4 min read
If you are a lady on a tight budget this autumn but still want to upgrade your look, one of the easiest ways to get into the season mood is by updating your nail polish with the trendiest shades of the season.
From hues reminiscent of chocolate bars in various flavours to French manicures with a dual finish (matte and glossy) and foliage-inspired effects (think mustard, olive and berry), this nail autumn palette is all about gravitating toward warm and crispy colours that echo the natural world.
Celebrity manicurist Emily Rose Lansley has in fact shared her insights on the nail trends for fall 2024, highlighting several styles that are set to dominate this season. According to her, “Chocolate brown is the perfect shade for autumn, it has a chic appeal, especially on shorter nails“.
Another trend she predicts will be significant is glass nails, described as a glossy evolution of chrome nails. Lansley recommends achieving this look with “a milky white polish topped with a dusting of chrome,” which can be done at home using chrome-effect polishes.
Additionally, she notes that cherry cola nails, a blend of red and brown, will also capture the autumn aesthetic beautifully.
Lansley also mentions the enduring popularity of the French manicure, particularly in its more subtle forms, such as the “Naked French” which features sheer white polish for a softer finish.
The overall theme for autumn 2024 is rich, earthy tones and innovative textures, making it an exciting time for nail art enthusiasts. Here’s your guide to the top autumn nail trends—and how to make them shine this season.
What are the most surprising nail trends for fall 2024?
The Hot Chocolate Manicure for this autumn of 2024 remains a go-to, though not just in its classic browns. This year tones are set to shine in fresh ways: caramel chocolate browns, rich dark chocolate, cinnamon, white chocolate cream, and strawberry chocolate pink, just to name a few new entries.
But if you’re looking for “seasonless” shades, hues like red, and rich jewel tones are becoming popular choices for autumn, adding a luxurious feel to nail art. Also nude is still a winning choice. French Manicure with Dual Finishes, in particular, is all the rage: think of a matte chocolate nail with a shiny tip, or vice versa.
However, there are some shades that have emerged as must-haves on the runways and in salons alike, offering versatility, elegance, and a sense of luxury for all skin tones. Sit down, have a cup of tea and take notes.
Toasty Caramel Nails: Sweet and Subtle
Caramel tones are having a moment, offering a softer contrast to the darker shades of autumn while still feeling deliciously seasonal. From lightly honeyed caramels to deep, toffee-like hues, this shade is ideal for anyone wanting a warm-toned neutral that can transition effortlessly from day to night.
Caramel nails work beautifully with both cream and metallic finishes, giving you room to experiment with texture.
Try an ombré caramel manicure, blending from a light caramel at the cuticle to a deep toffee at the tips and shine through wearing rings in warm metals, like rose gold or copper, to elevate this cosy shade.
Golden Mustard Nails: A Bold, Unexpected Pop
Mustard yellow isn’t just for statement sweaters—this season, it’s making a splash in the nail world. This retro-inspired hue brings an unexpected twist, adding a modern, edgy vibe to any manicure. While mustard might seem bold, it’s surprisingly wearable and complements the warm tones of fall perfectly. The shade’s popularity is soaring, especially in matte and satin finishes, making it the ultimate statement colour for autumn nails.
Mustard works beautifully on shorter, squoval (square-oval) nails for a modern and balanced look that’s bold without being overpowering. For a chic look, combine mustard with earthy greens or browns in a colour-blocked manicure, or use it as an accent colour alongside neutral tones.
Olive Green Nails: Seasonal Warmth with an Edge
If you fancy yourself a minimalist, you can’t go wrong with just a few coats of gorgeous olive green nail polish. From deep, muted olives to lighter, more subdued shades, this colour is full of rich, moody tones.
Whether you’re heading to a dinner date, a cosy cabin getaway, or the office, olive green nails are versatile enough to take you through it all. Plus, the shade’s timeless feel means it’s likely to stay on trend beyond this season.
Choose a hue that complements your skin tone, and if you’re unsure where to start then ask your manicurist to help you pick out the perfect hue for you. As a rule of thumb, deeper olive shades flatter darker skin tones, while medium olive and khaki greens suit lighter skin, making it an inclusive trend that anyone can pull off.
Nail Arts and Other Unconventional Shades
Of course, some options reflect a shift towards more expressive and textured nail designs, making autumn 2024 an exciting time for nail enthusiasts. Here are some of the standout trends that we’ll all talk about.
Which one are you eager to try?
3D Nail Art: Moving away from minimalism, 3D designs are gaining traction. Styles like “sweater nails,” which mimic the texture of cable-knit patterns, are anticipated to be a hit, offering a tactile and visually interesting option.
Tortoiseshell Patterns: Traditionally associated with fashion accessories, tortoiseshell is now making its way into nail designs. This trend allows for subtle yet stylish manicures that can be adapted into various styles, including French tips.
Candy Glaze: This trend is a playful twist on the glazed doughnut look, incorporating a holographic finish with sheer colours like pink topped with chrome powder. It’s expected to bring a fun and whimsical touch to fall manicures.
Extended Nail Lengths: Longer nails are making a comeback, moving away from the short styles that have dominated recently. This trend allows for more intricate designs and self-expression through nail art.
The Final Touches: Nail Care Essentials for Fall
Autumn weather can be drying, so keeping nails healthy and moisturized is essential. The temperature change can lead to brittle nails and cracked cuticles, which isn’t the best canvas for your gorgeous autumn hues. Here’s how to keep your nails looking their best (without going to the beautician):
- Hydrate Cuticles: Use a rich cuticle oil or balm daily to keep the skin around your nails soft and moisturized.
- Strengthen with Keratin: Look for strengthening base coats that include keratin or biotin to reinforce brittle nails.
- Polish Preservation: Always apply a topcoat to protect your polish from chipping, especially when using deeper colours like chocolate or mustard, which can show wear more easily.
So, go ahead, and play with the hottest colours of the season but remember not to bite your nails!
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