Celebs weave a fresh trend with casual braids

Jennifer Hudson balances her relaxed, slightly imperfect side-braid with smooth, side-swept bangs up top.

Dexter star Julie Benz's version of the look is super-loose and tousled, with soft strands framing her face.

Catwalker Veronica Varekova parts her hair down the center, but wears her braid to one side.

U.K.-based model and socialite Poppy Delevigne wears her baby-fine blond locks in a mini-pony on her right side, free and loose on the left.

The adorable Elle Fanning tops her chunky blond pony with a flat-brimmed hat, adding a touch of drama to her look.

Rashida Jones wears dramatic, eye-skimming bangs with a loosely woven fishtail braid.

Busy Phillips pairs a simple tee with a similarly casual side braid.

Kim Kardashian, as usual, puts her own spin on the style, adding a braid at the crown that leads down to her chunky braid.

Ariel Winter displays age-appropriate sophistication with her 'do: An over-the-shoulder braid and peekaboo bangs are a perfect mix of girlish and grown-up for the 14-year-old Modern Family star.