This is my go-to when I'm having a bad hair day or just need a simple updo. I pull my hair into a ponytail, secure with a hair elastic, then split the pony into two halves. I wind them together like a rope, then twirl the whole thing loosely around the base and fasten with pins. Takes about 1 minute and you can make it as loose or schoolmarmish tight as you like. Best of all, with unwashed hair the texture holds it in place really well with few flyaways!

The end result looks like Sienna Miller's 'do when made up loosely, or like a more traditional braided coif when fastened more tightly.

When I think of a Ballerina Bun, I picture my hair shellacked to my head with gel, a hideous pink knit bun holder, and 100 bobby pins that I was forced to use in my dancing days. That's a look I'll never wear out, but I really like this updated ballerina bun. It's really elegant.

I love this new style of bun. A little more loose and a little more volume - especially from Sarah Jessica Parker. I'm inspired, I think I'll try this updo for work tomorrow, Thanks Cathy!

I try this look often and fail often. I always end up with a bumpy ponytail followed by a lopsided or overly harsh looking bun. But then again I've never been good at styling my hair.

Buns are just so simple and elegant! But what I love even more than the clean ballerina look is the messy bun look. It's a handful of fun and attitude that you just can't ignore! I miss my long hair :(

What I love about this style is that you can so easily adapt it to either a messy casual style or a polished formal look! I love wearing this in the summer on the way back from the beach - my hair is full of salt and sunscreen but has an amazing texture that makes this style hold while looking purposefully piecey.