Braids have stepped up their beauty game this year, meaning there’s an intricate woven style for every occasion. But leave it to Lily Aldridge to take the trend to inspiring new levels for party season. Spotted last night in the East Village, the model put a twist on the traditional plait, trading her usual glossy, Victoria’s Secret–worthy mane for a feminine wraparound look.
Far from reading as girlish, Aldridge’s braided crown communicated a pared-down, modern elegance that was heightened with bold brows and fresh skin. It’s a style that promises to get that much better the next morning with a fuzzy halo of flyaways—not to mention shaken back out into lived-in waves later on for the weekend. With that kind of second-day staying power, the evening braid may just be the new blowout.