Autumn is no longer just about pumpkin spice and cosy knits—it’s about individuality, nostalgia, and a sharper focus on sustainability.
According to Pinterest’s 2025 Autumn Trend Report, Gen Z is driving a powerful shift in how we dress, decorate, and even approach beauty. With this generation now making up more than half of Pinterest’s user base, their influence is unmistakable.
The numbers speak volumes. Searches for “dream thrift finds” have surged by 550%, while “vintage autumn aesthetic” has skyrocketed by 1,074%. It’s not just wardrobes getting a secondhand glow-up either—secondhand kitchens are up 1,012%, proving that sustainable shopping has become a lifestyle, not just a trend.
We dive deeper into the stats, below.
Fashion: Preppy, Polished, and Perfectly Personal
This season, fashion is fueled by nostalgia. The preppy aesthetic—think classic navy stripes, layered polos, and collegiate staples—has returned with a distinctly Gen Z twist. It’s polished yet irreverent, mixing classic elements like navy blue stripes—which saw a 3,925% spike in searches—with thrifted varsity sweaters and vintage tailoring. Pinterest searches for “classic preppy outfits” are up 2,625%, while “2000s preppy aesthetic” has jumped 2,867%, proving that the trend is as much about reinvention as it is about revival.
Even colour palettes are getting a nostalgic update. Caffeine-inspired hues are dominating wardrobes, with “vanilla latte blonde hair” up 2,023% and “coffee brown pants outfit” up 632%, as Gen Z embraces espresso, caramel, and matcha tones in everything from knitwear to outerwear. “Matcha outfit” searches are at 304% as Gen Z look for cute outfits to wear on their matcha run. And for those who love a playful pop, polka dot outfits have surged by 1,026%, adding a touch of whimsy to autumn layering.
Accessories are equally intentional—interest in “vintage luxury watches” has grown 82%, while “vintage digital watches” have increased 34%, showing how this generation is gravitating toward timeless, sustainable statements rather than fast-fashion fads.
Design: Art Deco Dreams and Cubicle Glow-Ups
Home design is following the same trajectory. Autumn interiors are being reimagined with boldness and intention, blending comfort with creativity. Pinterest users are reinventing their workspaces, with “cubicle makeover ideas” up 2,767% and “chic cubicle decor” up 1,543%, as hybrid workers transform once-sterile desks into curated, inspiring spaces.
Statement tiles are also having a moment, bringing personality to kitchens and bathrooms. Searches for “vintage tiles” have risen 1,107%, while “terracotta tile textures” are up 833%, signaling a shift toward handcrafted, character-driven design. Meanwhile, Art Deco style is staging a dramatic return. Searches for “art deco vintage” have grown 805%, while “new art deco” has risen 497%, showing that today’s interiors are looking to the past for inspiration while remaining undeniably modern.
Beauty: Salmon DNA and Soft Grunge
Beauty this season is equally experimental. Grunge makeup is having a resurgence, but this time it’s softer and more wearable. Think smudged eyeliner, deep tones, and a polished take on the ’90s and early 2000s aesthetic. Searches for “clean grunge makeup” have climbed 652%, while “90s grunge makeup” is up 210%, reflecting a renewed interest in smudged eyeliner, deep tones, and effortless textures. Hair is following suit: “chic pixie cuts” have skyrocketed by 2,435%, alongside a 1,892% jump for “honey blonde pixie cuts”, as Gen Z embraces bold, low-maintenance styles.
Skincare is diving deep—literally—with “sea science” ingredients leading the charge. Searches for “salmon DNA” are up 623%, while “salmon DNA treatment” has grown 234%, reflecting fascination with high-tech, marine-based skincare known for its glow-boosting claims. Snail essence continues its cult status with a 33% bump in searches.
Fragrance is equally cosy this season, with “vanilla scent aesthetic” up 117%, “apple scent” up 53%, and “caramel scent” up 49%, as users lean into warm, nostalgic aromas perfect for cooler days.
Travel: Countryside Couture and Sunlit Adventures
Travel boards are filled with escapism this autumn, as Pinterest users romanticise destinations that combine natural beauty with cultural depth. The European countryside is a standout favourite, with “England countryside cottage” searches soaring 814%.
Brazil is also trending, celebrated for its vibrant cities and lush natural wonders, with “Brazil photos” searches up 441%. Greece rounds out the top picks, where “Santorini night” searches are up 83% and “Greek ruins” up 79%, capturing the golden-hour glow of ancient landscapes.
Food: Mini Treats, Major Impact
Even in the kitchen, small is making a big statement. Pinterest users are obsessed with miniature desserts, with “mini egg cheesecake” up 854% and “mini pancake bar” up 586%, proving that tiny, shareable treats are perfect for gatherings. Meanwhile, decorated sweet focaccia breads are becoming edible art, with searches for “cinnamon focaccia” rising 562%.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA Singapore.
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