12. Classic Straight Bob
A classic straight bob is clean, modern, and timeless. This style works well for both professional and social formal events, offering sophistication without being too flashy.



13. Twisted Half-Up, Half-Down
The twisted half-up, half-down style combines the elegance of an updo with the relaxed feel of loose hair. This hairstyle is perfect for weddings, proms, or other formal occasions.

14. Braided Low Bun
A low braided bun is an intricate yet elegant hairstyle that offers a combination of softness and sophistication. It’s perfect for a formal dinner or a bridal look.

15. Sleek High Ponytail
A high ponytail is sleek and polished, offering a clean and modern aesthetic. This formal hairstyle works well for both professional and celebratory events.


16. Messy Low Bun with Volume
For a more relaxed yet still formal look, a messy low bun with added volume is ideal. It gives off an effortless vibe, perfect for semi-formal events or casual weddings.

17. Romantic Loose Curls
Loose curls create a romantic and elegant look, perfect for formal occasions. This style works well for medium-length hair, adding texture and volume without being too bulky.

18. Knotted Low Bun
A knotted low bun is an elegant choice for formal events. The subtle knots add a touch of sophistication and texture, while the low placement keeps it chic and refined.

19. Side-Parted Soft Waves
Soft waves with a deep side part give a relaxed yet polished appearance. This versatile hairstyle works for both formal and semi-formal events, offering a mix of sophistication and ease.

20. Braided Updo with Twists
This braided updo with twists combines elegance and texture. The intricate design is perfect for weddings or other formal events where you want to showcase your hair.


21. Chic Tuck and Roll Updo
A tuck-and-roll updo offers a sophisticated and vintage-inspired look. It’s an ideal choice for a formal dinner or gala, keeping your hair elegant while off your face.

22. Sleek Low Bun
The sleek low bun is a timeless and polished choice that exudes elegance and grace. Perfect for formal events, it keeps your hair neat while highlighting your neckline and makeup.

23. Side Braid with Soft Curls
A side braid paired with soft curls is a charming and elegant style for medium-length hair. This look is perfect for both casual and formal events, offering versatility with a romantic touch.

24. Low Messy Ponytail with Volume
A messy low ponytail with volume provides a sophisticated yet effortless look. It’s perfect for formal events that require a little more structure without being too strict.


25. Sleek Backwards Bun
The sleek backwards bun is ideal for formal events that require a clean and sharp look. The bun sits at the nape of the neck, and the sleek styling gives it a polished finish.

26. Twisted French Braid Updo
For a sophisticated look with a touch of flair, try a twisted French braid updo. It’s a beautiful way to keep your hair off your shoulders while still looking elegant.

27. Simple Straight Hair with a Decorative Pin
For a minimalist look with a formal flair, try straightening your hair and adding a decorative pin or clip. This style is chic and simple, perfect for a professional setting or formal event.

28. Soft Braided Chignon
A soft braided chignon combines the elegance of a chignon with the texture of a braid. This romantic updo is perfect for weddings, proms, or formal dinners.

29. Low Knotted Ponytail
A low knotted ponytail adds sophistication to a simple style. The knot creates a subtle yet chic detail that’s ideal for formal events or a business setting.

30. High Curled Updo with Volume
A high curled updo with volume creates a glamorous, bold look. This style adds height and texture, making it a fantastic option for a formal gala or fancy event.


Conclusion
These 30 formal hairstyles for medium-length hair offer the perfect blend of sophistication and style for any occasion.
Whether you’re attending a wedding, gala, or business event, these hairstyles will ensure you look your best while maintaining elegance and poise.
Choose the one that suits your personality and the event, and you’re sure to turn heads and make a lasting impression.