Fall is the perfect time for nails to shine: “It’s so fun when you see your nails and can feel the season,” says Aki Hirayama. And what does autumn feel like exactly? It’s cozy and comforting, darker and more textured — and that’s exactly what these nail trends convey. So it’s time to soak off those summery neons, pastels, and jelly tips and get your fingers feeling fall. Our celebrity nail pros dish on all the best looks and perfect polish colors to grace your nails before your hands officially go into hibernation mode behind gloves.
Meet the Experts
Deborah Lippmann in-demand manicurist to clients including Lupita Nyong’o, Lady Gaga and Cara Delevingne, and doyenne of her eponymous polish line.
Millie Machado is an L.A.-based nail technician that tends to the talons of stars like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Natalie Portman.
Rita Remark is a nail artist and Essie’s global lead educator, who works with Kendall Jenner, Serena Williams, Kaia Gerber, and Sarah Paulson.
Aki Hirayama is a New York-based nail pro that regularly works with Brooke Shields, Zoe Kravitz and Selma Blair.
Kylie Kwok is an expert nail artist who has graced the pages of leading women’s magazines, editorial campaigns and the hands of Emilia Clarke, Rachel McAdams, and Mila Kunis.
Brown
“It wouldn’t be fall without browns,” says Millie Machado of the warm, rich shades of cappuccino, cinnamon, and fudge that she says work on any nail shape and length and are suitable for day and night. Deborah Lippmann equates brown with chocolate, calling it “the ultimate crowd-pleaser and one of the most beloved flavors of all time.” Ergo, wearing brown nails might make people smile (and possibly salivate). Machado offers this easy, on-trend way to rock brown with a simple twist on a French manicure: Paint the nail brown, then top with a matte top coat, and when dry, do the tip of the nail—the part that would be white in a classic French mani — with a glossy top coat. The result is a two-toned brown that looks like it was done with a duo of complementary colors.
Chrome
Rita Remark says she equates “texture, richer fabrics, and depth” to fall fashion, “so rich textures like chrome” on the nails “make sense for the season.” Machado has seen chrome on social media and red carpet events, “and it is here to stay for a while.” Remark recommends the iridescent look on any nail shape but warns that “a little goes a long way” regarding chrome. She suggests painting Essie FX topcoats “on the tips or in places, rather than the whole nail.” Kwok “Would add a layer of glitter before the chrome layer for fun occasions.” Wedding coming up? Whether you’re the bride or an attendee, a pale pink or pearl chrome is a polished, subtle-with-a-little-extra wedding-day option. But if you want something a bit louder? The sky — and every shade of the rainbow — is the limit when it comes to chrome.
Plum
Lippmann predicts many plummy-purple digits for fall, calling this hue “a trend that screams sophistication” and “perfect for various occasions.” It’s not as edgy as black and not as common as pinks and reds, putting it in its unique spot on the spectrum. Is there a nail shape that plum works best on? Any, says Lippmann. “I will always love the almond nail shape, but I firmly believe everyone should experiment to see what looks best on them.” Hirayama recommends ensuring your cuticles are clean and moisturized when you wear darker colors like plum, as deeper hues can highlight messy cuticles.
Heavy Metal Glam
Remark expects many “designs like barbed wire, flames, gothic letters and lightning bolts” that will “suit the cooler months and give an edgier look to your darker fall wardrobe.” Lippmann agrees, expecting a glam rock moment this fall: “Feel those clubby, attention-grabbing vibes right down to the tips of your fingers.” Kwok is also on board, saying that dark colors and gold studs epitomize the feel of fall. For a simple DIY, choose a black base and add some stones on top. “But a true nail artist can take the look to a whole other level,” says Lippmann. Remark agrees: “Ideally, this look is done by a professional.” She suggests wearing glam rock looks on shorter nails rather than stiletto or coffin lengths. “You don’t want to lean too far into the trend, or else it can get a bit too costume-y.”
Red
Before you start nodding off because — snooze, red — give this classic shade a second look. Red on its own is super clean, complements any skin tone, and it’s appropriate for any occasion. “Red never goes out of style,” says Machado. “You can wear it in any season of the year,” but it feels particularly right now, when the world is yearning to get back to business. Hirayama says she’ll reach for a deep red like Chanel in 18 Rouge Noir for her celebrity clients this season. “It’s perfect for a party and the red carpet.” Shades of cherry also serve as the perfect base for a little accoutrement on top—a few jewels, a little bit of simple DIY nail art, or try a French mani with a clear nail and red tip. Basic red is just the beginning.
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