Playful, Nostalgic, and Chic: Introducing Baby-Doll Fall

      Marc Jacobs has always valued a sense of childlike wonder, as showcased by his spring 2024 show where models walked like stiff paper dolls beneath an imposing sculpture of a folding table and chairs. This year's collection elevated the dress-up concept to new extremes. In February, models strolled down the runway in exaggerated silhouettes, Betty Boop-inspired heels, and fabric appliqués—each in various shades of "Pat McGrath red"—adhered to their lips and cheeks, reminiscent of being pulled from a toy chest. Shortly thereafter, we noticed clustered, spiky lashes at Thom Browne and Cucculelli Shaheen, "rubber lips" at Gabe Gordon, and '60s beehive wigs with sleek, flared ends at Christian Cowan, echoing a vintage Barbie vibe. As we rushed from show to show, jotting down notes for our upcoming F/W 25 beauty trend report, one thing was clear: this fall, we'll be getting all dolled up.

      Runway shows may set the stage for trends, but the streets solidify them—and current consumer behavior certainly reflects this doll-like trend: '60s baby-doll blush is back in the spotlight (hello, Sabrina Carpenter), flipped bobs are officially trending, and bold cut creases are gaining momentum again. Whether you love it or hate it, a baby-doll fall is on the horizon, and creatives are excited to indulge in playfulness. "It pulls from fashion history—think '60s mod, Y2K Bratz, Parisian preppy—yet feels contemporary due to TikTok and pop culture influences," notes celebrity makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran. "It's gone viral not just for its versatility, but because you can make it your own—whether it's a sweet, innocent look, a flirty glam, or a chic, polished vibe." After years dominated by no-makeup looks and clean-girl aesthetics, beauty enthusiasts are (finally) craving more drama and rich narratives. With a doll-inspired aesthetic, you can embody as much or as little of that multidimensional character as you desire. "Being a doll is flexible. Just look at Bratz dolls—there's one for every skin tone," highlights celebrity makeup artist Ngozi "Esther" Edeme.

      I’d be remiss not to mention the obvious—pink, plush, and cuddly—in the context of wider cultural phenomena. Beauty frequently reflects societal trends, and during times of uncertainty (economically or geopolitically), it's not uncommon for fans to gravitate toward nostalgia, holding onto the past while the future seems unclear. There's nothing more nostalgic than a childhood toy once held close or stored away in a charming dollhouse; wearing doe-eyed lashes or a playful ponytail might subtly express a longing for that same comfort. "People seek control and fantasy right now," asserts celebrity hairstylist Evanie Frausto. "Doll hair is never 'natural.' It’s always immaculate, shiny, and styled to perfection. There’s comfort in that."

      Doll-like aesthetics certainly evoke familiarity, yet they are also incredibly surreal—a tension that makes the look particularly thrilling for fall 2025. "It's glossy, precise, campy, and photographs beautifully," adds Frausto. While we may not all strut down the runway like Marc Jacobs's lineup of paper dolls, we can certainly take inspiration from the designer's vision and indulge in fantasy—even through something as simple as a bright, youthful blush.

      Exaggerated, spiky lashes. A flipped bob. Soft, rounded blush. A sleek, thin cut crease (if you're bold enough). These are all defining features of the '60s baby-doll look, which has soared over 4000% on Pinterest according to the site's fall trends report. "It pairs excellently with knee-high boots and a shift dress," points out Lila Childs, a NYC-based makeup artist who foresaw the comeback of spiky, doe-eyed lashes following Paris Fashion Week. She suggests using a lengthening mascara with a slim wand rather than a fluffy, volumizing one, allowing you to apply more pigment on each lash. Jaikaran concurs, recommending an extra pass with a clean spoolie to further separate and define those lashes. For that ultra-thin cut crease, eye shadow sticks and/or liquid liners are your best friends. Simply trace the product along your eyelid's upper edge, shaping it into a rounded form to achieve that Sharon Tate-inspired, baby-doll effect.

      When it comes to blush, more is indeed more—a maxim that Edeme embodies with every ethereal celebrity look, from Naomi Campbell to Doechii to Anok Yai. "I believe there's no such thing as blush blindness," she asserts. "It becomes blind when not intentional." Choose a bright shade that complements your undertones (consider vibrant fuchsia, bold coral, or bubblegum pink) and layer on the color, concentrating on