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Keys, wallet, headphones — it’s the modern commuter’s checklist before running out the door. Stylish headphones are as consistent in a day’s uniform as an everyday bag or carry-all tote and have quickly taken on a certain model-off-duty panache. Over the decades, headphones evolved from clunky headgear to minimal wired buds and barely-there bluetooth pods, and all of the above are worn as style accessories today. Whichever sonic style you choose, headphones have transcended mere function to communicate personality through tech, and are versatile enough to polish off any look, from an elevated ensemble to an airport-chic sweatsuit.
Apple’s AirPods Max headphones are one of the most prominent pairs seen on street style stars and celebs. The burnished, boxy headphones have been styled by every fashion force that’s in-the-know, including Bella Hadid, Timothée Chalamet, Sarah Jessica Parker, Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber, Ariana Grande, Chiara Ferragni — the list goes on. The fixation has inspired a new category of accessorizing, as myriad contemporary designs have flooded the market since AirPods Max’s December 2020 launch. Vintage-inspired tech has also flung to the forefront in a new context. See: The fashionable comeback of Apple’s wired EarPods or retro aesthetics iterations from Beats and Koss.
A New York Fashion Week guest seen wears AirPod Max headphones in September 2022. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)
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While headphones are nothing new, the way we consume audible media definitely is. Streaming platforms have spurred the rise of highly personalized listening habits — whether it’s a curated playlist, podcast or audiobook you’re listening to on-the-go. Headphones not only signal your taste in music, but also your personal style. And, like any fashion accessory, you can curate your headphone rotation to fit all kinds of outfits and functions, like if you prefer wired EarPods for work calls, bluetooth earbuds for exercising, or over-ear headphones for traveling and running errands.
Whether you’re upgrading your tech game or on the hunt for a stylish gift for him or her that they’ll actually use, there are so many new fashionable headphones to shop that come with special features like total noise cancellation, high-quality microphones, luxurious leather lining, and plush cushioning. Ramp up the volume with these trendy It-headphones that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and head-turning styles.
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Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Timothée Chalamet is seen in New York City wearing Apple AirPods Max headphones on July 26, 2023. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)
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Apple AirPods Max are undoubtedly fashion’s favorite over-ear headphones. Since their launch in 2020, the luxe-looking headphones have been seen slung around the necks of countless fashion week show-goers and the most style-savvy celebs. On top of their lustrous, sleek aesthetic, these headphones render immersive noise cancellation and spatial audio listening features, along with memory foam ear padding and a 20-hour battery life.
Price upon publish date of this article: $479
Courtesy of Amazon
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen Headphones
A Paris Fashion Week guest is seen wearing Apple AirPods headphones on June 21, 2023. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)
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Apple Airpods Pro are a subtle statement if wire-free listening is your jam. The 2nd Gen iteration comes in several size options for a custom fit and floats in the ears to deliver exceptional sound quality. And they come with a USB-C compatible charging case, so you can conveniently charge your laptop and headphones with the same cord. Take cues from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley or Camila Cabello, who’ve been seen in their AirPods Pro while running errands or on the way to a workout.
Price upon publish date of this article: $189
Courtesy of Amazon
Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones
Sarah Jessica Parker sports Beats headphones on a stroll in New York City. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
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Beats Studio Pro Wireless headphones have been around for over 15 years, but their newest upgrade offers satin-finish, neutral colorways that are sported by celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker, Bella Hadid, and Selena Gomez. With wireless bluetooth connectivity, two listening modes, a USB-C port, and up to 40 hours of battery life, these headphones are ideal for chic travel gear or for sophisticated listening on the go.
Price upon publish date of this article: $349.95
Courtesy of Amazon
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 12: A guest wears black headphones from Bose, black sunglasses , a white hoodie sweater, a black long coat, outside Ulla Johnson, during New York Fashion Week, on February 12, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
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When Lily-Rose Depp isn’t plugged into wired headphones on the streets of New York City, she’s posting selfies at home of her blocking out the buzz in Bose’s new QuietComfort Wireless Headphones. She can still opt for a cord with the included microphone audio cable, while sinking her ears into cushioned ear cups that feature total noise cancellation and high-quality audio.
Price upon publish date of this article: $349
Courtesy of Amazon
Marshall Major IV On-Ear Headphones
Model Dana Smith is seen wearing Marshall headphones outside the Louis Vuitton show during Paris Fashion Week in March 2023. (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images)
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Marshall’s popular Major IV headphones are wrapped with textured vinyl for a distinct vintage flair, and have been embraced by tastemakers like Zoë Kravitz, who often wears hers with a city-chic street style look. These on-ear headphones feature updating ear cushioning and an ergonomic design for long-wear comfort, with new fold clips for easy storage in your go-to shoulder bag. There’s even a bonus jack, so a friend can tune into your sound with you.
Price upon publish date of this article: $113
Courtesy of Amazon
Top Stylish Headphone Accessories
Beyond the built-in aesthetics of the coolest headphones, you can customize your tech with fashionable accessories, too. There’s always a room for added flair, and there are so many ways to deck out over-ear stylish headphones, wireless buds, and even wired EarPods. You can stock up on printed AirPods Max covers to diversify their outfit impact, add a necklace or earring chain to earbuds that also prevents them from getting lost, or cop a designer case to match your favorite handbag.
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Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. On her commute to WWD’s office, she can be seen plugged into to her favorite playlists and podcasts on her reliable wired Apple EarPods Headphones or heading to a workout class in her Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones.
