Margot Robbie confirms the rise of the side parting (2024)

Ever since the millennial-staple side-parted hairstyle was coined passé by Gen Z in viral videos, people of all ages have been fighting back, nothing that a detail so personal as one's parting shouldn't be reduced to a trend. That said, as is the way with both counterculture and the cyclical nature of fashion, the side parting is now having a renaissance.

Tom Smith, trend forecaster and hairstylist, tells Bazaar: "Side partings have been growing in popularity once more and leading the way have been various celebrities throughout fashion week and awards season." Often coupled with sleek styles that are either swept up and sharp, or styled down but uniform, the side parting has featured on many a red carpet this year already – the latest being via Margot Robbie, kicking off the Barbie press tour with the hairstyle of the season. "When coupled with a wave, a side parting can really evoke Hollywood glamour," he adds, "but a lot of what we're seeing more recently is a sleeker, less voluminous option" (a la Robbie – see below).

Smith feels there's another reason that the side part looks very 2023. "Right now there is a real desire for more angular-looking faces – 'snatched' cheekbones and tight jawlines are becoming more talked about and are a focus of make-up artists and aesthetic practitioners. Wearing a sleek side parting is a great way for one's hairstyle to contribute to a sharper, more contoured appearance, by adding more angles and height to the face. A middle parting can often show off a symmetrical face and accentuate the eyes and lips, while a side parting will draw attention to other diagonal lines such as the contour of the cheekbone and jawline." This aligns with why we are seeing side partings paired with sleek up-styles this season, as well as flatter, more modern interpretations of glamorous waves on the red carpet right now.

"Most people will suit a side parting more on one side than the other," Smith feels, "so it's a good idea to try out a side parting on either side of your face to see which is more flattering for you –it is rare to have a totally symmetrical face and so a side parting can be a great way to show off your best side".

Below, see 18 elegant ways to style a side parting, if you're looking for inspiration:

Margot Robbie embarked on her Barbie press tour with this sleek side-parted style, meaning we can expect the look to explode this summer.

Queen of the side parting, Cate Blanchett often experiments with asymmetric styles. This bob with 'flippy ends' is a directional take on it.

Sleek but bodied, Kaia Gerber demonstrates a chic way to wear a side-parted down-do.

The face of the quiet luxury movement, Gwyneth Paltrow's slick side-parted bun whispers high-end hair.

Ella Mai looks impossibly elegant with her side-parted crop crafted into high-shine finger waves with curly laid edges.

Sydney Sweeney's side-parted high bun is a modern take on ballerina beauty.

Ever the early adopter of trends, Olivia Palermo nails the modern wet look texture trend styled with a low side parting.

Oozing screen siren glamour, Madelyn Cline's nod to the past with this side parted, brushed-out wavey hairstyle looks very now.

If it's chic enough for the Oscars, it's chic enough for anywhere. Michelle Yeoh – a seasoned side parting wearer – looked stunning collecting her Best Actress award with a full-bodied asymmetric down 'do.

The currentness of Selena Gomez's hairstyle is all in the detail: the loose ends at the base of her tight knot, and the precise side parting at the front.

Hairstyle icon Zendaya has been seen sporting a side parting with both her longer hair and her new bob. And if it's good enough for her...

Tessa Thompson's experimental beauty offers endless inspiration. Case in point – this side-parted low copper ponytail with loose flat waves falling from her temples.

Anya Taylor Joy constantly switches her parting, but we love this version featuring a twist detail that nods to the Noughties.

The poster girl for the 'snatched' aesthetic Smith speaks of, Bella Hadid often wears her hair tightly styled, and when side parted like this it enhanced her angles.

Side partings look oh-so-chic with short hair, as Julia Garner demonstrates. Her crop, with a piecey fringe, remains voluminous without looking dated thanks to the asymmetry.

A timeless look from beauty icon Penelope Cruz, this side-parted smooth blow-dry is perfect for those who want a softer take on the style.

Here's another sleek up-do idea from Simone Ashley. Her jumbo bun is styled in a clean side part with flattering height at one side.