There’s no disputing that Blake Lively has one of the best hair games in town — any town. Her sun-drenched strands seem to look right at home in every environment, whether she's kicking back in a beachside bungalow or channeling Grace Kelly in a string of pearls. That's because the actress isn't married to a single style — or era. Yes, her hair is always golden and lush, but she alternates between new and vintage trends, taking classic silhouettes and injecting them with modern touches. The results are head-turning.
Read on to glean style secrets from the girl who never makes a misstep when it comes to hair (even on gym days) — and how to raise your own #hairgoals game.
What’s not to love about the bronde color and classic, '40s-inspired styling on this vintage version of Blake (seen here in 2007)?
Photo: Chad Buchanan/Getty Images.
The only thing we love more than Blake’s long-running IRL friendship with her The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars? The gorgeous Grecian-inspired braids she wore at the movie’s premiere in 2008.
Photo: Ray Tamarra/Getty Images.
File this under "the perfect blowout." While Blake’s look surely involved the skills of a pro, we’ve got our own tricks for nailing next-level bounce and shine at home.
Photo: Jeffrey Ufberg/WireImage.
Proof that Blake has never had a bad hair day: These enviable loose waves from 2009 are a look that we still want to emulate.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.
This low chignon looks pretty straightforward from the front, but a textured maze of intricate braids and strategic pinning in back equals a look that we’d love to cop for ourselves.
Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images. Photo: Jim Spellman/Getty Images.
Offset by an aquamarine gown and rosy cheeks, 2011’s strawberry-blonde dye job gives Blake's standard flaxen hue a run for its money.
Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images.
Damn. This girl even makes a simple pony look lust-worthy! It's all about position. The hair is gathered smack in-between the crown and the nape. The result is effortless, sleek, and anything but basic.
Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images.
Does this messy-but-modern side-braid, worn at the Green Lantern premiere, look too complicated to replicate? Yep. But that won't stop us from trying. When we do, we’ll keep it from merging into bed-head territory by maintaining clean lines around the face.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Blake seldom turns to the flat iron for public appearances. But when she does, she knocks it out of the park. Notice how she deftly avoids the stick-straight trap by creating lift at the roots and pulling her hair off of her face.
Photo: Gregg DeGuire/PictureGroup.
It’s hard to choose a favorite of Blake absolutely owning Old Hollywood barrel curls. But this look rises above the rest for its sheer shine, volume, and tumbling softness.
Photo: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage.
An Insta-worthy half updo that will look classic in years to come? Blake has got it on lock. Key styling elements: tease to create a little volume at the crown, pin back the hair low on the head, and let loose tendrils fly.
Photo: Ray Tamarra/FilmMagic.
We’ve waxed poetic about this loose fishtail braid that Blake wore to The Savages premiere before. Nearly five years later, it still gives us perfect summer-hair vibes. Even better? The tricky-looking plait is deceptively easy to pull off.
Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images.
The 2013 Met Gala’s Punk theme confounded Hollywood and fashion people. But Blake’s fauxhawk pony makes the grade as a style we’re stoked to replicate for any occasion.
Photo: James Devaney/WireImage.
To keep her flat-ironed hair from looking too ‘90s, Lively employs a deep side part and face-skimming bend.
Photo: Jacopo Raule/Getty Images.
This updo may be perfectly coiffed in back, but up front, it's tightly-pulled sides and faux-hawk top creates a look that’s not only a dead ringer for ScarJo but delivers a tough-as-nails vibe.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images.
In a nod to ‘40s glamour, Blake’s hair for the 2014 Met Gala combined a deep side part, victory rolls, and loose finger waves for a look that’s enviable in any decade.
Photo: George Pimentel/WireImage.
Like many of Blake’s trademark hairstyles, this high pony looks flawless in front, but boasts a slightly off-kilter braid in back, softening the look.
Photo: Jean Catuffe/FilmMagic.
Lively's signature rumpled waves keep this cool, '60s mod style from looking too retro.
Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic.
When a pregnant Blake lays off the peroxide, she emerges with an enviable ombré effect. Necessity truly is the mother of invention.
Photo: Rob Kim/Getty Images.
The deep side part looks emphatically elegant when paired with tightlined eyes and rosy pink lips.
Photo: Alessio Botticelli/GC Images.
This style may read pure Veronica Lake in front, but it’s pure punk party in the back, thanks to a couple of french braids that sweep everything to the side.
Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic.
Leave it to Lively to turn a simple low pony into a bombshell look. Loose barrel curls create volume, while face-framing bends add effortless appeal.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Miley Cyrus Shares An Important Lesson After Dyeing Her Hair Herself
Is Taylor Swift Getting Beauty Inspo From Her Best Magazine Covers?