We have no doubt you’ve already swotted up on next season’s hottest hair trends (if you haven’t, tut tut, but don’t worry, you can read our round-up of AW16’s hair trends, here, so you’ll know that plaits are set to be big for AW).
And there’s no reason to wait until September to get in on the act, why not get practicing now, so that you’re ahead of the fash-pack when it comes to good hair days for AW?
We’ve found six of next season’s prettiest plaited hairstyles, for long, short and mid-length hair, so there’s no excuse not to nail one of AW16’s hottest hair trends, right now.
Best plait for: SHORT HAIR - Apu Jan
Looking for plaits for short hair? This cute double Dutch knot braid is perfect for shorter hair lengths - pull any layered strands into the plait early on to prevent flyaways, and if this intricate braid is a little out of your reach, a simple French braid will work just as well.
Best plait for: STATEMENT STYLE - Bora Aksu
Want an on-trend braided hairstyle that will get you noticed for AW16? Play copycat with Bora Aksu's three-in-one plaited 'do. From the front it's school-girl pigtails, the back calls for a looped-under preppy plait. If it's all just too much, pick one element or the other and run with it. We particularly love the ribbon-embellished up-do from the back.
Best plait for: LONG HAIR - TRESemme at Rachel Zoe Presentation
If it's plaited hairstyle ideas for long hair you're in the market for, they don't come prettier than this double into single fishtail braid seen at Rachel Zoe's New York presentation. Create the braid tightly in the first instance and then tease out when finished for extra volume and a laid-back finish.
Best plait for: PARTY HAIR - Rohmir
Whether you've got a packed wedding season schedule, or you're practicing for party season, this double-braided up-do should be your go-to style for any special occasion. This intricate look might be one for your stylist, but for a pared-back, workable version, create two French braids the meet at the back, teasing hair loose from the central panel at the back and adding flyaway curls that can be pinned loosely back into the style.
Best plait for: PLAIT-AHOLICS - Niro Wang
This catwalk look goes for the more-is-more approach to braiding, and while it's probably not going to be top of your everyday hairstyle list, adding braids throughout and throwing your hair into a loose up-do is a great off-duty idea.
Best for: QUICK FIX - Prophetik
Whether you choose a French, Dutch or just simple stand-alone braiding technique, this two-into-one braid with side pieces is a pretty hairstyle idea you can work now and keep rocking throughout next season. Invest in some clear elastics to finish the look.
READ MORE: More hairstyle ideas in our round-up of AW16’s hair trends