Game ON. Makeup artists and hairstylists didn’t hold back at the Autumn/Winter ’21 fashion shows this year, signaling to the rest of us that it’s time to bust out some fab hair and makeup this season. The majority of looks were full of drama with some verging on NSFRL (not suitable for real life). But there were six trends that stood out — blunt bangs, heavy black liner, tangerine shades, headbands, vivid eyes and swingy bobs — that are not only completely suitable for real life, they’re also easy to recreate.
Blunt Bangs
Seen At: Rokh, Chanel, Marni, Victoria Beckham, Balmain, Valentino, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, DSquared2, Etro.
What’s to Love: Bangs have been huge this year but the blunt, straight-across-the-forehead look is the one to have for fall. Lengths range from micro — about an inch from the hairline — to maxi — hitting at the upper eyelid.
Unlike lighter fringe styles, such as curtain and wispy, which worked well in the summer, this thick bang gels well with the heavier vibe of autumn. Think velvet, cashmere and wool fabrics, layers and boots.
Make it Work: Medium and long straight-across bangs make the face appear wider, so if you have a round or heart-shaped face, a mini bang is the most flattering length for you.
Headbands
Seen At: Giambattista Valli, Chanel, DSquared2, Prada.
What’s to Love: It couldn’t be easier to throw on a headband and add instant panache to your hairstyle. It doesn’t matter what your hair type, headbands work on everyone. (Though if you have some crazy cowlicks, you might add multiple accessories to keep things under control.)
Make it Work: Try two! Adding two identical headbands is a fresh way to wear the trend, as seen at Giambattista Valli. Designers avoided the stodgy feel that sometimes comes with headbands by pairing them with a bit of edge — think preppy meets punk. Try a headband with heavy black eyeliner to nail the essence of the trend.
Heavy Black Liner
Seen At: Chanel, Dior, Courreges, Tom Ford, Etro.
What’s to Love: Forget the power suit; meet the power eye. The catwalk liner looks varied from fully rimmed, to heavy and smoked, to thick with a flick at the ends — and each version oozed strength and glamour.
Make it Work: Keep in mind that heavy liner rimming the entire eye can make the eye look smaller, so if you have petite peepers, make your line on the thinner side and just the top line, as seen at Courreges.
For the intense eyes seen at Chanel and Dior, remember to line the waterline (the area inside the lashes, near the eyeball) as well.
Which liner is best? If you want to create a graphic wing or for a smoky look, try a creamy pot like this from Chanel; for filling the waterline and when you’re in a hurry, a thick, creamy pencil like Urban Decay’s Waterproof — perfect for no-smudge lines — is a winner.
Vivid Eyes
Seen At: Versace, Giambattista Valli, David Koma, Mark Fast, Lavie by CK, Marques’Almeid, Rabens Saloner.
What’s to Love: Shall we call it masceptance (mask acceptance)? Because yes, you’re still wearing a mask but hey, while your mouth is undercover, your eyes can still party! Statement eyes like these are bound to bring on a few smiles (whether you can see them or not).
Make it Work: To get a more intense pigment, dip your eyeshadow brush in a bit of water before you go into the shadow pan; this helps it glide on with intensified pigment. The 12 vibrant hues in M.A.C’s Botanic Panic palette is the perfect place to play. (How great would the aqua and the turquoise look together?)
If simple and straightforward is more your method of application, then try no-fail Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Stick in a vibrant hue like Chaos, LSD or Fish Bowl.
Tangerine Shades
Seen At: Prabal Gurung, Maison Mai, Mame Kurogouchi, Vivienne Westwood, Off-White.
What’s to Love: There were lots of punchy pops of color on the runways, but those in the orange family hit the right note for this season. (Hello, autumn leaves, Halloween and wind-swept cheeks!) You can go subtle with one tangerine feature or go maximalist with coordinated eyes, cheeks and lips.
Make it Work: Whether you want a soft wash or a punch of neon, balance is key. Want to try a super bright orange shade? Stick to one feature — eyes or lips.
Want to try the eyes-lips-cheeks trio but make it everyday wearable and not like you came to work from a rave? Stick with softer shades like Victoria Beckham Bitten Lip Tint in Amour, Armani Liquid Face Blush in Peach and Tom Ford Cream Color for Eyes in Sphinx.
Swingy Bobs
Seen At: Isabel Marant, Courreges, Moschino, Ferragamo, Valentino, Prada.
What’s to Love: These aren’t the sleek bobs or the super choppy crops of earlier this year. No, this bob is the epitome of French girl style — all one length with a bit of volume and swing to it.
Make it Work: This is particularly easy to wear if you have naturally curly or wavy hair. If you have straight hair, just add a bit of thickening spray and let the hair air dry. There’s a bit of a ‘90s grunge aspect to this look, so don’t overthink or over-style it.
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