Autumn is in full swing, and we’re really embracing it this year. There’s a crisp autumn chill in the air that has us reaching for wooly knits, but it’s not rainy enough to have to don a waterproof jacket just yet. And this kind of perfect autumn weather means we can actually embrace all of the trends we’re desperate to try—both in fashion and in beauty—without risk of being rain-sodden or too windswept. And while we’ve already pinpointed the top autumn trends of the season, it’s time to dig into the details. First stop: nails. And more specifically, the nine autumn nail trends we’re seeing everywhere right now and can’t get enough of.
Sure, we can get a pretty good steer on cool nail microtrends by scrolling through Instagram, but nothing beats an expert opinion, which is why we tapped some of our favourite pros for their insight into the nail trends that are dominating the beauty world in autumn 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 colours 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-coloured vertical stripe of Latte Break down the middle,” suggests Opoku.
Finish by applying a few dots of black nail polish.
“We’re taking inspiration from classic Pucci prints and decorating our nails in wavy designs and swirly patterns,” says 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 colours.
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’re very pared-back and minimal,” explains Opoku. “Muted bases in pinks and beige tones have a smattering of sparkle or foil, making nails look very chic and wearable—a minimalist mani at its finest!”
Layer up this iridescent yellow-gold for a full-on metallic shine, or apply just one coat for a sheer hint of colour.
This trio of chrome-effect nail polishes 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 topcoat.
“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 one unexpected colour on everyone’s nails this autumn: khaki green. “Cool, contemporary and surprisingly neutral, khaki is the new black,” they reveal.
“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 favourite colours is Nailberry’s Noirberry—a deep, blackish-red that has really taken off this season. Look for ultra-opaque and totally opulent reds, greens and navies at the darkest end of the colour spectrum for a sophisticated autumn manicure.
You can’t get more classic than this deep, dark red from Jimmy Choo.
This high-shine polish just screams autumn.
Soho salon Snail & Hare says that this autumn’s manicures are inspired by the same colour palettes as the autumn 2021 runway collections. Manicurists are “layering in shades of green, blue and brown as well as neutrals and contrast colours.” 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 colours are amazing, and people are contrasting colours with negative space this season,” explains Loretta Walker, OPI nail boss. “Geometric lines are also super popular right now.”
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 autumn. Up next, eight lesser-known nail trends that are going to be huge.
