If you're like us, your hair spends most of its time in a ponytail. We know, we know, you just can't help it. But instead of telling you to totally break out of this rut (OK, OK, we will suggest you do this on occasion, just not today), we thought we'd help you graduate this hairstyle staple to the next logical look: the side pony. It's amazing how shifting your pony three or four measly inches to the left or right can totally up the fun and sexy factor of this classic updo. This is likely why celebrities are bringing back this whimsical 'do in a big way -- it's a great way to put a flirtatious spin on an old classic.

And ... it's so easy and versatile. You can create a more romantic ponytail by adding flowing waves or keep it sleek and sexy with slicked-back straight strands. Celebrities like Lauren Conrad, Molly Sims and more have been experimenting with various takes on this hairstyle at red carpet events and casual affairs -- see their looks here.

While you peruse these photos and get inspired to secure your pony off-kilter, you'll also learn key tricks on how you can copy these celebrity hairstyles to a tee for your big date night out or casual Sunday shopping excursion.

This romantic, curly side pony is super sweet on Swift and one of her signature looks. Recreate the style by securing your hair to the side with a clear elastic. Next, curl the pony with a 3/4-inch curling iron. To keep curls touchable but intact, spritz hair with light-hold hairspray like Kronos K Force Flexible Hold Hairspray, $25.

Fine hair can often look limp if just worn down. So give boring hair a boost like Larter did here, with this casual-cool side tail. To avoid damaging delicate hair with elastics, use Sephora Snag-Free Hair Elastics, $3.50. These elastics are also much more incognito than the classic fabric-covered ones.

Tame wavy hair quickly with a simple yet suave side pony like Ferrera's. To get her polished finish, use a straightening iron (try Wigo Ceramic Tools Straightening Iron, $39.99) to smooth out the hair from your roots to your midshaft before securing all of your hair into a low side pony.

Lauren Conrad hearts the side pony and wears it often, likely because her straight hair looks super shiny and sexy in this easy updo. To get shine like Lauren's, spritz your brush with a silicone-based shine spray (try Giovanni Shine of the Times, $8.99) and swipe through hair.