If you’re anything like me, you live for fall beauty. I love a glowy, summery look just as much as the next person, but there’s something particularly special about wine-stained lids, vampy lips, and — my personal favorite — an autumnal manicure. When it comes to nail art, fall lends itself to timeless designs with a modern twist, like multi-colored French manicures and Earth-toned gradients. And this year, New York Fashion Week proved that we’re all ready to get back out there and go all-out with our beauty looks. Backstage, we saw that major minimalism is a thing of the past, and fun, funky designs are taking center stage. We’re all ready to have some fun with our nails again, so ahead, discover the top fall nail trends for 2021.
Metal Pop
Mustard yellow and olive green are staples for fall, but we love how mixing in metallics puts a new spin on the classic hues, giving this manicure a mixed metals effect. Try pairing your manicure with a few shiny gold rings to emphasize the mustard hues and metallic effect.
Shades of Nude
Neutrals are always a good idea. This fall, try a gradient-style swath of neutrals and soft pinks within the same color family, as seen in this design by @lolo.nailedit. Pro tip: This look pairs perfectly with a chunky cable knit sweater and some statement rings.
Wine-Stained Tips
In recent years, we’ve been seeing the classic French manicure take new life with colorful variations on the look. Maroon is always on trend for fall, so why not adorn your tips with cabernet-colored lacquer? Pro tip: These $6 stencil stickers work like a charm to help you get a salon-quality French at home.
Tortoise Shell
Tortoiseshell designs are always a staple for fall — and now your nails can get in on the trend too. We love the way @nailsbycaniesha has paired the design with a shorter, rounded shape that’s sure to complement a few pieces of minimalist jewelry and/or your favorite camel coat.
Studded Cuticles
Another popular variation on the classic French that we’ll be seeing a lot this fall is the “Reverse French” manicure, where the focus is along the cuticles rather than the tips of the nails. Try this studded look by Betina Goldstein using easy appliques with a quick layer of clear coat. The only caveat: It will be really obvious if you get anything under your nails with this manicure, so if you tend to work with your hands more, try using a light pink, opaque polish as your base rather than just going for a clear top coat.
Lavender Squiggles
Earlier this month, we saw purple cropping up all over the NYFW F/W 22 runways, from Alice + Olivia to Christian Siriano. If a monochromatic, royal purple ensemble is a bit too much for you, try bringing the trend to your nails. This look by @nailsvminske is actually easier than it looks to recreate. Start with a milky white base, let it dry, then create your squiggles with a nail art detail brush (they’re just a few dollars on Amazon). The more unplanned and chaotic your squiggles, the better.
Burgundy Yin and Yang
This look by @amyle.nails is marrying two of the major nail trends for fall: colorful French nails and Yin and Yang-inspired designs. Try it in any shade of the rainbow; whether you go for a rich, burnt orange or a classic black, this look will steal the show and have everyone asking where you got your nails done.
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