Invest in a Chi now if you haven’t yet: according to the runways, you’ll be spending a lot of quality time with your straightener. One of the biggest hair trends coming out of New York is sleek, flat-ironed hair—even on ponytails. So if you’re one to keep up with the latest looks, you can forget any association the pony’s held with slept-through-the-alarm, didn’t-have-time-to-do-my-hair convenience. But for all the extra work, at least no one came blame you for being lazy. For each of these ponies, use a smoothing cream or serum to make your hair easier to work and style, and don’t forget a spritz of hair spray before you head out!

Marchesa

The Style: Fishtail Pony. Feminine, romantic, delicate but strong.
The Brains Behind it: Renato Campora for Fekkai
Wear This If: You’re going on a date, to a wedding, or celebrating any kind of special occasion

The Steps:
1. Blow dry and straighten (helps to use a thickening or volume mousse).
2. Create a deep side part; set aside an inch or so of the front section.
3. Grab the rest of the hair a ponytail at the nape of your neck.; wrap the loose section around the elastic and pin it in place.
4. Separate the ponytail into two sections; fishtail braid by taking a small piece from one section and crossing it over to the other, repeating several times until you achieve the desired look.

Tommy Hilfiger

The Style: ’60s Middle Part Pony. Classic, understated but striking, professional.
The Brains Behind It: Eugene Souleiman for Wella
Wear This If: You’ve got an internship, interview, or any appointment where you want to look put-together.

The Steps:
1. Use a fine-toothed comb to create a center part. Brush and flat-iron.
2. Tie in a low ponytail.

Reed Krakoff

The Style: Boho Pony. Earthy, hip but casual, flirty.
The Brains Behind It: Guido for Redken
Wear This If: You’re just hanging out with friends.

The Steps:
1. No need to brush or straighten for this one! It’s all about looking natural, so gather your hair into a low ponytail, secure, and add a leather tie.
2. Pull out some strands from the side and tuck behind your ears. The piece-ier, the better!

Monique Lhuillier

The Style: Sleek, Teased Pony. Sporty, sassy, dramatic.
The Brains Behind It: Odile Gilbert for Kerastase
Wear This If: You’re a self-proclaimed diva.

The Steps:
1. Blow dry and straighten.
2. Work a smoothing cream or serum into your hair, pull back into a high ponytail and secure.
3. Tease the pony with a fine-toothed comb (using a product in the previous step will help keep your pony from looking frizzy).

Herve Leger by Max Azria

The Style: Sectioned Pony. Architectural, structured, graphic.
The Brains Behind It: Neil Moodie for Bumble and bumble
Wear This If: You’re playing a sport, or if you’re just a neat freak

The Steps:
1. Gather a section of hair starting from the top of your ears and secure.
2. Gather another section starting from below your ears and secure along with the first ponytail you made.
3. At the nape your neck, tie the rest of your hair together with the pony from the middle section.

Derek Lam

The Style: Classic Side-Part Pony. Smart, confident.
The Brains Behind It: Orlando Pita for Phyto
Wear This If: You’re going out but not necessarily dressing to the nines.

The Steps:
1. Create a small side part (should extend back just a few inches); flat-iron hair.
2. Work a wax-based product into hair and pull back tightly into a ponytail in line with your ears. Straighten the pony for an even sleeker look if desired.