Fashion notes: Be seen in a voguish knot of your choice

In a knot: A model sports a bun on the autumn/winter runways for Diane von Furstenberg. Catwalking / Getty Images

'It's such a lewd term," the hairstylist Orlando Pita told Harper's Bazaar, referring to the word "bun", while backstage at Diane von Furstenberg's autumn/winter show. Instead, the current fashion phrase for the age-old hairstyle is "the knot".

I’m usually a stickler when it comes to ­terminology, but both words are fine by me. Though I do like the nouveau-grunge sound of a knot, it has rough and edgy implications that are often not expected out of a typically dreamy, feminine bun.

How you wear your knot says a lot about how you’re feeling and what kind of attitude you want to embody – a tidy knot at the nape of your neck could suggest you’re a neat, no-­nonsense kind of woman, while one at the tippity top of your head will evoke a more rebellious, ­adventure-loving character.

Often when we hear the word “bun”, we picture a boring, matronly hairstyle – one worn by grandmothers and the like. But buns these days need not be conventional. While some may appear uninterestingly simple, others can be quite tricky to construct.

There’s something timelessly elegant about an unfussy ballerina bun – though it’s not all that easy to make and requires a handful of bobby pins. Add an athletic touch with an elastic headband, or leave out a few wispy hairs to soften the look.

The side bun is becoming an increasingly popular evening hairstyle, and suggests innocence and romance – just see how it transforms the faces of Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lawrence. For an everyday look, the key is to keep it effortless and minimal, without too many braids or overworked curls.

If you're thinking of ­tying a bun for a more formal ­occasion, consider the ­chignon – it makes for a classy look and appears deceptively high ­maintenance.

I’m really big on braids, and if you can work one into your bun, props to you. Either two on the side joining into the bun, or one around the knot, holding it together – however you can manage it.

Nobody really does this ­anymore, but if you’re feeling quirky, stick a chopstick or pencil into your bun – maybe you’ll bring it back into style. I also love a good bun with bangs, but don’t go cutting a fringe just to flaunt the ­hairstyle.

If shaping your tresses into perfectly round shapes isn't a skill that comes naturally, you should turn to the beloved sock bun, an easy-to-do style that requires only one cut sock, giving the illusion of a pain­stakingly made ballerina bun. Some create the sock bun at the back of their heads, but in my opinion, it looks best right at the top of your head. Watch a YouTube tutorial, and once you’re confident with the style, try incorporating a thin braid around it.

Tied-back hair buns are all good fun, but the hippest of hairstyles at the moment is the half bun, sported by celebrities such as Sienna Miller, Jennifer Lopez, the Olsen twins and even the Duchess of Cambridge, though Ms Middleton’s version is slightly more polished. Style your hair as if you’re making a half ponytail, using only the portion above your ears, and work it into a messy knot, leaving the rest of your locks free – frizzy and messy is the way to rock the I-woke-up-like-this look.

Be it a tight ballerina style or untidy sock attempt, opt for knots over ponytails this ­season. Even Leonardo DiCaprio, Jake Gyllenhaal and Harry Styles are fans, but don’t get me started on man buns.