Meryl Streep Took My Favorite Elementary School Hairstyle and Made It Chic

Actor Meryl Streep is bringing back one of my favorite hairstyles from elementary school. The silver screen legend recently attended an event wearing an absolute mainstay of a ’90s look: the low ponytail fastened at the nape with a barrette. Yes, the very one worn by legions of ’90s kids, myself included. 

Streep stepped out for the Celebration of Film with Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep event at the University of Texas at Austin on September 24 with her hair casually pulled back in a simple ponytail, with just a hint of volume at the crown, tied back and clipped with an elegant silver barrette. The low-key look is the perfect example of Streep’s laid-back, casual approach to beauty, and the silver barrette plays nicely against her rich brown lace jacket, matching brown drop earrings, and the star’s signature glasses. (She has the best eyewear collection.) Streep wore minimal makeup to the event, opting for a rosy lip and fresh, bright skin.

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The star sticks to a “less is more” ethos when it comes to her hair and makeup, opting for peachy tones, loose, undone hairstyles, and just a hint of mascara and liner plus a neutral petal pink lip. She’s the eternal cool mom who always looks polished and pretty but never feels like she’s trying too hard. She nails it, time and time again, and her ’90s barrette ponytail is yet another entry in the Meryl Streep canon of beauty inspiration. 

Streep has been serving up looks for decades. The Oscar winner turned 73 in 2022 and continues to bring it on the red carpet and in her movies. She can transform herself into historical figures like Julia Child and Margaret Thatcher or go full boho beach mom as Mamma Mia!‘s Donna Sheridan. Who could forget the iconic frosty silver Miranda Priestly wig from The Devil Wears Prada or her long, lush ’80s waves? 

Now please excuse me, because I need to call my mom and see if she still has my elementary barrette collection.