Beyoncé’s Old Hollywood Bob Is the Coolest Way to Wear Short Hair This Fall

“It’s velvety, ultrafemme, and touts high end luxury,” Abramite continues. “It looks glossy, feels silky, and comes with an expensive price tag, just like the woman who’s wearing it.”

Sabrina Carpenter at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards

Catherine Powell/Getty Images

Madonna at the 63rd Academy Awards after-party at Spago’s hosted by Swifty Lazar

Ron Galella/Getty Images

Of course, nostalgic fashion and beauty-cycling is forever a constant, and as celebrity master hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein points out, Old Hollywood–inspired beauty is “something that has consistently shown up on the red carpet.” The main difference this time? “Some stars are now bringing it to more of their regular look,” she says.

In fact, some pros don’t even classify this look as particularly Old Hollywood or retro, proving that it’s versatile enough to wear everyday—even for noncelebs. “For me, this cut itself isn’t vintage. It’s more of an everyday, all-day mid-length cut that works for a lot of hair types and textures, and what gives it that vintage vibe is the styling,” says Patterson. You can especially see this with the way Kendall Jenner has been styling hers.

Kendall Jenner at Paris Fashion Week

Arnold JEROCKI/Getty Images

What’s more, variations on both the bob and lob have always been around. “Every now and then it has a big moment, adding different elements depending on the trend, such as bangs, angle of cut, or layers,” she says. “A lob is a great way for the long-haired girlies to get a different look without going for the full chop.”

Feeling inspired? Here’s what to ask for at the salon. “The haircut is a long bob with or without bangs and long layers for volume and movement,” says Abramite. “While the haircut shape is important, the heat styling is where the vintage glamour is created.”

While lobs are known for working well with all face shapes, you can also customize the length accordingly. “One of the great things about these vintage-inspired cuts, especially the lob, is that they can be tailored to suit almost any face shape,” says Reavey. “A longer bob with a slight wave or a side part can soften angular features, while a sleek, straight lob elongates rounder face shapes.”

In terms of hair types, Reavey says that these cuts work best on hair with some texture—fine to medium thickness. “However, if you have very thick or curly hair, working with layers or thinning techniques can help achieve the look without adding bulk,” she says.