Plaid, a hallmark of 90s fashion and famously featured in the 1995 film Clueless, has made a striking return in fall 2025 fashion, dominating runways and street styles alike. The plaid pattern, once synonymous with high school looks and preppy styles, is now being reimagined by top designers and embraced by fashion icons, signaling a full revival of 90s nostalgia in the modern wardrobe.
During New York Fashion Week, designers like Acne Studios and Diane von Furstenberg showcased plaid-heavy collections, bringing the iconic pattern into contemporary fashion with fresh takes. These collections featured a mix of classic plaid patterns in bold, modern silhouettes, merging the retro with the current. Plaid shirts, skirts, and blazers dominated the runway, often paired with leather accents, oversized cuts, and unexpected color combinations. The juxtaposition of nostalgic plaid with sleek, modern designs captured the essence of this revival — a tribute to the 90s with a new, sophisticated twist.
Celebrities have played a significant role in popularizing the plaid trend this season. Taylor Swift, known for her trend-setting style, embraced the revival by channeling a Cher Horowitz-inspired plaid look for a recent birthday celebration. Swift’s take on the trend was a stylish blend of nostalgia and elegance, featuring a tailored plaid skirt paired with a chic blazer. Similarly, actress Priyanka Chopra has been spotted rocking plaid pieces, from oversized jackets to plaid trousers, proving the versatility of this timeless print.
Fashion influencers and enthusiasts have also jumped on the plaid bandwagon, incorporating the print into their daily wardrobes in creative ways. Many are experimenting with plaid not just in clothing but also in accessories and even makeup, using the pattern for eye-catching accents in their beauty routines. From plaid nails to bold plaid lipstick, the trend is being explored in all aspects of personal style.
This revival of 90s plaid marks more than just a return to a beloved pattern; it signals a broader cultural resurgence of 90s nostalgia. As fashion continues to look back to the past for inspiration, plaid remains a key player in this trend, serving as a visual link between eras while offering modern twists on a classic style. With the cold weather months ahead, expect plaid to be a dominant feature in fall wardrobes, as both designers and everyday fashion lovers continue to embrace the iconic look.
