One day I saw a stylist achieve a more-or-less identical effect backstage at NYFW and it worked immediately posture was lifted, energy transformed, presence asserted. That’s what a great cut can do.
If you’ve been holding back on short because you’re afraid of losing dimension, try this. There is structure, and softness at its right ratio, and it causes earrings and lipstick to jump out even more than usual.
Retro Tousled Bob with Side Swept Layers
Sexy, voluminous and complimentary, the angled-cut front bob consists in build-up waves wrapping around the cheeks and framing without bulk. The curl of the hair is soft and the deep side is adding the verticality of it, so it is a dream combination to those with a rounder face. The warm chestnut color is so good to have on fall mornings when it is so cold, and during the golden hour when you want to take selfies.
The Davines Volume Mousse and a wide-barrel curling iron are all I swear by to have that effortless volume. Softly turn the top layers to a side and fix with R+Co Outer Space Flexible Hairspray. It gives all-day hold without crunch.
It is a style that makes me think of the streets in Florence old style but updated with American style. It is also practical: you can wear it flipped out and with red lipstick or you can move the hair to the back of your ears and wear leather jacket.
You remember when you have to appear put together in 10 minutes in the mornings? This haircut does most of the heavy lifting.
Copper-Layered Shag with Curtain Bangs
It is the pumpkin spice of the cuts, as I call it; it is cosy, warm and unpredictably flattering. The medium length with bangs and layers work magic and give natural lift and playful, youthful bounce to the circle shaped face. The copper undertones give cool skin a warm glow and the slight feathering on the cheek bone balances out and lengthens the face just right.
In order to set this style, I can always vouch on Ouai Wave Spray which is safe to use on both straight and thick hair; this will help in setting the style by adding texture and separation. The roots have a very minimal dry shampoo to have that uplifted slept in feeling.
I attempted a very close version directly after watching too many 70s-themed Tik Toks last fall and I never was looking back. It perked up my face and made it appear much more defined instantly and I received countless compliments on the street.
It is that kind of cut that seems improvised but planned, and this is what made it magic. Also, curtain bangs are always a sure thing in fall.
Playful Pixie with Soft Retro Rounding
This is a short indian pixie cut that has all those old fashioned appeal but seems entirely new in 2025. The shapely rounded top and frothy nape results in a neat and flattering appearance, but it is not too smooth, and provides movement and depth. It particularly works on round cheek-bones–it draws the eye up, and leaves everything light and airy.
This look thrives with a bit of cream pomade. When I want a smooth finish and be able to obtain minimum hold, I recommend Kerrastase styling Cr d la Crme. No heat needed—just your fingers and some good music.
This trim reminds me of my aunt who used to live in Mumbai, she got this one out of the blue during the Diwali season, and it became her calling card. Clean, feminine, and timeless, it just works.
There really is no better season to play with shorter somber cuts and this cut it is all comfort and none cool unless you desire it to be.
Spiky Blonde Pixie for Urban Cool
Now this one is for my city girls. Bold, spiky top is juxtaposed with faded sides making it tall enough to make a round face appear slim and lifted magically. The icy blonde pouring on top of a dark foundation looks like a high sense with spending low vibe and seems to be on the set of a street-style shoot. It is the stage of women short hair, this is sharp, chic and ready to challenge the powerful winds of fall and biker jackets.
Maintenance here is all about texture. I use Fatboy Tough Guy Water Wax to make these spikes perfect. The cut itself looks great and needs to be cut once a month to maintain the contrast and the shape.
I know a Brooklynite who wore this when she was in the fashion PR business. It saved her 40 minutes a day, came with flashy compliments than any handbag she possessed and she swore by it. It’s chic chaos in the best way.
The two-tone color is not only in trend, but it is really flattering to the face, and it is also very eye catching particularly through the use of bland fall colors.
Sculpted Fade with Voluminous Wave
This look is sharp in all the right ways. It is underpinned with a sculpted undercut fade and then there is all the drama on the top, which is voluminous in its styling done in a cool ash tone. It adds length to a round face in such a way that it uplifts all and makes the shape of it robust. The comparison of the blurred sides and a complete wave on the upper side is striking and deliberate. Haircuts are always telling something; this one would say “power.”
In the case of non-flaking hold, I use Kevin Murphy Free.Hold cream. It gives flexibility without sacrificing structure. Everything is in the right amount, and a bit to count when styling upwards.
One time I put on this silhouette to open a gallery downtown–none of the people spoke of the art first. This cut became the conversation. It is that type of hairstyle, which sets the tone to the entire ensemble, and as far as fall is concerned, this one would do. It slays.
If you’re someone who loves the precision of a blazer and the softness of a statement earring, this is your sweet spot.
