Mannequin Nails Aren’t Just for Jennifer Lopez

This year’s fall nail trends came early. It was only August when trendsetters like Zendaya, Hailey Bieber, and Sofia Richie began retiring summer shades like bubble bath and butter yellow in favor of moody reds, skin-colored neutrals, and maple syrup hues. The early adoption makes sense—this season’s color selection is debatably the most tempting to swipe across nails and toes ASAP.

A stark contrast to the bright and bubbly summer nail trends, the undertones and richness that coincide with fall are inherently elevated. “This season, colors are going to be more traditional with warm, moody shades that give a sophisticated vibe,” nail artist Tom Bachik, who works with Selena Gomez and Jennifer Lopez, exclusively tells me.

Even the more embellished trends taking off—like metallic finishes or French manicure designs—have a more upscale than outrageous feel. The manicures gaining the most steam from the Fall 2024 runways play with dimension, shading, or a subtle pop of color; supersized acrylics or over-the-top appliqués have taken a back seat.

The soft, sheer washes of color and jet-black polishes that appeared at Proenza Schouler in February are flying off nail salon shelves. The same goes for the ruby reds we saw at Retrofete and the metallic silver press-ons that debuted at LaPointe. Those runway hues are finally making their way into the real world. But these few fall nail looks are far from the full trend report.

Read ahead for a full breakdown of the biggest fall 2024 nail trends—straight from the pros.

Nail Color Trends for Fall

Moody Hues

Match your manicure to the olive resting on your martini glass, take inspiration from Hailey Bieber’s maple syrup manicure, or select any shade with a rich undertone, and you’ll be on-trend.

“Colors like mauve, brown, olive green, and smoky gray remain popular nail shades each fall, as they beautifully complement the seasonal hues all around us,” says CND co-founder Jan Arnold. In addition to the usual color selection, Bachik thinks we’ll be seeing vintage blues and teals, as well as brick and burnt orange shades—just like the one he took five hours to create on special order for Gomez.

Classic Reds

(Image credit: Jocko Graves)

I waxed poetic about the moody red nail trend in August, and it still continues to be the It-girl color. “It’s probably my favorite nail shade of all time,” notes Bachik. “It’s everything we love in a color and so hot for fall.” You can skew more maroon like Zendaya has been known to do, or go for an actual cherry apple color like the one Taylor Swift most recently wore to the US Open.

Mannequin Manicures

The bubble bath nail trend was the star of summer, with countless celebrities—including Meghan Markle—opting for the pinky-white shade. But as we inch deeper into fall, we’re going to welcome a new neutral, something Bachik has dubbed “mannequin nails” or “soap nails.”

The key, he says, is to pick a nude polish that matches your skin tone. “For the pure minimalist elegance, soap nails will continue into the fall. Think of it as perfectly, freshly manicured nails, meticulous cuticles, and a naturally-squared shape that is buffed to a high gloss or finished in a sheer milky nude,” he explains.

Nail Art Trends for Fall

Metallic Finishes

(Image credit: SKII)

While you won’t find out-there duck nails or Orange Julius shades on a fall nail mood board, you can (and should!) go for a manicure that offers more excitement than a single color shade. Celebrity nail artist Miss Pop, who keyed the Spring 2025 Alice and Olivia show, recommends choosing a shimmer or metallic finish.

“I’m all about playing with light and shadow, and I think the adventure lies in the nail color finishes this season,” says Miss Pop. “We’re seeing shimmer, metallic, iridescent, and chrome finishes over strictly glossy.”

You can choose whatever color your heart desires, but Miss Pop is personally loving a cream caramel with a metallic twist. “It’s as delicious as it sounds—I’d argue it’s the new nude.” Arnold is also very into silvers, rose golds, and sparkly yellows.

3D Works of Art

“Nail art continues to be minimal,” says Bachik. So while clunky rhinestones and 3D bows dominated last fall, this year is bringing about a more delicate twist on the trend. Subtle standalone gems, little pearls, and puffy floral or fruit nail stickers are the popular choices for 2024. Look to Kylie Jenner’s birthday manicure for inspiration.

Jelly Nails

If you’re on board with the jelly sandal resurgence, then I come with good news: Jelly nails are back, too. The Y2K look, which is marked by a slightly translucent, high-shine finish, are on the up. “These slick, viscous textures and their graceful movements add a touch of magic and dimension,” says Arnold. You can stick with a sophisticated energy by opting for a jelly brown, soft gray, or mauve.

French Girl Inspiration

The French manicure was the biggest summer nail trend, and judging by the Spring 2025 New York Fashion Week trends, it will stay popular well through fall and into spring. You can expect French tips in traditional fall shades, or, as Miss Pop predicts, polka dot designs. Mary Jane-inspired French manicures, which are hallmarked by two half moons reminiscent of the popular footwear, will also be huge.

Nail Shape Trends

Long Almonds

Long acrylics will always have a place in the nail landscape, but this season, expect to see more people prioritizing nail health and embracing their natural nails—just with a little help of gel extensions. “To create the perfect shape I use my Tweezerman x Tom Bachik Ultimate Nail Care Set,” says Bachik. I can personally confirm that this kit has everything you need for a DIY manicure.

Short and Square

“Lengths are on both sides of the fence,” says Bachik, noting that short and square nails will be equally as popular. Need proof? Jenner and Sydney Sweeney swapped their traditionally long nails for a natural squoval shape at the beginning of the month.

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