Blame it on the ’90s resurgence, but it seems like for the past few seasons, street-style stars haven’t been able to leave the house without a shirt tied around their waists. But this styling trick isn’t just an ode to Seattle grunge: It’s a visually interesting way to break up an outfit while cinching your waist.
Now there’s an easier way to do just that without adding bulk or, frankly, much thought to getting dressed. Tie-waist skirts and dresses featuring faux sleeves knotted at the front have been cropping up on the streets and in stores, allowing you to get the shirt-around-the-waist look in a more slimming silhouette.
This quirky design element isn’t merely the product of convenience though: Like any major fashion trend, it traces its roots to the runway. After Céline showed dresses embellished with artfully wrapped sleeves in its Fall 2013 collection, Zara promptly knocked it off—and now countless brands have created iterations of their own.
Click through the gallery to see how the fashion crowd rocks the tie-waist trend—and shop it for yourself.
