A ’60s Bee Updates Its Hive

A 1960s beehive evokes demure elegance. Even Naomi Campbell, known for her temper, wore one when she recently testified at the war crimes trial of Charles G. Taylor, a former president of Liberia.

However, a beehive can err on the side of prissy (something no alluring woman wants). Amy Wine house off set hers with tattooed arms. The rest of us can add bite to the ladylike look by lowering its height and adding texture.

“The key to make this look modern and not too retro is haphazardness,” said Jimmy Paul, a stylist at Bumble and bumble who will style the models for The Row at New York Fashion Week in September. Earlier this year, at Vera Wang’s fall ready-to-wear show, Mr. Paul’s slightly messy beehive with tousled locks at the nape captured an ingenious blend of prim and seductive.

Here’s how to get a street-ready version, which is best achieved the day after a blowout or the day after using hot rollers.