The 90s fashion revival is alive and well, with plaid making a significant comeback at New York Fashion Week (NYFW). This iconic pattern, once popularized by Alicia Silverstone in her role as Cher Horowitz in the 1995 film “Clueless,” has resurfaced on both high-end runways and casual street scenes during this year’s fashion event, which concluded recently. The resurgence of plaid signifies the onset of one of the key style trends for the upcoming fall season, echoing the decade’s distinctive aesthetic that many millennials and Gen Z fashion enthusiasts cherish.
Fashion influencer Jazz declared plaid to be a major trend for fall 2025, pointing out that renowned designers like Acne Studios and Diane von Furstenberg have embraced this print. Numerous fashion houses, including Trapstar London and Cynthia Rowley, showcased plaid in their NYFW collections. Adding to the excitement, celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra and Taylor Swift have donned plaid attire, further solidifying its status as a must-have look for the season ahead. Swift notably channeled Cher’s style with her own plaid ensemble, creating a direct link to the nostalgic aesthetics of the 90s.
This revival of plaid aligns with a broader trend of nostalgic fashion, reminiscent of other pre-millennial styles such as oversized jeans and innovative “bra-over-shirt” outfits. The ensemble worn by Silverstone in “Clueless,” featuring a distinctive yellow plaid suit, played a pivotal role in transforming plaid from a grungy motif to a modern chic statement. Silverstone disclosed to Vogue that her character’s beloved ensemble almost didn’t make the film’s opening scene, which would have deprived the audience of a fashion moment that epitomized youthful sophistication melded with a schoolgirl uniform aesthetic.
The versatility of plaid is evident as it seamlessly transitions from high fashion to streetwear, showcasing its adaptability within the fashion realm. NYFW this year revealed not only plaid’s resurgence but also a variety of other notable trends, including bold feathered styles and unique accessories like Christian Siriano’s $200 Capri Sun bag. This year’s shows illustrate how modern-day fashion influencers and designers are excitedly embracing these throwback elements, allowing both haute couture and everyday styles to intertwine.
Street style at NYFW was buzzing with creative interpretations of plaid. Influencer Tamu McPherson was spotted mixing and matching plaid designs, while model Poppy Miles showcased her flair with a plaid mini skirt paired with stylish accessories. Sean Bankhead, a choreographer known for working with stars like Beyoncé, also caught attention in his striking plaid outfit. Even podcasters like Tinx joined the fashion festivities, wearing looks that echoed this exciting trend. Such enthusiasm from tastemakers reflects plaid’s critical role in current fashion conversations.
Amid the cooling temperatures in New York City, many attendees embraced the plaid trend not only in clothing but also through creative makeup applications. Content creator Lauren B. Brown crafted a striking look to complement her plaid dress, boldly adorning her eyelids with a plaid-inspired design. Her statement underscored a collective excitement surrounding this revival, as many fashion enthusiasts took the opportunity of NYFW to experiment with outrageous looks and celebrate plaid’s return. Both the runway and the streets of New York showcased how plaid has evolved into an expression of individuality and style, ensuring its place in the fashion landscape for seasons to come.
