trends by marianne
The fall and winter fashion trends are personality-driven, minimalist or maximalist, and quite frankly everyone in between can find inspiration this season! Expect a mix of updated classics and natural, undone textures, with a general move toward effortless styles that offer movement and volume. Bobs remain popular, but are evolving into softer, more versatile forms, while 90s-inspired layers and bangs will continue to be popular. Fall and winter 2025 will continue to celebrate natural texture, with an emphasis on embracing your hair's inherent curl, wave, or straightness. Be less focused on controlling your hair and more on enhancing it with the right products and techniques!
Hair
Bob
Italian bob: This voluminous bob is slightly longer than the French bob and is typically cut just above the shoulders with blunt ends. Its fullness and natural wave or bend create a sophisticated, timeless look.
Swinging bob: Characterized by lots of movement, this cut is a flirtier version of the classic bob. It can be worn at different lengths but is always polished and playful.
Textured blunt bob: For a more modern finish, this bob combines sharp, clean lines with soft, choppy internal layers to create dimension.
Curly bob with bangs: For those with natural curls or waves, a curly bob with bangs adds shape and bounce while celebrating your natural texture.
French bob: Also known as the micro bob, this edgy cut is shorter than a classic bob and highlights your bone structure.
Bangs
Curtain bangs: This trend continues into fall 2025, with slightly shorter, lighter versions that are versatile and easy to style. They frame the face and blend seamlessly with layers
See-bangs: A lighter fringe that is intentionally broken up and slightly wispy. This style is low-maintenance, as it doesn't need to be perfectly straight to look chic.
Baby bangs: For a bold, edgy, high-fashion statement, these microfringes will remain in vogue.
Layers
Shaggy layers: The modern shag is softer and more blended than its '70s predecessor, with a focus on effortless, lived-in texture. This cut adds volume and movement and is great for working with natural waves and curls.
“C” shaped layers: Reminiscent of the '90s, these elegant layers are cut to curve inward, adding movement and framing the face with a soft, natural silhouette. They are typically styled with a voluminous blowout.
Butterfly cut: This popular cut features shorter, face-framing layers in the front and longer layers in the back, creating playful volume.
Long, lived-in layers: For those with longer hair, soft and loose layers will be trendy for their low-maintenance, effortless vibe. This style gives hair a natural, cool texture as it grows out.
1990s layering: A revival of the iconic "Rachel" cut is predicted, but with more volume and bounce than the original.
Pixies
Bixie: The bob-and-pixie hybrid remains a standout style for its blend of softness and edge. The fall 2025 version will emphasize lived-in texture and movement.
Soft pixie: This edgy cut is a bold yet feminine option that is liberating and easy to style with minimal effort.
Chopped pixie: For a more intense, playful, and high-impact look, this cut features short, shattered layers that thrive on texture and movement.
Hair color
Hair colors are all about rich, multi-dimensional color, with a focus on either lived-in, low-maintenance looks or high-impact, glossy finishes. Reds and warm, buttery blondes will dominate, while brunettes will embrace rich depth and tone.
Brunette
Chocolate cherry: A rich, deep brunette infused with vibrant cherry and red-wine undertones creates a glossy, dimensional effect. It's a sophisticated way for brunettes to add warmth and a hint of color for the colder months.
Expensive brunette: This trend is less about a specific shade and more about a dimensional, multi-tonal look. It involves weaving various rich, brown shades — like coffee, chocolate, and caramel — to create depth and shine.
Smoky brunette: For those who prefer cooler tones, this trend uses balayage to blend soft, diffused highlights into a rich brunette base, creating a subtle, dimensional, and effortlessly modern look.
Toffee and caramel balayage: Lighter tones of toffee, caramel, and honey are painted over a brunette base to add warmth and glow. The resulting sun-kissed effect is low-maintenance and blends seamlessly as it grows out.
Off-black espresso: A softer, more approachable alternative to jet black, this trend blends deep chocolate and espresso tones for a rich, luxurious, and highly glossy finish.
Blonde
Buttery and golden blonde: Warmer, buttery blondes with golden undertones are replacing icy platinum tones. This rich, sunny shade creates a soft, luminous glow that is both nostalgic and fresh.
Champagne blonde: A luxurious beige-blonde with a mix of cool and warm tones, this color has a soft, ultra-luxe quality.
Sandy blonde: A soft, natural-looking blonde that incorporates beige, golden, and cool tones for a dimensional, beachy, sunlit effect that requires less maintenance.
Angel blonde (icy/platinum): The "angel blonde" is a cooler, brighter option for winter. This frosty, platinum shade is high-impact and creates a fresh, clean look.
Rooty blonde: With low-maintenance styles trending, darker roots that melt into lighter, multi-dimensional blonde ends will be everywhere. This technique adds depth and reduces the need for touch-ups.
Red and copper
Cowboy copper: a fan-favorite that continues to trend. It blends earthy chestnut brown with vibrant copper tones for a warm, radiant, and naturally glowing look that flatters most complexions.
Cherry cola: This deep red-brown shade blends rich red and burgundy tones, creating a vibrant, multi-dimensional, and bold statement color.
Burnt sienna: A fiery auburn revival, this shade combines terracotta, copper, gold, and chili red tones for a shimmering, vibrant, and multi-faceted color.
Auburn and ginger: For a more natural-leaning red, classic auburn and ginger shades are making a strong comeback. These warm, earthy tones are perfect for adding rich color without a full, fiery commitment.
Nails
For fall and winter 2025, nail trends will be a study in contrasts, balancing minimalist elegance with bold, maximalist statements. You can opt for clean, understated nails featuring barely-there shades or muted, earthy tones. At the same time, opulent textures like chrome, cat-eye, and velvet finishes, along with playful Y2K-inspired designs, will be prominent.
Nail color
Neutral tones: Earthy tones like soft beiges, warm taupes, and rich browns offer a timeless, sophisticated, and understated look.
Deep reds: Rich, "vampy" reds, like wine, burgundy, and deep cherry, will remain a popular and classic choice.
Dark blues and grays: Deep navy, midnight blue, and charcoal shades provide a classic, confident, and edgy vibe.
Jewel tones: Drawing inspiration from the Wicked movie, jewel-tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple are expected to trend. You can opt for a shimmery or iridescent finish for extra sparkle.
Unexpected shades: Lavender blue is also gaining popularity for winter. Try a metallic lavender blue polish with reflective silver pigment and holographic sparkle.
Finish and texture
Chrome and metallics: The "glazed donut" trend is evolving into more cosmic and colorful chrome looks. Chrome and metallic polishes or powders are applied over a base color to create a reflective, mirror-like effect, including muted chrome finishes and melted metallic finishes.
Cat-eye and velvet nails: These effects, created with magnetic gel polish, create a multi-dimensional, light-catching look that adds depth and dimension.
Glass nails: Featuring a translucent, ultra-glossy finish, this trend makes the nails look like they're beneath a sheet of glass, mirroring the "glass skin" trend.
3D details: Raised designs, decals, and gems add a playful, tactile dimension to manicures.
Mixed finishes: Layering textures, colors, and finishes, such as combining matte and glossy areas, creates a sophisticated, layered effect.
Nail art
Polka dots: Polka dots are still trending, with options for both minimalist and maximalist styles. You can experiment with different sizes, colors, and placements, including polka-dot French tips.
Abstract patterns: Use fluid shapes and thin lines to create eye-catching, abstract designs on your nails.
Coffee and cream: Pair a classic coffee-brown French tip with a swirling, off-white or caramel design for an artistic, coffee-inspired manicure.
Y2K accents: Nostalgic themes from the 2000s, such as silver chromes, shimmer, and playful designs like butterflies and florals, will re-emerge.
Nail shape and styles
Short, rounded nails: Short, rounded, natural nails will be popular in 2025, offering a practical, polished look.
Square nails: For a bolder look, square tips with sharp, 90-degree corners are also trending.
French manicure variations: The classic French manicure is getting modern updates.
Maximalist French: This version adds a bold twist with chrome finishes and florals.
Micro French tips: Minimalist French tips with barely-there lines.
Milky white French tips: A softer, milky-white version of the traditional white tip is gaining favor.
Makeup
Makeup trends are leaning towards a sophisticated balance of minimalism and maximalism. You can expect either a "less is more" approach focused on fresh, perfected-but-natural skin, or a “more is more" look with bold colors, dramatic eyeliner, and vibrant textures.
Skin and Face
Satin skin: Moving away from the high-gloss, "glazed donut" look, the trend for fall/winter 2025 is a soft-focus, satin finish. This look is fresh and radiant, with a subtle sheen rather than an oily, dewy effect.
Velvet canvas: In a revival of matte makeup, the "velvet canvas" trend is about controlled radiance. The skin appears smooth, polished, and airbrushed but never flat or dry. For the best results, hydrating skin prep is key.
Cloud blush: Powder and cream-to-powder formulas create a diffused, "cloud-like" haze of color on the cheeks, rather than a dewier, sun-kissed look. Shades range from soft pinks to warm berry and orange tones.
Less concealer: Makeup lovers are embracing their natural features, including under-eye shadows. The trend is to use less concealer or a color corrector instead, allowing some natural skin texture and variation to show through.
Sculpted blush: Blush is being used not just for color but also for shaping the face. Applying a brighter or deeper-toned blush higher on the cheekbones can softly lift and sculpt the face without heavy contouring.
Eyes
Smoky eyes 2.0: A modernized, softer version of the classic smoky eye is trending. Rather than harsh lines, the look uses softly smudged shadows to create a diffused, blended effect with a cool-girl edge.
Cool-toned eye shadow: While warm, bronzy glam had its moment, cool, ashy tones are making a strong comeback. Think silvery, taupe, and icy tones, reminiscent of '90s glam.
Maximalist eyes, minimal skin: This trend emphasizes dramatic eyes—with bold shadow, graphic liner, or lashes—while keeping the skin looking fresh and barely-there. It's about contrast and focusing the glam on one feature.
Graphic romance: Eyeliner is used to create expressive, graphic shapes with a blurred, softer edge. Instead of perfectly sharp lines, an eyeshadow stick is used to diffuse the color for an artistic, editorial feel.
Fully rimmed liner: Inspired by '90s grunge, fully lining the entire eye rim with a black or brown pencil gives an edgy, moody, "lived-in" vibe.
No mascara (and other lash options): For a subtle, elegant look, some prefer skipping mascara altogether to draw focus to other features. Other trending lash options include:
Colored mascara: Blue and burgundy mascaras, as seen on runways, add an unexpected and fun pop of color.
Over-the-top lashes: For a maximalist look, lashes are feathered, hand-drawn, or piled on for a theatrical, doll-like effect.
Barely-there lashes: Focus on lash care with a serum, and then curl the lashes to lift and open the eyes.
Lips
Black cherry and berry lips: Classic red lipstick is being replaced by deep, vampy berry tones like plum, wine, and black cherry for a rich, moody lip.
Dark matte lips: A deep matte lip in a berry or oxblood hue is a fall cornerstone. Look for velvety formulas with a soft, diffused edge.
‘90s-style lip: A defined lip is back, focusing on sharp liners and velvety lipsticks. To achieve the nostalgic '90s supermodel look, pair a darker liner (like MAC's Spice Liner) with a lighter nude lipstick.
Matte with a glossy twist: Combine a matte lipstick base with a layer of high-shine gloss for a plumping, dimensional effect.
Blurred lips: This effortless, chic look is achieved by dabbing lip color on the center of the lips and blending outwards with a finger.
Chrome lips: For a high-impact, futuristic look, lips are treated with metallic or chrome finishes, using reflective lipstick or metallic eyeshadow applied over the lip.
Brows
Anti-trend brows: Following years of brow-shaping trends, a more individualized approach is emerging. People are embracing and working with their natural brow shape, whether full and fluffy or thin and wispy.
Muted brows: Paired with bold lips, muted or softly defined brows are gaining popularity for fall. Instead of heavy pencils, try a simple swipe of volumizing gel to hold the shape.
Fashion
Womenswear trends are defined by a contrast between minimalist elegance and bold, maximalist statements. You can expect rich textures and heritage fabrics alongside romantic, almost gothic, details. Silhouettes will either be exaggerated and voluminous or sleek and tailored, with a renewed focus on color.
Coats: Faux-fur, aviator, and bomber jackets, statement coats, cropped trench coats, plaid outerwear
Shoes: red patent-leather, Mary Jane pumps, flat slipper mules, chunky heeled boots, statement sneakers
Bags and accessories: Slouchy handbags, buckle handbags, texture and suede, fringe, pearls, crocodile finishes, burgundy color, knee-high socks, chunky jewelry, statement belts
Tops: Polo-neck sweaters, cozy knitwear, argyle knitwear, lace anything, animal print, sheer fabrics
Bottoms: Low-rise denim, skinny flares, Barrel and wide-leg jeans, Leather pants, embellished denim
Dresses and skirts: Denim dresses, romantic lace dresses, knee-high skirts, statement skirts, tulle skirts
Men
Expect a balance of refined classics and bold, personality-driven looks in both hair and clothing. Menswear is leaning toward relaxed tailoring, heritage-inspired coolness, and a rich, muted color palette. Hairstyles will focus on clean, sharp details and natural texture, featuring a wide range of lengths.
Hair
The textured crop: A versatile style featuring short sides with a textured top for added dimension and movement. A low fade can keep the look clean and professional, while a messier finish provides a more casual feel.
The modern pompadour: An updated take on the classic pompadour, with more texture and less rigid styling. It features longer hair on top, styled back and up, with short or tapered sides.
The neo-mullet: The mullet continues to trend, but with a more refined, balanced look. The 2025 version features cleaner lines and thoughtful layering.
Longer, natural hair: Longer, layered cuts that embrace natural hair texture are gaining momentum. The "flow" keeps hair pushed back with minimal styling for a laid-back, yet polished look.
Buzz cuts and fades: For a low-maintenance, clean look, the buzz cut remains a strong choice. More nuanced fades are also popular, such as the "shadow fade," which creates a subtle gradient.
Slicked-back styles: This timeless look exudes confidence and sophistication and is a popular option for both formal and casual settings
Fashion
Elevated comfort and relaxed fits, relaxed tailoring, cardigans, wide-leg trousers, rich colors, western-coded flannels, overly-formal suits, bold plaids, mixed textures, classic leather coats, minimalist footwear, square-toe boots, sleek loafers, and understated lace-ups.
aveda!
Pure Abundance™ Line
BIG news for BIG, beautiful hair!
Your favorite Pure Abundance™ Shampoo and Conditioner are back with a fresh new formula to keep the volume going strong.
And that’s not all! Meet your blowout’s new best friend... Abundant Blowout Spray! It delivers the lift, softness, and structure you love without the stiffness or buildup.
Miraculous Oil High Shine Concentrate
Proof that miracles DO happen!
A blend of traditions in every drop. This essential hair oil is infused with Tsubaki seed oil, harvested in part from Jeju Island, and daikon seed oil, responsibly sourced from cooperative farms in Willamette Valley, Oregon. This precious shiny hair oil concentrate delivers 195% more shine, instantly and creates 2X smoother hair, while immersing your senses in a calming pure-fume aroma.
our talented team
Congratulations + Welcome
Congratulations, stylist Gina, and her husband Tim, on the birth of their son, Lorenzo Miller, born 5/20/25, 6 lbs., 15 oz., 21 in. long. Gina and Enzo are doing great, and Gina is already back at MCS taking appointments!
Congratulations to stylist Maria and her husband Max on their May wedding.
Congratulations to stylist Jenna and her husband Derek on their June wedding.
Welcome and congratulations to Nina for graduating from Auburn Career Institute, passing the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology exams, and being accepted into the MCS Apprenticeship program.
Congratulations to MCS assistant Gabby for graduating from the Brown Aveda Institute, passing the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology exams, and being accepted into the MCS Apprenticeship program.
Congratulations to Kaitlyn L. for being promoted to an MCS New Talent Stylist level! She is now available for appointments. Call today to schedule!
Congratulations to Jennifer and Heather (the original OG’s!) on their 30-year MCS work anniversary!
Keeping Current
Premiere Columbus Hair Show: Paulette, Kaitlyn L, Nina, Gabby, Nikole, Lea
Salon Leadership Business Summit Conference: Maria, Wendy, Liz
Global Educator Luis Gonzales Fall Hair Color Trends Class: all stylists and apprentices
Aveda Skincare Training and Relaunch: Gabi
Aveda Benchmarking for Teams: Lea, Liz, Katelyn C, Kaitlyn L, Nina, Gabby
Price Adjustments (beginning November 1)
Barber haircuts $30
mcs exclusives
keep up-to-date and in the know
Make sure we have your correct email. We don’t want you to miss a single thing here at MCS.
Follow us on social: Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest
Watch for exclusive deals and flash sales.

