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I love a classic cherry red, pastel yellow, or strawberry pink mani as much as the next girl, but when autumn rolls around, I’m beyond excited to return to a world of deep plums, chocolate brown, dramatic burgundy, navy blue, and black. (I blame Lauren Conrad circa 2007 for my continued love of black nails.) Fall nails are just so luxe.
“Transitioning seasons is fun,” says manicurist LaTara Haye. “Surroundings are changing, and so is nail fashion. Festivities like Halloween and Thanksgiving enhance the celebratory spirit. Colors can alter your mood which leads to wanting to change your manicure color.”
This season, celebrity manicurists are embracing every facet of fall. Their top trend predictions include the essential dark and moody shades, but also cool chromes, edgy sheers, and an updated take on summer’s Brat green.
Ahead, we rounded up the coolest fall nail trends to help plan your first mani of the season.
All Green Everything
Brat summer will be sticking around for fall, says celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec. “Green is a shade that’s firmly trending. It’s unusual, and makes for a conversation starter,” she says. Her pick for fall is Chanel’s acid green Le Vernis in Reveuse. “Chanel is always known for being a step in front of the trends, so you know it will be huge.”
Charcoal Jelly
Celebrity and editorial manicurist Jin Soon Choi calls this trend “sheer with attitude,” with a hint of greige color mixed into a sheer polish for “a cool, edgy vibe that anyone can enjoy.” (It popped up on the Proenza Schouler and Helmut Lang fall runways.) “This ‘new sheer’ trend is a fresh take on the classic nude, offering a modern, sophisticated twist for fall.” Try JINSoon’s Serenity, a light smokey greige.
Glam Goth
Fall is the perfect time to go big and bold. Manicurist Jenny Bui created a dramatic dark reddish-black stiletto set for Cardi B and says it’s perfect for the season. “The fall season reminds people of Halloween so the length gives off the perfect fall vibes,” she explains. Bui applied “5XL” stiletto tips to Cardi, but you can get the look on any length nail. Just layer OPI Big Apple Red and OPI Black Onyx for that rich, dramatic gothic glamour. “The trick is to evenly coat the nails because any uneven nail polish will show on a simple nail like this,” says Bui.
Matte Manis
Haye is all about the matte finish for fall. “Matte manicures spark up style and creates art for the individual that may not want detailed nail art,” she explains. “A manicure with a matte finish can stand out in the room as much as embellished manicures.” Go fully matte or mix it up with shiny French tips.
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Kandalec was behind the manis at the Christian Cowan A/W 24 fashion show and cites the matte black as a look that feels “both edgy and refined” and ideal for a “sleek, understated elegance.” Matte nails are very easy to DIY; Kandalec used CND’s Black Pool and Matte Shellac Top Coat at the Cowan show for a “leather-like texture.”
Chocolate Brown
Swap your usual burgundy and black shades for a luscious chocolate brown this year, says manicurist Steph Stone, citing Essie’s Odd Squad as a top pick. “It reads as a neutral so it really has the versatility to be worn for any occasion and is flattering on all skin tones.” To make sure your mani or pedi looks picture perfect, Stone says to focus on “painting inside the lines,” as darker shades can get messy fast. Grab a small concealer brush and dip in polish remove for easy clean up.
Magnetic Chrome
Take your nail art up a notch for fall with prismatic, shape-shifting chromes and magnetic effects. Celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik, who sculpts the nails of Selena Gomez, Camila Cabello, and Jennifer Lopez, is a fan. “I love the magnetic, cat-eye effect and chrome shades in general, ideally with holographic effects,” he says. “As we get into the cooler weather, the different chromatic effects create depth and dimension to the color, allowing the nails to match all outfits—no matter what fall weather looks like wherever you are based!” You don’t need to go to the salon to get the look; Bachik likes imPRESS press-on nails in shades Better Things, Levels, and Infinity.
Seasonal Ombré
Ombré hair is making a comeback and so are ombré nails. “Ombré and mixing and matching colors with fun tonal shades on the nails is a great option,” says Bachik. “Warmer, deeper, earthier tone shades will be trending. Ombré looks are timeless but especially beautiful for fall.” At the salon, ask for a gradient of similar shades or DIY with a few tones and a small sponge to blend them together.
Aperol Spritz Orange
Don’t leave your summer drink behind when the weather changes. According to Kandalec, bright orange shimmer reminiscent of the delicious cocktail “works as a perfect transition shade from summer to fall, and gives a holiday nod in the winter.” She recommends Lights Lacquer, “Aperol Spritz, Anyone?”
Moody Tones
Both Choi and Bachik want you to indulge your dark side this season, whether it’s with deep navy blues like Essie’s Step Out of Line (Bachik’s pick) or a chic jelly color in a transitional shade, like JINsoon’s moody periwinkle Halcyon or plum-garnet Ember.
