Zendaya, Jessie Buckley, Emma Stone: the pixie cut is dethroning the bob this autumn
A complete transformation in just a few snips of the scissors, that’s exactly what the pixie cut is offering this autumn. Worn by a wave of boldly confident icons, this ultra-short style is asserting itself as the season’s defining choice, just as the long bob gradually steps aside.
The pixie: a cut that redraws the face
Choosing a cut this short means embracing a radical change. By shedding the weight of length, the face is reframed: the neckline and jawline gain definition, delivering an immediate, confident look. Far from being a fallback option, the pixie stands as the ultimate expression of effortless chic and genuine style freedom.
Its heritage stretches back to the 1990s, most notably through Winona Ryder’s iconic crop, which became the definitive reference for the gamine cut. Today, that influence lives on in the looks of countless personalities who are making it their own with real creativity.
The stars reinventing the pixie cut in their own way
Zendaya turned heads by adopting a hybrid form somewhere between the bob and the pixie, dubbed the bixie. Her hairstylist Ursula Stephen herself struggles to pin down a precise label for it, describing it as a chameleon cut, comparable to a dress you can style a thousand different ways, in her own words as reported by Hypebae. Zendaya has made no secret of her enthusiasm for returning to short hair.
In a more classic register, Jessie Buckley opts for a slicked-back pixie of formidable sophistication, a style also spotted on Nicole Kidman at the 2025 Met Gala, with a strand swept across the face. Other personalities draw their inspiration from decades past: Emma Stone paired the cut with a retro wavy fringe, while Halle Berry, back in the 2000s, personalised her pixie with small gel-spiked tips.
- Zendaya’s bixie, halfway between a bob and a pixie, styled by Ursula Stephen
- Jessie Buckley’s slicked-back pixie, with its instant sophistication
- Nicole Kidman’s face-framing pixie at the 2025 Met Gala
- Emma Stone’s short cut paired with a retro wavy fringe
- Halle Berry’s small gel spikes from the 2000s
A cut that’s more versatile day-to-day than it looks
The pixie cut also plays the practicality card. Less demanding than you might expect, it lends itself to a wide range of styling options depending on mood and occasion. Tousled with a touch of product, it takes on an artfully undone feel for everyday wear. Slicked back in wet-look mode, it transforms entirely for an evening out.
That adaptability makes it a smart choice for anyone who wants a strong look without sacrificing flexibility from one day to the next. In short, the pixie suits every mood, from the most relaxed to the most polished.
Why autumn is the right moment to take the plunge
A change of season often acts as a trigger. The desire to assert one’s style or the urge for a bold refresh heading into the end of the year is pushing more and more women into the salon chair. The pixie cut answers that call precisely: an immediate, visible result that marks a genuine break from length.
Personalities such as Adriana Karembeu, with her platinum blonde version, or Victoria Beckham, in a brunette take, show that this cut transcends styles and skin tones alike. The shift from the long bob to the very short is now well underway, and the pixie is the undisputed winner of the season.
