The verdict is in: plain old polish is so 2010. Kick your nails up a notch and start experimenting with nail art. Nothing screams trendy more than a neat nail—not only is it the perfect accessory to any outfit, but it also is yet another blank canvas that any collegiette can use to express her individuality and creativity. Read on to learn more about some of today’s hottest nail art trends, where to find inspiration, and what tools to use when creativity strikes.
Fall 2012 Trends
This fall, nail art trends combine old standards and new ideas. The following trends, seen on top style and beauty blogs, have gained serious momentum for the upcoming season:
Natural Nude
While plain nude nails might seem boring, basic beige is back. This versatile style is appropriate in any setting, from an interview to an internship. Looking to kick it up a notch? Try a nude nail with a glitter ombré—a look that’s perfect for a night out on the town.
Double Reverse French Manicure
Yet another sophisticated look, Megan McIntyre of Refinery29 recommends the Double Reverse French Manicure, à la designer Rebecca Minkoff, seen at New York’s Fall 2012 Fashion Week. To create this cosmopolitan look, start off with two coats of your favorite neutral beige or taupe hue (Minkoff’s models wore Jazz by Essie). Once that’s dry, paint a thin stripe of your favorite dark, shimmery shade. Top with a second stripe (The models wore Wrapped in Rubies and Midnight Cami, also both by Essie), et voilà: a French manicure your manicurist will be proud of.
Polka Dots
Spotted at Kate Spade, ThreadNY suggests giving these whimsical nails a try in order to make a major statement. Spade’s models wore the look in luxe black and white, but polka dots are so versatile that they can be worn in any color combination, contrasting or complementary. To wear, apply two coats of your favorite shade. Once dry, use a dotting tool to apply spots of various sizes.
Punk Rock Princess
Another trend pinpointed on Refinery29, Jan Arnold of CND (an authority on all things nails) cites “bold checkerboards, dangerous ombrés, and electric halo nails energized with bright pink, primary red, greens, and midnight blues” as a trend to watch out for this upcoming season. Designer Nicole Miller has already embraced the trend, finishing off models’ looks with a chic pink and purple checkerboard pattern.
Moon Manicure
Inspired by the 1932 launch of Revlon’s first bottle of polish, an updated Moon Manicure has made a comeback, according to Jenna Sauers of Jezebel.com. Her step-by-step tutorial demystifies the process, creating a different type of reverse French manicure. Rather than painting nail tips an eye-popping shade, paint the center of your nail and leave your cuticle half-moon unpainted. While this look takes more effort than the traditional French manicure, the outcome is worth the time you’ll spend getting it just right.
