Fall's Best Nail Trends Are Hot Off the Press, and Here Are My 8 Favorites
Maybe it’s just me, but this year, I’m feeling particularly excited for fall. I’m looking forward to cooler temperatures, fall fashion trends, and cozy sweaters. For me, though, the best part of any seasonal change is the new nail trends. Fall typically signals a shift to darker, more muted colors. (Think jewel tones and chocolatey browns!)
This fall’s nail trends are some of the best I’ve seen in years. There are tons of rich, deep colors as well as plenty of playful designs. I tapped some of the best nail artists in the business to get their input on the trends we’ll soon be seeing everywhere—get your nail appointments booked early.
1. Glazed-Donut Nails
There’s no doubt about it—everyone wants Hailey Bieber’s glazed-donut nails. In a salon, you’ll want to opt for sheer milky-white nail polish with chrome powder on top, but at home, you can achieve the trend with a sheer chrome polish like this one from Orly.
DIY it:
2. Gold Accents
"This trend is great for the fall because it adds a touch of glam to darker tones during fall and winter,” says Nailing Hollywood artist Queenie Nguyen. "Gold embellishments such as flakes or minimal gold nail jewels are great to enhance fall nail looks without being overpowering.”
DIY it:
3. Negative Space
Negative-space manicures have been trending for a while, but the craze is truly coming to a crescendo this fall. Opt for simple designs layered on top of sheer colors. Nail artist Sonya Belakhlef recommends spicing things up with chrome orbs. They say this look is "low-maintenance and turns heads. [It] looks great on a sheer, neutral nail so the orbs are spotlighted.”
DIY it:
4. Mocha Tones
"Browns and neutrals are stunning in the fall,” says Nailing Hollywood artist Rachel Joseph. Put a fun spin on the warm shade by trying gradient nails or playing with a French manicure.
DIY it:
5. Mauve Nails
"As a neutral, earthy tone, there is a shade of mauve that works for everyone,” says Nailing Hollywood artist Laura Malarkey. "It’s also a gorgeous alternative to all the brown nail looks we see this time of year.”
DIY it:
6. Matte Nails
"Matte nails are always a win for fall,” says Malarkey. "Over all kinds of art, French-tip designs, or solid colors, a matte topcoat really elevates any nail look and brings that sweater-weather vibe to the fingertips.”
DIY it:
7. Tortoiseshell Nails
"Tortoiseshell has been an ongoing trend for fall every year, but mixing with a pop of color will modernize the look for this falI,” says Nguyen. "I also think it is an unexpected twist to this classic fall look [to add] just a minimal touch of bright colors or even neon colors.”
DIY it:
8. Fall Florals
Florals for fall? It’s actually groundbreaking. "[It’s] a fun way to transition from summer to fall without leaving the florals behind,” says Joseph. "Use earthy tones that resemble fall foliage to keep the trend going.”
DIY it:
Next, Here They Are: 21 Chic Nail Colors We'll Be Wearing Exclusively This Fall
Prior to her time at Who What Wear, Katie Berohn worked as the beauty assistant for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her master's degree at NYU's graduate program for magazine journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan; a digital editorial internship at New York magazine's The Cut; a social good fellowship at Mashable; and a freelance role at HelloGiggles.
-
I Thought I Was Over This "Juvenile" Nail Color, But Rihanna Just Convinced Me Otherwise
Perfect for summer.
By Jamie Schneider
-
Lisa Just Co-Signed Selena Gomez's Go-To Date-Night Nail Color—I'm Sprinting to My Manicurist
This shade stretches way past Valentine’s Day.
By Alyssa Brascia
-
Confirmed: The Watery Nail Trend Is Set to Replace Milky Nails This Spring
Sheer nails just got an upgrade.
By Jazzria Harris
-
I'm an Expert in Nail Trends—These Are the 6 Nail Colors Everyone Will Be Wearing This Spring
Fresh mani inspo.
By Jazzria Harris
-
I'm Calling It: This Chic OPI Shade Will Be the Biggest Nail Polish Color of the Season
Neutral nail lovers, rejoice!
By Grace Lindsay
-
I Know Expensive-Looking Nails When I See Them, and I'm Swooning Over This "Candy Floss" Mani
I couldn't have screenshotted it any faster.
By Jamie Schneider
-
Sydney Sweeney Just Cosigned Chocolate Croc Nails (Plus a Matching Corset) for Spring
I'm officially copying it all season.
By Jamie Schneider
-
I'm Bored of Demure Manicures, so I Tried the Ornate Spring Nail Trend That's All Over Pinterest
I can't get enough.
By Alyssa Brascia