Apart from the (traumatic) time my older sister gave me a mullet when she was training to be a hairdresser at college – it was spiked on top, and yes, I have the pictures to prove it – I’ve never had short hair. By short, I mean it hasn’t sat above my shoulders, but it has been down to my bum. So it’s safe to say I’m a long-hair advocate. With my mum also being a hairdresser, you can imagine the number of times my family has asked to give my hair the chop. And after bleaching it to death in recent years, I’m slightly swayed by the idea – and this thought is only elevated by all the new bob hairstyles I keep seeing on my favourite fashion insiders. 

As a fashion editor, I can tell you all about how the suede tote is the bag to buy for autumn/winter or how knee-high boots are key, but the one unlikely accessory that’s quite taking over Instagram of late is the bob. Of course, there have been times when hairstyles have dominated certain decades or trends (but never the mullet – thanks, Sis), but after 15 years in the fashion industry, I’ve never seen a hairstyle be as prominent as the bobs we’re seeing everywhere right now. But why?

As someone who washes, dries and styles their long hair every day, my first thought is that it’s a lot lower maintenance – if you learn how to style the bob, that is. But wearing my fashion stylist hat, the real reason I appreciate it is down to how well the style suits all the autumn/winter 2024 trends I love the most. With this in mind, these are the outfits that are inspiring me to cut my long locks, though I may not be quite ready for the Italian crop pixie cut that’s doing the rounds right now. 

Say hello to the one coat I’m buying this year: the maxi. At 5ft 4-and-a-bit, finding a floor-sweeping coat isn’t tricky for me, but if you are on the taller side, you’ll be pleased to know so many high street and designer brands have tapped into this to-the-floor coat trend. Keeping you cosy from neck to ankles, I also appreciate how the outfit underneath is pretty much irrelevant when you wear one. But the one way to style them? With a sleek bob, just like influencer Tiffany Hsu (above). The duo just looks so chic from all angles, doesn’t it?

The Canadian tuxedo (aka double denim) can do no wrong in my eyes. This being said, it can sometimes feel slightly dated, so I love how April (above) has given it a fresh feel by opting for printed denim in the form of jeans and a shacket. Suede boots, oversized shades and a bouncy bob are the finishing touches this dreamy autumn ensemble needs to look very 2024. As soon as temperatures drop, simply add a long wool coat in tan, beige or brown to pull this outfit into winter territory. 

The scarf jacket hybrid is one of the fashion trends I’ve appreciated from afar for years. Why? Personally, I feel claustrophobic while wearing a scarf with long hair. The answer? Get a bob, of course. A hair tuck always looks effortless, so I like how Aïda (above) has let her bouncy bob sit underneath the scarf part of the jacket. Whether I go for the chop or not, I’ll absolutely be investing in a scarf jacket at last. 

Throughout this season, the main co-ord we’re going to be seeing throughout the cooler months is the trouser suit. And fashion influencer Grece has given it a winter revival by opting for luxe velvet – the ultimate party season set. While any hairstyle will go with a suit, the tucked bob just gives it that polished, put-together feel that this tailored pairing deserves. Extra points for the preppy shirt and jumper underneath. 

New to the bob gang, Rachael has inspired me to take the plunge and lose the length with this choppy, wavy style. Leather shirts and jackets are a seasonal staple, as are ruffle collars, so combine the two together and you get this dream look. A monochromatic look always feels premium, but the textured hair gives it that slightly boho, Sienna Miller vibe – it’s top-to-toe perfection, if you ask me. 

A cashmere knit (preferably grey) paired with baggy jeans and trainers is an easy autumn outfit to copy and paste from your own wardrobe. I’ll be repeating this look for every errand-running day in the near future. While I would have to curl my hair to make this feel more put-together, I appreciate how an easy-to-manage bob looks so effortless – especially when it’s slightly flicked out, just like Francesca (above). 

No matter your hair type, there’s a bob to suit you. Franny’s textured bob looks so chic with her minimalist outfit formula. An oversized blazer worn with wide-leg trousers will never fail when it comes to a work or brunch look. Add to this staple jewellery and a luxe leather tote (my long hair always gets trapped in the straps of my handbags – another reason why a bob may be on the cards) and it’s one of those outfits that’ll see you through many “I have nothing to wear” days. 

Images: courtesy of people featured