Call it a blowdry backlash, an ’80s revival, or just something in the air, but the step cut is here—and it’s more disconnected than ever. A trend that’s been quietly gaining traction over the past few years, championed by alt girls such as Caroline Polachek, at Sunday night’s Grammy Awards it went mainstream, with Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, and Billie Eilish all stepping out in versions of the dramatic look.
The antithesis of her 2024 Grammys vibe (think a Dolly Parton-esque, a gravity-defying halo of brushed back curls and waves), Cyrus’s poker straight lengths were cut into two distinct layers—one that grazed her ribs and the other that stopped just shy of her chin. The musician, who collected her third trophy at the ceremony, celebrated in a black cut-out dress by Saint Laurent on the red carpet and chunky gold jewelry.
Lady Gaga, who also performed a duet with Bruno Mars on the night as part of tributes to fire crews’ efforts to battle last month’s devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, channeled a similar but slightly more gothic energy. Her step cut featured a micro-fringe, framing pieces cut to the earlobe (and plastered to the face), and long, inky layers reaching towards her navel.
Another of the night’s winners, Billie Eilish, sported a step cut hidden under her hat, creating a faux-bob effect. No stranger to the style, Eilish’s usually has a more casual, undone energy. Unlike the other two artists, she doesn’t wear a fringe but keeps the top shorter layer straight, ending just in line with her top lip
This article was first published on Vogue.com.
