The Autumn/Winter 2025 fashion shows marked a notable shift in men’s grooming trends, moving away from heavily stylized, high-maintenance looks to an emphasis on naturalism and authenticity. This change in grooming echoed broader shifts in society, where individual expression and effortless style are becoming increasingly valued. From minimal makeup to retro-inspired hairstyles, the trends seen on the runway in October 2024 highlight a return to more organic beauty and self-expression in men’s grooming.
Minimal Makeup: Embracing Natural Beauty
One of the most striking trends at the Autumn/Winter 2025 shows was the emphasis on minimal makeup. The emphasis was on barely-there beauty—with designers opting for subtle enhancements rather than dramatic, statement-making looks. Models walked the runway with clean, fresh skin, often showcasing a natural glow. Makeup artists used light concealers, tinted moisturizers, and neutral tones to enhance features, aiming for a flawless, natural appearance that didn’t overshadow the model’s inherent beauty.
Nude lips, soft browns, and earthy tones were common, with lips left in their natural state or enhanced with a hint of gloss. The dewy skin trend continued to reign, with makeup focusing on hydration and luminosity rather than heavy layers of foundation. This minimalist approach celebrates the natural texture of the skin, marking a move towards a healthier, more organic look.
Hairstyles: Retro Revivals from the ’70s and ’90s
Hairstyles at the Autumn/Winter 2025 shows were heavily inspired by both the ’70s and ’90s, offering a nostalgic yet contemporary approach to men’s hair. Key elements included:
- Center partings: A hallmark of both eras, center partings dominated the runway, offering a look that was both classic and relaxed. Whether worn straight or with a slight wave, center partings gave off an air of nonchalance and natural flow.
- Grown-out mod styles: Drawing inspiration from the mod subculture of the ’70s, models were seen sporting longer, shaggy styles, often with a bit of texture and volume. These styles were effortless yet refined, offering a modern take on retro-inspired cuts.
- Textured, tousled looks: In line with the natural grooming trend, messy, textured styles were seen throughout the shows. This reflected a more laid-back approach to hairstyling, where the appearance of “lived-in” texture was embraced, allowing hair to look more authentic rather than overly polished.
Facial Hair: Natural and Unkempt
In a shift from the previous clean-shaven trend, facial hair was once again seen in more natural and less-manicured forms. The well-groomed beard was replaced by a more untamed look, with stubble and light beards taking precedence. This trend embraces a more rugged, real look, aligning with the broader desire for authenticity in grooming.
While full beards remained a popular choice for some models, the emphasis was on maintaining a more natural shape, rather than precision grooming. Stubble was worn with a more carefree attitude, avoiding sharp edges or overly groomed lines, reinforcing the trend towards natural masculinity.
The Future of Men’s Grooming: Authenticity Over Perfection
The Autumn/Winter 2025 shows reflected a broader cultural move toward self-acceptance, where imperfection and authenticity take precedence over heavily stylized or perfected looks. Whether it’s through minimal makeup, retro-inspired hairstyles, or natural facial hair, men’s grooming is embracing a more effortless approach, focusing on highlighting individual beauty and comfort rather than conforming to rigid beauty standards.
This shift aligns with a growing desire for self-expression and genuine authenticity in fashion and grooming. The “no-makeup” makeup look, effortless hairstyles, and untamed beards signal a future where personal style is prioritized over societal expectations, allowing men to express themselves more freely.
Conclusion: The Return to Naturalism
The grooming trends presented at the Autumn/Winter 2025 shows represent a definitive return to natural beauty, effortless style, and individual authenticity. The industry is shifting away from the overly-styled, pristine looks of the past, instead embracing more raw, organic aesthetics that focus on realness and simplicity. This new direction in men’s grooming not only reflects a changing attitude towards masculinity but also a broader cultural movement towards embracing one’s true self—marking an exciting chapter for the future of men’s grooming.
Source: Vogue Business – Men’s Grooming Trends at A/W 2025 Shows
