
Pro Beauty Pulse: A Monthly View of Industry Confidence
The Professional Beauty Association and Pivot Point team up to develop an ongoing study that measures the confidence of salon owners, stylists, school owners, and students.
Knitwear, neutral tones, below-the-knee skirts, cardigans, fuzzy fleeces and chunky loafers are popular examples of Cozy Girl Fashion, which is spiking as temperatures drop.

Like ‘Tomato Girl Summer,’ which trended earlier this year thanks to Hailey Bieber, we’re now in 'Cozy Girl' season. The ‘cozy girl’ tag has racked up over 29 million TikTok views, with interest soaring over 20 times in three years.
Fashion experts from Boohoo reveal trending fashion pieces for this winter and how to achieve the cozy girl look.
What is the cozy girl aesthetic?
Like the ‘vanilla’ or ‘clean girl,' the cozy girl aesthetic captures a comfortable lifestyle, prioritizing wellness and feel-good, hygge energy. Experts attribute its growing popularity to “the rise in working from home and wellness and sobriety trends popular with Gen Z.”
The trend is growing year-on-year, with Google searches for ‘vanilla girl’ soaring 270% over the last five years and the TikTok hashtag racking up an eye-watering two billion views.
The vibe is relaxed yet refined. Think chunky knits, cardigans, tracksuits, and wide-legged pants in soft, plush fabrics like wool, cashmere, and neutral tones with warm accents. Key footwear pieces include slip-on shoes, sneakers, and boots.
Trending cozy outfits in winter 2023
Knitwear is bigger than ever this season, with Pinterest trends revealing a 92% increase in searches compared to last year.
The 'off shoulder sweater' style has soared in interest by 355% year-on-year. Neutral colors are trending, with 'white sweater outfit' searches skyrocketing 455% in the last three months.
Sweatpants, an early A/W 23 trend, have seen searches rise 52% compared to last year.
Where to find cozy style inspiration?
For cozy girl inspiration, look to classic comfort watches such as Meg Ryan’s rom-com When Harry Met Sally,Gilmore Girls, and Friends which feature layered ‘90s pieces such as below-the-knee skirts, cardigans, fuzzy fleeces, and chunky loafers.
The experts commented, "Nostalgia plays a big part in the 'cozy girl' aesthetic, as classic watches like Gilmore Girls evoke the same sense of comfort and ease that the style seeks to achieve."
How to style cozy fashion?
The experts commented: “Incorporate luxurious textiles and stick to a neutral palette. Oversized knits, relaxed-fit pants, fresh sneakers, slip-ons, or boots are ideal as they balance comfort and style, staying chic and away from slouchy territory.
Be careful to avoid overwhelming your shape with bagginess. Use simple tricks, like tucking the front of your sweater into your pants to define your waistline, and not forgetting to add some jewelry will elevate the style from glum to glam without sacrificing comfort.”

The Professional Beauty Association and Pivot Point team up to develop an ongoing study that measures the confidence of salon owners, stylists, school owners, and students.

This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.

In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.

In October, volunteers plan to walk and take the plunge during at the annual event, HairToStay Does the Bay. Find out how you can participate and support the organization that grants subsidies to cancer patients so they can receive cold cap treatments to save their hair during chemotherapy.
At Premiere Orlando 2026, SALON TODAY catches up with Easihair Pro's Angela Gilmore, who talks about why stylists lose clients who are suffering from thinning hair and hair loss, and how their new Hairlosophy line can help.

Illuminated Paths is a boxed set of 52 cards, a guidebook, and an Oracolor Wheel, a visual framework that helps readers reconnect with the qualities they want to bring into everyday life.

In this rare essay, the president of a haircare brand takes us behind-the-scenes into a world we never see when we pick up a product off the shelves--the arduous, thought-probing, second-guessing journey of rebranding a legacy product line. Not only is her reflection fascinating, but it is also incredibly useful for any salon owner or manufacturer contemplating their own brand.

Twenty lucky winners will be selected July 30th, and each will be able to choose from three different service tray models.

Motivated by loved ones who have battled cancer, Phorest's Barry Quinn and two friends will embark on a three-day trek to the summit of the highest peak in North Africa in September, raising money for HairToStay. Find out how you can help them.

The company's Back to Business Sweepstakes is a direct investment in the stylists and salon owners who are building something that lasts.