The One Hairstyle All Fashion Girls Are Wearing This Month

Coming up with new ways to style your hair can be tedious. I have more or less sported the same long, middle-parted balayage style for years, and it can get a little boring. When it’s down, it’s straight, unless I can actually be bothered to unearth my curling tongs or grapple with my Dyson Airwrap.

If my hair is up, on the other hand, I have three zero-fuss, go-to styles: First of all, we have the "I really don’t have time for this” topknot. Then the "no, I seriously don’t have time for this” messy high ponytail. Finally, for really desperate times, is the "my hair is too greasy to go outside today” middle-parted, slicked-back ponytail. Generally speaking, outside of these three updos, I really don’t experiment with much else.

However, that could all be about to change. Despite years of inherent laziness when it comes to styling my own hair, there’s a new hairstyle on the beauty block and it’s piqued my interest. The last time that I wore my hair in a plait was probably at primary school, but the humble plait has had one hell of a 2020 update, and I’m kind of living for it. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that the plait was one of the most-worn hairstyles amongst the fashion pack this fashion month. From loose, laid-back twists to artfully formed braids, it’s safe to say that the plait is back—and it’s looking better than ever before.

Plus, on top of the fact that it looks impossibly chic—providing you’ve got the technique down—there’s a plait for almost every mood. So if like me, you’re stuck in a bit of a hairstyling rut, keep scrolling for 17 of the best plait hairstyles out there.

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM)

An effortlessly twisted style proves perfect for those with thicker hair. I’m obsessed with the way it shows off the different tones of caramel-coloured highlights. 

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(Image credit: @LAURAHARRIER)

This complex braid looks as though it’s comprised of more than the standard three sections to create a knotted effect. Don’t mind me while I google how to do this one. 

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM)

If you’re currently sporting balayage or ombré lengths, a messy, textured style makes for the perfect evening updo. 

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(Image credit: @JUSTINEMARJAN)

If you’re looking to up the ante, why not embellish your plaits with pretty pearls for an ethereal look?

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM)

Opting for a low plait means you don’t have to forgo headwear. When teamed with a hat or a headband, the plait proves stylishly low-maintenance. 

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM)

One of my favourite plaited styles I’ve seen at fashion month this year. 

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM)

If your hair is naturally quite fine, the ponytail plait is the perfect way to add some texture and volume to your braid.

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM)

Make your messy bun instantly chicer by incorporating two undone French braids into the style. 

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM)

Embrace all things plaited with this braided ponytail.

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM)

Oh, yes. Yes to absolutely everything about this. Perfect for a more polished look, create a high ponytail, plait it and wrap one piece of hair around the first hairband.

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM)

It turns out that a low-ponytail plait looks just as good as any other. Plus, it works with headwear. 

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM)

For a ’90s vibe, I love these face-framing plaits secured with oversize hairbands. 

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM)

While a lot of our favourite plait styles show off fluffy texture, this slicked-back, sleek ponytail plait is equally as beautiful. 

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM)

Don't have a lot of time to set aside for complex hair styling? A low effort, low-maintenance side plait could be the style for you.

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM)

If you like the idea of a plait but don’t like pulling your hair back off your face, keep everything parted in the centre for a go-to everyday style.

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM)

For more of a statement, this super-long, tight ponytail braid is everything plait dreams are made of. 

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM)

For a really "fashion” look, wear a low plait underneath a statement bucket hat.

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(Image credit: @JUSTINEMARJAN)

Keep things subtle and plait small sections of your hair for a pretty, relaxed style.

Next up, the only five hairstyles the fashion crowd are wearing this month

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Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is the beauty director at Who What Wear UK. With over ten years of experience working for some of the beauty industry’s most esteemed titles, including Marie Claire, Glamour UK, Stylist and Refinery29, Shannon’s aim is to make the conversation around beauty as open, relatable and honest as possible. As a self-confessed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for hard-working perfumes, fool-proof makeup products and does-it-all skincare.