Have you seen how everyone has been styling a silk scarf around their waist? Of course you have. Well, it appears this mini trend has sparked memories of a huge 90s trendthat a lot of us may have forgotten about. In the Nirvana era, everyone gave a grunge edge to their looks by tying a shirt – more specifically, plaid shirt – around their waist. No look would be complete without this casual add-on over baggy jeans, frayed denim shorts or a Kate Moss style slip dress. It was huge news. And like all trends, it’s been revived multiple times throughout the years.
And guess what? It's back for 2025, and we want to show you some throwback looks, along with how to style it this time round. Because it just so happens to be that extra 'just in case' layer we all need in-between seasons.
In 2008, Mary-Kate Olsen wore a checked shirt low-slung around the waist with a baggy T-shirt and gladiator sandals (these are also back, FYI). A far cry from her now clean, minimalist aesthetic that’s seen throughout her fashion label, The Row. But one we can appreciate all the same.
And we would say that this trend came into full fruition once again around 2013. At this time, the likes of Alexa Chung wore her checked shirt with a white T-shirt (very Olsen twins) and Rihanna was spotted with a tied shirt poking out from underneath a bomber jacket, with a bandana (another accessory trend making a return) and Creeper shoes – remember when everyone owned a pair of these?
For 2025, though, the shirt around the waist look is a lot more polished and considered – just take a look at fashion influencer Sarah (below), she's shown how a muted tone checked shirt gives a little something extra to a delicate lace-detail dress. And while we love it for aesthetic reasons, we also can appreciate the practicality of this hands-free layer. Simply whip it off and wear it the functional way, as a shirt, over your existing outfit – perfect for when the weather is as unpredictable as it is right now.
Content creator and athlete Marilynhas also shown another way to use this styling hack, and we enjoy how she's got all the elements covered with a zip-up windbreaker jacket and the trainers of the moment – suede sneakers.
Now you've got some inspiration on how to try this ultimate 90s styling hack that comes A-list approved, it's time to try it for yourself. No doubt you already own a checked shirt, but if not, we've found iterations from the likes of Cos, Damson Madder and Aligne.
Shop: Best Checked Shirts
aligne.co
Now half price in the sale, this Aligne blue shirt is the easiest way to add a pop of colour to an otherwise neutral outfit. Try it tied around the waist of a slip skirt and cami top for now, and over a knit dress come autumn.
With nothing underneath www.withnothingunderneath.com
When it comes to shirting, no one does it quite like With Nothing Underneath. The London-label's most classic shirt style comes in plaid – proof that it'll always be a timeless option to add to your wardrobe.
coswww.cos.com
If you're not that into print, or you just prefer a subtle hint then you'll want this Cos shirt that's just dropped into the 'new in' section. We're seeing it tied around baggy blue jeans with a simple white T-shirt – the ultimate 90s way.
damson madderdamsonmadder.com
How cute is this ruffle detail shirt? Damson Madder is killing it at the moment – if it isn't the viral reversible jacketwe're seeing everywhere, it's the red dress, and we predict this shirt will be next on everyone's wish list. And yes, you'll no doubt also want the matching shirt, too.
net a porterwww.net-a-porter.com
New York label R13 has a thing for grungy pieces – be it a checked kilt or chunky biker boots – so of course there's also a plaid shirt. We love the frayed hem on this one and how fun it would look juxtaposed with a silky nightdress.
Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor and stylist, contributing to many titles including Vogue, Stylist, Glamour, Who What Wear and of course, Grazia. Always finding high street buys that look expensive, and the designer items to elevate them further, she’s constantly on the lookout for lesser-known brands and mini street style trends. This, and searching for her next holiday destination where she’ll be showing them off on Instagram at @harriet.davey, along with travel tips on TikTok @harriet.davey.