The Quarterly: Fall 2025

Autumn is approaching; a season poet William Cullen Bryant once described as “the year’s last, loveliest smile.” As we ardently embrace this period of transition, our artists are eager to share what’s inspiring them in fall beauty and fashion—and the ways they deepen their feelings of joy and contentment.

We hope you discover new ways to meaningfully connect with yourself and others, while reflecting your authentic beauty in their words.

Fall hair trends celebrate warmth, low-maintenance styles, and volume

As the air turns crisp and trees tease hints of autumnal color, Edina legacy colorist Jeani is welcoming a return to warmth. Sunshine. Amber. Bronze. You can expect to see these hues as the weather shifts.

And what of fall haircut trends? Two are emerging for those who embody this season of change.

“I’m excited to see a softer, more modern bob coming on the scene,” says St. Paul legacy stylist Emily. “It’s playful and low-maintenance, with tons of styling options. And I’m most excited about the wispy bangs trend. It’s a low-commitment way to test out a fringe that can easily be transitioned into subtle face-framing layers as it grows—or maybe it’s a baby step toward a full fringe you love.”

We’re also witnessing a growing appreciation of natural texture.

“I love when people see the beauty of the hair that grows out of their head, and wear it around proudly,” says St. Paul stylist Allison.

The inspired fall hairstyle trend that drew excitement from several artists?

“Big 90’s blowouts!” says Lucky, a senior stylist also at our St. Paul space.

Edina legacy stylist and colorist Poppy continues, “I love that bouncy blowouts are versatile to fit every guest, and they’re long lasting.”

New beauty products deliver on desire for light, natural, and easy

Innovative products that help radiate health and beauty continue to emerge, and this season is no exception.

Which of these are among our artists’ must-haves?

“I currently cannot live without the Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain,” says Poppy. “It’s a pH-activated lip and cheek stain that reacts to the body’s natural chemistry to give a perfect color every time.”

Aveda’s Abundant Blowout also earns high marks.

“A styling spray light enough for super-fine hair, it gives body and lift from root to tip,” Emily says. “I love that it’s easy to use at home as a stand-alone product, plus it plays well with other stylers, too.”

For those craving instant volume, Lucky suggests experimenting with Aveda Pure Abundance Shampoo and Conditioner with the added Style Prep.

“My pro tip,” says Lucky, “I add in Invati Thickening Foam, and this duo keeps your hair feeling full, thick and strong.”

Other new products that garnered praise from our artists this season:

• Ultraceuticals LUMI Bright Peel for a luminous complexion
• Aveda Miraculous Oil for lightweight frizz-control and shine
• Aveda Texturizing Creme

Listening for new ways of being

The time is always right for personal growth—and podcasts and audiobooks have long been avenues for accessing valuable insight, even on the go.

What’s inspiring our artists right now?

Poppy found The Let Them Theory audiobook by Mel Robins particularly revealing and accessible.

“I love the relatable ways she shares her theories,” Poppy says, “and I learned about different ways to connect with friends and family.”

Meanwhile, Emily has always been an avid Heavyweight listener, a podcast hosted by former This American Life reporter Johnathan Goldstein.

“He helps people confront past conflicts and the nagging ‘what ifs’ of their lives,” Emily shares. “Some episodes are light and funny, some are dark and emotional. I’m always left feeling a sense of connection to my fellow humans.”

Creating and deepening human connection

Just one year ago, Harvard Graduate School of Education published a report on loneliness, and the impact feeling disconnected can have on our mental health.

How, then, do we build meaningful relationships that enrich our lives and boost our wellbeing?

“Be authentically you,” says St. Paul esthetician Liza, and to start, “create a deep connection to self first.”

Allison agrees.

“When you are just honestly yourself and aren’t afraid to show a little vulnerability, you’re more relatable to others which just naturally deepens any connection,” says Allison.

Curiosity is one simple way to help nurture connection.

“Ask the other person questions about them and their world,” Lucky says. “All too often we get stuck in sharing our story. So reach out, build that bridge, and offer to be an ear to someone else’s journey.”

Not a native Minnesotan?

It’s not uncommon for people to share the challenges they face forging new friendships here. In fact, Racket, acknowledged this very conundrum when it published 36 Ways to Make Friends in the Twin Cities in July.

“My best anecdotal advice is to go out and do things you love by yourself,” shares Emily. “As a Minnesota transplant, it can be difficult to make friends. When I go to a concert, fair, festival, restaurant, or whatever it is alone, the worst case scenario is that I get to do something I enjoy. But most of the time, I wind up having a nice conversation with a stranger or two, and sometimes make a friend who likes the same niche things as I do.”

Fall fashion celebrates texture and femininity

As the weather shifts, so does fashion—and romantic, feminine looks are beginning to make an appearance.

“I’m most looking forward to adding layers into my wardrobe that have different textures, like lace or tulle,” Poppy says. “It’s a fun time to enhance our outfits.”

Expect to also see cable-knit sweaters and hourglass silhouettes emerge. For Liza, the season means a minimalist vibe, complete with boots and cozy sweaters, while Lucky looks forward to turtle necks.

“I love the comfy vibe that fall and winter bring,” Lucky says.

Hidden gems for energizing spaces and experiences

Feeling depleted by the bustle of summer? Looking for opportunities to slow down, recharge, and reconnect?

Liza recommends a quiet dinner with friends at Hyacinth on Grand Avenue; this intimate St. Paul restaurant creates the beautiful European-style food and warm ambiance that feeds the soul.

For a deeper sense of rejuvenation, Josh recommends Embrace North in Minneapolis. Offering saunas and cold water immersion, the contrast therapy experience can help us speed muscle recovery, boost energy, and elevate mood.

A night exploring local craft breweries can also offer a simple escape that invites connection. Jeanie suggests making a visit to Forgotten Star Brewing in Fridley.

As for Emily, the answer is, “Pub trivia. Always pub trivia.”

Treasured, calming escapes at home

When the air turns crisp, embracing quiet moments at home can be invaluable as we reflect, recenter, and restore ourselves.

For some, that means embracing mental challenges that demand quiet moments of focus, like the New York Times crossword.

“Even if I have to look up an answer, I get to learn something new,” Emily says, who’s made the crosswords a daily practice.

For others, calming moments of self-care have proven particularly transformative. Liza suggests spending seven minutes with the meditation app, Miracle of Mind, each day, while Lucky recommends creating morning and nighttime routines to lift mood, energy, and happiness.

“These routines are sacred to me,” Lucky says, “it reminds me how connected I am to myself and how powerful that makes me feel.”

Yoga is Allison’s pathway to self care; a priority she sets every day.

“I know that when I pour into my own cup first, I’m able to show up as the version of me that the world deserves. When you show up for yourself, you not only show up as a better version of yourself for others, but you also inspire others to show up for themselves.”

New looks. New ideas. New ways of being.

As the leaves hint at their multi-hued autumn transition, we’re inspired by life’s one constant—change, and gratified to share all we’ve discovered and created with you. We hope you’ve uncovered a few fresh ideas in The Quarterly, and that they empower you to show up vibrantly for yourself and others.