Headbands were a major – MAJOR – accessory focal point on the autumn 2013 catwalks; every other show threw up a band situation of some sort. Mainly black in colour, but a whole variety of styles, headbands were quite the thing for hair this season: sporty and swept back at Carven, which seems quite wearable, as was the chic and clean look at Valentino. But at Marc Jacobs, it was more of a rock n’ roll grunge style of band. Of course.

Even the spring 2014 collections showcased more of the things. At Vera Wang and Victoria Beckham where sporty style black bands were placed at the front of the head for a casual but utterly chic look. So yes, this trend is going nowhere come next season.

But enough about the catwalk. What about trying headbands on real people, in real life? See they aren’t always the easiest of pieces to pull off, on an adult woman, that is. They can expose large foreheads, show off sticking-out ears or any of the other discrepancies you’ve used your hair and fringe to conceal all these years. And they sort of remind us of youth – whether it's of you wearing one as a kid or your mum wearing one throughout your childhood. But actually, putting all that aside for a moment, they’re fun. And make for a nice change. There’s nothing like plonking something on your head to give your face a fresh new look, that’s for sure. And why the heck not be a bit playful with your style every now and then?

Well we did just that. Got playful with some headbands. And here’s what happened...

Joanna, beauty director, wears a Topshop headband:

‘I wore headbands daily from the ages of seven to nine. I had a wide tartan one from C&A, a red crushed velvet one which slid off constantly and a floral cotton thing that I wore with denim dungarees. Now, though, there are far more grown up headbands to choose from. Like this one. There’s something quite opulent about a headband which is wrapped in satiny, knotted fabric. It’s the polar opposite to those Lycra cotton bands that always seem to make your head suddenly look like it is shaped like a piece of granite. Bumpy. This Topshop number is comfortable (no brain swell), versatile and might just make it into my wardrobe.'

Angelica, beauty writer, wears an Urban Outfitters headband:

‘This headband reminds me of my mum – she wore this exact style throughout the 80s and early 90s. Usually black, always velveteen and shiny as hell. I love the idea of accessorising your hair with a band or piece of fabric so this challenge was music to my ears. And it reminded me a bit of my bandana hey days from when I was about 13. This style was easy-peasy to put on and thanks to a bendy wire inside, can be positioned any which way you like.’

Harriet, news editor, wears a Johnny Loves Rosie headband:

‘I remember my mum washing her face wearing ones of these in the 80s, but far be it from me to suggest that as a reason why it might not be cool. I love the idea of a headband, but have fallen foul of them in the past – somehow, rather than looking all Grecian and delicate, they feel a bit severe on me; when you have this much forehead, you can (and perhaps should) hide at least 25 per cent of it behind some hair. So, as lovely as it is to feel the air on my slaphead, I’m not convinced this trend does me many favours.'

Alice, beauty intern, wears an American Apparel headband:

‘I’m not really a hair accessories type of person. In fact, I rarely do anything with my hair. I love the idea of this headband, but I know it would be one of those things that never left my dressing table drawer. For starters, it just doesn’t work with my fringe - I had to sweep it to the side so I can actually see past it. But that’s probably more down to the fact I’m in dire need of a fridge trim more than anything else.’ 

Grace, fashion intern, wears a New Look headband:

'Ever since the days of Gossip Girl I have longed to pull off a statement hairband. But whenever I have tried, there has been a constant need to stop, adjust, check the mirror, re-adjust and then check the mirror again. I've probably never worn one for longer than an hour. It’s a real shame that I find them so hard to pull off because ultimately, I really love them. And I think they suit me – ish.'