Long shunned and banished to the early aughts, the so-called “Older Sister Side Part” hairstyle is so, so back. We called it as a key beauty trend this season from the catwalks for spring summer 2025 and beyond: Saint Laurent’s side parts were brought with serious business in both cropped forms and with flowing, shiny waves by hair stylist Duffy, paired with statement suits. At Chanel’s 2026 Cruise presentation, lead hair stylist Anthony Turner coiffed some gleaming, razor-sharp side parts ready for Mediterranean lounging. At the 2025 Met Gala, Hailey Bieber opted to side part her effortless waves, while everyone from Sabrina Carpenter to Bella Hadid has been playing around with their part.
And while the ongoing clean girl trend has favored the symmetry of a middle part, the side parting offers something that can be both an elevated detail and a playful subversion of form. Regardless: Millennials, rejoice. The “Older Sister Side Part” is inspired, of course, by the cool, effortless silhouette of the eldest sibling, and it’s continuing its comeback in various forms. Here’s how you can keep styling it in a way that doesn’t feel like a tired out nostalgia hit.
Why the “The Older Sister Side Part” is hot right now
A big sister cultivates a nonchalant aura, luxuriating in the wisdom of her rank and the freedom of the elder sister’s status. The resulting hair look? It’s preppy and strong. Separate the hair with a parting that’s slightly off to the side—straight or more blurred, it’s up to you—which creates a totally new look without having to reach for the scissors or hair dye.
Adopted by some of cinema’s greatest women, we’re looking to Mean Girls’s Regina George, The Devil Wears Prada’s number one assistant Emily, and Trinity of the Matrix megaverse. These are side parts that guarantee charisma and confidence, emulating the assertive energy of an older sister.
Who’s on “The Older Sister Side Part” team?
On the runway, we spotted Cara Delevingne and Lena Mantler at Miu Miu’s spring 2025 show showcasing the versatility of the side part, in both pixie crop and long length form. At Miu Miu, they were secured with light clips, some tucked behind the ear for a more natural look. Others let their loose strands flow. The bold side part suits all styles and tones.
In terms of street style, we look to Sabrina Carpenter and Bella Hadid—when do we not?—and a few more celebrities showcasing the spectrum of side parts.
Sabrina Carpenter
The popstar is often, as she likes to tell us, working late. So the “Older Sister Side Part” offers some sensible styling without the stuffiness. Stepping out for Jonathan Anderson’s debut Dior show, Carpenter tried the playful, preppy version with a low barrette fastened just in line with her eyebrows, with some height on the crown of her head to accentuate the asymmetry. The side part, too, highlights the dimensions of tone in her blonde hair. Her hair fell into coiffed, loose-ended curls, in rhythm with the subversive, corporate-core look.
Bella Hadid
Bella has a take on the side part: A boyish, casual version with a low, tight bun. Endlessly stylish, that falls in line with any outfit of Bella’s choosing.
Hailey Bieber
Paired with an I-mean-business blazer dress at the 2025 Met Gala by Saint Laurent, Hailey Bieber followed the throughline from Saint Laurent’s runway beauty sensibilities, opting for a bold side part that ran through her bouncing, undulating, shiny curls. The sharp line of the side part emphasized the clean lines of the suiting, and opened up her face to show off all that good Rhode work.
Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer has been luxuriating in her high designer vintage era, so it makes sense that her beauty follows suit, with a nostalgic side part through her auburn red waves.
Charlotte Cardin
The chic and sleek version, the Canadian singer kept it flyaway-free with a deep side part and poker straight brunette hair that fell down her back.
Cara Delevingne
Cara kept her side part in the same style as her Miu Miu runway look: Messy and carefree, with wavering lines and loose ends.
