Forget Silk Scarves—Fashion People Everywhere Are Tying This Fall Essential Around Their Waists Instead

Whether you spent the summer at Surf Lodge, Borough Market, Malibu Country Mart, or just relaxing on your couch scrolling through your phone, there's a 99.9% chance you noticed the silk-scarf styling trend. If you were partying in Saint-Tropez and missed it, then fashion people were transforming silk scarves into belts, tying them around their waists so that the scarf draped diagonally across their hips with the longer end on one side. While many have continued to wear scarves this way, a new styling technique is gaining popularity among insiders, and it involves plaid shirts.

First, let me clarify: Yes, the plaid print is back for fall 2025. It reappeared with the spring/summer 2025 collections (think Bottega Veneta, ACNE Studios, and The Row) in a slightly softer look than in the early 2000s when it was initially popular. After that, more designers and the fashion crowd embraced it, and the rest is history. Now, plaid shirts are everywhere, offered by brands such as Proenza Schouler, Miu Miu, H&M, and COS. Even celebrities like Elsa Hosk and Emily Ratajkowski are sporting them.

Fast-forward to the fall/winter 2025 collections, and we saw designers reinvent the plaid shirt as more of an accessory and styling prop. For example, at Kallmeyer's show during New York Fashion Week, the American designer presented a trouser look finished with a black-and-white plaid tie, not a shirt, attached to the pants and wrapped around the waist. Whether this look inspired fashion people or not, it has since been everywhere—layered over Bermuda shorts, pleated trousers, maxi dresses, and everyday jeans—and is expected to grow even more as we head into winter.

If yo​​u're on the fence about the trend, I have four outfits that'll change your mind. Keep scrolling to see them and shop the pieces needed to re-create the looks this fall.

A solid-colored tee, jeans, and a leather belt are an outfit formula that always works and looks chic; however, if you're bored with the look, consider swapping your belt for a plaid shirt. Tying a plaid shirt around your waist is a cool and fresh styling hack that instantly elevates even the simplest outfits. The trick works because it breaks up the wardrobe basics while adding pattern and color.

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We the Free

Ashley Plaid Shirt

Nordstrom

Pima Cotton Blend Crewneck T-Shirt

KHAITE

Marfa Leather Ankle Boots

I love how the casual plaid shirt is paired with the polished silk camisole and tailored trousers here. Not only does it make the look feel less formal, but it also introduces a distinctive element that shows you're confident in your style and aware of current fashion trends.

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Uniqlo

Flannel Boxy Shirt

Intimissimi

Lace and Silk Top

Nordstrom

Heathered Wide Leg Pants

AEYDE

Melody Leather Flip Flops

Graphic tees and plaid shirts, often styled together in the early 2000s, are low-key making a comeback. Instead of wearing the plaid shirt over the graphic tee, the new trend is to tie it around the waist of your pants. It's a small change, but it completely shifts the vibe of your outfit. To keep the look very 2025, finish with wide-leg or straight-leg jeans or trousers paired with loafers or boots rather than skinny jeans and sneakers. Don't question it—if it feels right for you, embrace it.

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Prroenza Schouler

Bronwen Top

Urban Outfitters

Joy Division Astoria Graphic Oversized T-Shirt Dress

madewell

The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jeans

A Canadian tuxedo might be controversial to some, but I find it cool, especially in a dark rinse. The uniform appearance created by the deep-blue denim gives it a polished and sophisticated look. Fashion people in NYC and L.A. are embracing this style this fall with simple white tees and loafers, sometimes adding a plaid shirt tied around the waist, as shown here. Pro tip: Opt for muted-colored plaid instead of a bright, bold pattern to maintain a refined look.

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Reformation

Rhodes Denim Jacket

AGOLDE

Kelly Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans