Confession: we were initially shocked by Kate Middleton and her decision to join Team Bangs [1] (why mess with perfection [2]?!). However, after seeing her at her first state banquet, which honored Chinese President Xi Jinping, we are now completely on board with her choice. Kate wore her hair in a glossy updo with a low chignon for the dinner. Instead of her usual just-off-center part, her strands were parted more deeply to the right, with her long fringe swept over her left ear. Topping it all off was a pearl-encrusted tiara [3], which dates back to 1923.

Pretty much any hairstyle would look good with a tiara, but this updo would look just as stunning without it. We commoners would wear this polished, elegant style to a romantic date or a Fall wedding [4]. Brides-to-be, how dreamy would that bun look tucked under a veil? Read on for more images of this pretty style.