Forget Silk Scarves—Fashion Enthusiasts Everywhere Are Now Wrapping This Fall Essential Around Their Waists Instead.

      Whether you spent your summer at Surf Lodge, Borough Market, Malibu Country Mart, or simply lounging on your couch while scrolling through your phone, there's a 99.9% chance you noticed the trend of styling with silk scarves. If you happened to be celebrating in Saint-Tropez and missed it, trendsetters were experimenting by using silk scarves as belts, tying them around their waists so that the scarf hung diagonally across their hips, with a longer end on one side. While this style remains popular, a new technique is emerging among fashion insiders, incorporating plaid shirts.

      Let me clarify: Yes, plaid is making a comeback for fall 2025. It returned in the spring/summer 2025 collections (think Bottega Veneta, ACNE Studios, and The Row), appearing in a slightly softer design than when it was first in vogue in the early 2000s. Following this revival, more designers and the fashion community embraced it, resulting in its widespread acceptance. Now, plaid shirts can be found everywhere, from brands like Proenza Schouler, Miu Miu, H&M, and COS, to celebrities like Elsa Hosk and Emily Ratajkowski donning them.

      Fast-forward to the fall/winter 2025 collections, where designers have transformed the plaid shirt into more of an accessory and styling element. For instance, at Kallmeyer's show during New York Fashion Week, the American designer showcased a trouser look completed with a black-and-white plaid tie—not a shirt—attached to the pants and wrapped around the waist. Whether this look inspired others or not, it has since become ubiquitous—layered over Bermuda shorts, pleated trousers, maxi dresses, and everyday jeans—and is anticipated to gain even more traction as we move into winter.

      If you're undecided about the trend, I have four outfits that will change your mind. Continue scrolling to see them and shop for the pieces needed to recreate these looks this fall.

      A simple outfit of a solid-colored tee, jeans, and a leather belt is always classic and chic; however, if you're tired of this ensemble, try replacing the belt with a plaid shirt. Tying a plaid shirt around your waist is a trendy stylistic trick that instantly enhances even the most basic outfits. This method works by breaking up the essentials while adding pattern and color.

      I love the way the casual plaid shirt is styled with a refined silk camisole and tailored trousers in this look. It not only makes the outfit feel less formal but also introduces a unique touch, showcasing your confidence in your style and awareness of current trends.

      Graphic tees and plaid shirts, which were often styled together in the early 2000s, are subtly making a return. Instead of layering the plaid shirt over the graphic tee, the current trend is to tie it around your waist. This minor adjustment significantly alters the overall vibe of your outfit. To keep it very 2025, finish the look with wide-leg or straight-leg jeans or trousers along with loafers or boots rather than skinny jeans and sneakers. Trust your instincts—if it feels right for you, go for it.

      A Canadian tuxedo may be divisive for some, but I find it stylish, especially in a dark rinse. The uniform look of deep-blue denim provides a polished and sophisticated appearance. Fashion enthusiasts in NYC and L.A. are adopting this style this fall with simple white tees and loafers, sometimes adding a plaid shirt tied around the waist, as shown here. Pro tip: Choose a muted plaid instead of a bright pattern to keep a sophisticated look.