Ponytails are the new braids. From New York all the way through Paris—the ponytail reigned supreme during the fall 2012 season. Obviously the pony is a perennial favorite, but it had a particularly strong showing this season. But the style can be more challenging to reproduce than it seems. On the catwalk, it’s a high-fashion look that reads casual and low-maintenance. But on the sidewalk, it has the potential to come across quite lackluster, horribly humdrum, and soccer mom-ish.

That’s where we come in—a few of our favorite designers (in collaboration with their amazing runway hair stylists) have found easy and interesting ways to retell the age-old pony tale. Here, ten quick tips for the prettiest, fashion-forward, DIY ponies ever, straight from the fall 2012 runways.