It may sound premature to say that we’re already starting to fine-tune our autumn shopping lists, but with the summer flip-flopping between 90-degree heat and nonstop downpours, we’re frankly feeling ready to embrace the season ahead. Of course, with a new season comes a slew of new trends to take note of—both in fashionand in beauty—and while we’ve already pinpointed the fall trends that you’re going to see everywhere, it’s time to dig into the details. First stop: nails. And more specifically, the nine autumn nail trends that are going to be everywhere next season.
Sure, we can get a pretty good steer on cool micro nail trends by scrolling through Instagram, but nothing beats an expert opinion, which is why we tapped some of our favorite pros for their predictions on the nail trends that will dominate the beauty world in fall 2021.
Below, you’ll find nine autumn nail trends that will make your next manicure anything but boring.
“Who doesn’t love a little leopard print? The colors work so well for autumn, and it’s a relatively simple look to re-create at home,” says Carla Opoku, founder of Cienna Rose. “I think having just a vertical stripe of print gives it a cool vibe rather than just having the entire nail in leopard print.”
“To get the look, try a pale-pinky base coat then a latte-colored vertical stripe of Latte Break down the middle,” suggests Opoku.
Finish by applying a few dots of black nail polish.
“We’ll be taking inspiration from classic Pucci prints and decorating our nails in wavy designs and swirly patterns,” predicts Opoku. “Go for autumnal shades in mocha, taupe, spiced pumpkin and maroon.”
A rich, autumnal taupe acts as the perfect base shade or complementary hue to brighter colors.
This flaming orange shade leans into the ’70s vibes and is surprisingly wearable.
“Metallics always make a bit of a return come autumn, but this season, they’ll be very pared-back and minimal,” explains Opoku. “Muted bases in pinks and beige tones will just have a smattering of sparkle or foil, making nails look very chic and wearable—a minimalist mani at its finest!”
Layer up this iridescent shade for a full-on metallic shine, or apply just one coat for a sheer hint of color. Don’t forget the crystal top coat!
This chrome-effect nail polish has serious shine appeal.
“Matte nails are having a moment, but for those who aren’t ready to brave the full nail art look, you can wear a hint of the texture as a French tip or a detail,” explains Dani Bailey, award-winning nail artist, and OPI nail boss. “It will elevate a basic mani in a really cool way.”
Transform any glossy nail polish into a shine-free autumnal shade with this mattifying top coat from OPI.
Bailey thinks this shade is “matte heaven” when paired with the top coat.
“Nudes never go out of fashion, and natural skin tones are amazing for autumn,” explains Bailey. “Shape-wise, most people came out of lockdown wanting a more low-key approach to shape and length. Obviously, there are still the more adventurous clients out there, but as a tendency, the long stilettos did give way to the shorter squovals. I do think there will be a big return of the almonds soon, though!”
A timeless, pared-back peach that looks great on everyone.
This mid-toned brown looks so chic.
According to the mani experts at Nailberry, there’s going to be one unexpected color on everyone’s nails this autumn: khaki green. “Cool, contemporary, and surprisingly neutral, khaki is the new black,” they predict.
“We are confident this is going to be one of Nailberry’s most sought-after shades this autumn,” a representative for the brand predicts.
This khaki green is undeniably cool.
One of Hully’s favorite colors is Nailberry’s Noirberry—a deep, blackish-red that looks set to take off next season. Look for ultra-opaque and totally opulent reds, greens, and navies at the darkest end of the color spectrum for a sophisticated autumn manicure.
You can’t get more classic than this deep, dark red from Christian Louboutin.
This gel-quality polish just screams autumn.
London-based salon Snail & Hare predicts that this autumn’s manicures will be inspired by the same color palettes as the autumn 2021 runway collections. Manicurists will be “layering in shades of green, blue and brown as well as neutrals and contrast colors.” But it isn’t just about the nail polish shades used, it’s about the design too. “Abstract nail designs, like the ones created here, are the most popular at the moment.”
A spectrum of autumn-ready shades that work together tonally but look just as great when worn alone.
This array of autumnal hues comes in a velvety-matte finish so you can embrace two seasonal nail trends at once.
“The autumn/winter nail colors are amazing, but people will be contrasting colors with negative space next season,” explains Loretta Walker, OPI nail boss. “Geometric lines will also be super popular as we move into the next season.”
A negative-space mani allows space to play with more vibrant shades, like this bright magenta from OPI’s Downtown L.A. collection.
This spicy orange-red is perfect for transitioning into autumn.
