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.

Hailee Steinfeld shows off her enviably thick and glossy fishtail, braided loosely for plenty of texture.

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.

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.